Posted: 4th May 2010
This has been bothering me lately. Most of the websites I visit off late, seem to be based on templates I have spotted long time back while trying to learn HTML/CSS. This on some level, gets me disappointed. Is this how things are headed in the web design industry. Are we quick to adopt templates just because they are available for a low prices or in some cases for free?
As a web design/development company or as a freelance designer , how do you decide between developing a custom design for the client or just use a template which is either available for free or a nominal cost online?
Custom Design
Designing a custom website involves having to meet with the client, gather the requirements, discuss with the client about what message they want to convey with the website and then move to the drawing board to come out with a design which meets the requirements.
The process is time consuming and requires a certain number of iterations before you finally arrive at the right layout for your client and their website.
Example Process:
- Sketching
- Wire framing
- HTML/CSS
- Test
- Repeat till you arrive at the agreeable result.
Template Designs
A search for word "free website templates" online will give you access to many design which are built according to what the designer felt should be the right design for a website which he / she had in mind.
Does this fit your client requirements and help them convey their message? NO. But if not given a choice and without educating the client about basics of web design and usability, the client based on your interaction with them, might think that the list of templates which was displayed to them is the right design for them. They choose on the basis on what looks nice to them. Not what works best for them.
Are we responsible for education?
As a company / freelancer involved in running a web design studio, are we responsible for educating our client about web design, the importance of Web analytics, Usability studies and how all of these can benefit them? I think we are. If you can justify the benefits all the above, most client will understand the value of the service you provide for which you can justify the price you charge.
I am not against Templates
Let me clarify that I am not completely against templates. If someone wants to use them to get a job done as quickly as possible then I think template fits really well. Backend Admin skins and blogs are two areas where I think templates work really well.
Templates don't go well, when you are trying to design for a company or designing your next web application.
Business Case : Custom vs Template
Thinking in terms of business, the obvious choice would be to opt for a template in the first glance. The choice is obvious. Having to choose between $1000 and $20 dollars does makes the choice so much simpler
But in the long run, does the client benefit? Is the website serving its purpose by meeting the clients objectives? Are things really converting?
Do we care about the long run?
Most web design agencies would not care much about the long run. Looking at how things are right now, the client is happy getting his website made for less than $1000 dollars and things are working good. The client does not know about web site usability, analytics, why there is not much usage of the website..etc. But for how long? Would he happy once he / she realizes that the design could have played a important part in improving he user experience.
I reset my case. Wanted to get it out there to hear back what others thought. Please leave your comments below.
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