I always knew design was important especially when it came to web and media, however I never considered myself much of a designer. I always took the backseat when it came to that area of a project, and instead I focused on the programming and functionality. However, after studying visual aesthetics this semester and learning different concepts, techniques and styles, I have a lot more confidence in my abilities, and a much better understanding of what is expected in an interface by the audience.
I think the most impactful skill I have learned this semester is understanding how a user interprets what you design, and how to make an interface, design, or video; simple, to the point, and concise while still being visually appealing and unique. When I work on a project and design now, I think of ideas, then try to break it down to its most simple state. Once I create the most simple elements, layout and design I can, I then work my way back and add unique elements, designs, colors etc. until it become a piece that is still staying true to it’s most simple form, but is visually appealing and unique. The fact that we were exposed to so many different types of design, concepts and ideas will also have a positive effect on the pieces I create now, and in the future. I have a better understanding of different styles of art as well as different designs such as typography, video production and even a little bit of storytelling.
Now that media is becoming more and more visual as well as interactive based, it is important to have a solid foundation in design before the development phase begins. As a programmer and developer, I understand the feeling of having a great idea and knowing exactly what you want it to do and how you want it to function, but you have no idea how to design it and layout the piece. Because it is this major hill you cannot get over, the product usually never get’s completed. I ave learned through my years of school and work that if the product is not visually pleasing and easy to understand, then the entire project means nothing to the audience. The user wants to be able to work with a product easily and for the learning curve to be very small. If the design is too extreme, and difficult to understand, the user will eventually give up, leave the site and never return. The more we understand about visual design and how a user interprets design, the better we will be as designers, developers and programmers at creating the best products for the audience.
For me personally, I believe I had a solid foundation in understanding how a user sees a website specifically and the best way to present information without it becoming overwhelming. When it came to working on big, interactive projects, I usually became lost in the shuffle. I now understand what ‘visually appealing’ really means and how to organize my content in a way that others can easily understand and enjoy. I am more confident in the products I create, and I’m willing to think outside of the box a little more, rather than having every piece look the exact same way.
If I have learned anything it is that and eye for design is not something you are necessarily born with….given some people are…I am not one of them though. For me, I hope to keep pursuing design the same way I have approached most of the production problems I have faced; to stick with it, practice, keep working and challenge myself to get better and better at design.