Sometimes a design isn’t working because you think you can’t change the one element that needs to be changed.
About Ryan
Ryan joined 37signals as a UI designer in 2003. He worked closely on the design and concept of Basecamp, Backpack, Highrise, and Campfire. Also a programmer and strategist, Ryan's role includes managing product development and guiding decisions at the company.Read all of Ryan’s posts, and follow Ryan on Twitter.
Realized by Ryan on May 31 2010. There are 12 comments.
Mark 31 May 10
...And that element is the client’s logo.
Mike Rundle 31 May 10
Totally right.
Also, I’ve found that if I can only get a design to make me 90% happy with it… not quite 100%... and nothing I’m changing is getting me to 100% then I need to throw the whole thing out and start over. The right design jumps from 0% done to 50% to 100% and you absolutely, positively know it’s 100% perfect. 90% designs mean that something fundamental is stopping you from perfection.
nigel 31 May 10
Murder your darlings, I say.
PJ 31 May 10
@Mike: I don’t think a design has to be 100% perfect to be working. And what is really perfect in this world? Sometimes you just have to accept a part of non-perfection. Moreover, when you design something and find it 90% perfect, maybe you’re the only one to think so. Maybe a lot of people would think that it’s perfect or almost perfect. We focus too easily on the small imperfections.
Hashmalech 31 May 10
@Mark: No, that element is the client ;)
Chad Brandt 31 May 10
True in design, business and … life.
Joseph 31 May 10
Well said.
Brian Dosal 01 Jun 10
perfection is a tough word to throw around Mike. But I get the point and I agree. Getting to 80 or 90% and stopping is giving up.
Richard 01 Jun 10
Ryan, Why don’t you provide an example that triggered your “realization?”
Andrew McKinney 01 Jun 10
Iteration is key to any successful design. No idea is ready to go on its first conception. Design is the generative process of creating that which does not exist. The beauty and freedom of design is that no design is perfect and that a design is ever-evolving.
Bernd Artmüller 01 Jun 10
What do you do if your Client wants a webdesign but the Logo is really outdated and aweful?
James 01 Jun 10
@Bernd, I just had the exact same problem. I tried to persuade a client to redesign their logo to bring it up to a professional level but they think they have a great logo. In the end the old logo went on the site and I won’t be using it as a portfolio piece. Sometimes you can’t win arguing with a client when they are set in their ways and it’s best to just make them happy, take their money and move on.
This discussion is closed.