Preserved Topic: PHILOSOPHY (Page 1 of 1)

I am new to web design, and still working out my principles. I wish to be among those who seek unorthodox design concepts. These new concepts must be moron-friendly. I believe in cross-browser scripting only, or redirections based on browser type. I believe only original graphics should be used. I believe in mysterymeat as long as instructions are available. I believe in designing for the masses who know nothing about the internet, as opposed to designing for fellow web designers. Any feedback?

...swept out through the cracks beneath the door...

I usd to design furniture in NYC. Custom stuff, each piece unique, designed to the specs and tastes of the client who ordered it, and then built in our factory in Queens by some really kick-ass cabintemakers. I loved doing the plans, drawn in such a way that both the client *and* the cabinetmaker could undertstand them. I made a point of going through the factory and explaining my process to each of the cabinetmakers individually.

"Listen", I said, "I'm including a bunch of really basic details on this plan the *you* already know about, but don't be insulted, this job might go to [that other guy] who you know isn't as bright as you are. I figure if I make these plans so simple a five year old could get them, maybe *he* will too!" These folks were all so skilled and so egotistical they were all convinced theat *they* were the brilliant ones, and all these other losers were the idiots. Bottom line? EVERYBODY loved working with my plans, becuase it was easy to to it right when you could grasp the structure at a glance, and check the details if you weren't sure.

I always try and explain every new thing so that even the rawest newbie could understand my points. I don't always succeed, but that's why asking questions is good. Ask lots of questions, you'll learn more, and your teachers will become better teachers.

So RANCID, I agree with you. Design so that anyone can grasp it at a glance, smart people will benefit as much as stupid people. Don't insist on your viewers downloading the next great plugin, make it work in the browser they happen to be using right now, use your own graphics, or pay for the photos you use. Mystery meat needs no instructions, it's a *mystery*, dig?

Your pal, -doc-