Design tools.

June 25, 2008

Recently there has been a lot of talk about what software designers should use, or whether they should just skip the entire process and go straight to HTML & CSS.  The debate continues, but  I want to echo some of the responses made and emphasise that design software in any form is just a tool, and that which tool you use hugely depends on what you are trying to achieve.

We have a huge variety of clients and design needs here at Datadial.  Over the last month I have used Photoshop, Visio, the good ol’ fashioned pen and paper and in one case I did go straight to HTML/CSS.  What method do I like to use?  It all depends on the client’s needs!  The project that I went straight to HTML with had a very minimalistic layout that is hugely dependant on typography.  The ones I use pen & paper on require a large level of creativity and speed that you cannot get from going straight to a computer.  Photoshop is very flexible and creative, likewise for Illustrator.

I don’t think the tool really matters either. As long as the end result is what the client is after and works for their audience, then whether or not you use Photoshop doesn’t come into the equation.  The tool is not going to make a successful website – that comes to understanding who is using the site and designing for them.