Week 5: What is Good Design?

Reading: Blueprints for the Web: Organization for the Masses by Christina Wodtke
http://www.informit.com/articles/printerfriendly.asp?p=30289&rl=1

Hierarchy And Contrast: The Basis of Good Design by Margo Halverson
http://www.presentation-pointers.com/printarticle.asp?articleid=399

I thought good design was about creativity, intuitive action and something that grabs your attention. But after this week’s readings, I realize I am wrong. It seems design, at least user-friendly design, is about predictability. It’s about organizing, hierarchy and structure. It is NOT breaking from the norm or conventional way of thinking. I wonder how we can build creativity into something so structured. Or maybe that’s why we precisely need creativity: to make all the structures blend?

Also, another thought that is disturbing. My readings indicate that a design is effective if it meets user expectations. In other words it is about estimating/guessing your users/target audience’s needs or habits. But then, do people really think alike? I find this question the hardest to answer: How can one website/design serve or satisfy the needs of different people. By different I mean, people who are different in terms of age, education, culture, exposure, maturity? Are we then designing for the lowest common denominator?