Web Design Content Management and the Design Process

Recently, I have been designing a great deal for the web. I have been using various Content Management Systems and design processes when creating web designs. The creation of mobile, HTML 5 and CSS3 have suggested to change the design process in removing Photoshop and designing only with markup. I have had the opportunity to design with only Photoshop and only markup. There are benefits and drawbacks to both processes. Currently, I am not leaning towards one or the other. I think it is important to consider the service and budget that the client has requested to determine what methods and tools are used for the project.

The benefit of designing with markup language is, according to Thomas Giannattasio, “HTML and CSS mock-ups require no explanation. They present the final product in the final environment.” I agree with this comment. I have been first creating mood boards and then moving into the layout using CSS and CMS. Moodboards are essential to this process and must be created before any markup. This process is very helpful when a project is low budget and has a short timeline. Templates can be modified and adjusted as needed, which saves time and money. Taking the moodboard and implementing it within the layout shows the client an exact representation of what the design will look like during the development of the project.

However, Giannattasio also suggests that process makes perfect. I have found that I do not have to focus on the markup when first designing with Photoshop. As a result, I can focus entirely on design solutions rather than both design and markup at the same time.

According to Giannattasio:

“Photoshop is vital to good Web design because it extends the process that was started on paper. It gives stakeholders a direct connection to the visuals without regard for the technical execution of the product. In other words, it accommodates visual processing. The designer is given a blank canvas—a playground for experimentation—on which anything is possible.”

However, if I were a designer who did not understand CSS or CMS, then this solution would be detrimental to the development process. With the growth of CSS3 and HTML5, the visual concept a designer creates in Photoshop is much easier to implement than it was 3 years ago. I think every designer needs to work in CSS and CMS. Designers do not have to be a master in development, but it is very important that they understand the development process and know markup language. I have been striving towards that goal for the past three years. Overall, I have found that each tool or method is best utilized when the service the client has requested and the budget of the project are taken into account. Coming from a designer’s perspective, I think the creative process is vital no matter which process you choose. As a result, moodboards or mockups must be created before any markup is produced.




Also, there are two Content Management Systems I have been working in to date: Drupal and WordPress. There are benefits to both systems and the one chosen depends entirely on the end product and service of the client. According to Omar Kattan Drupal has the following benefits:
1. Flexible
2. Open Source
3. Powerful
4. Search Engine-friendly

In addition, WordPress has as its benefits, according to its website:
1. Cheap or Free
2. Very User-Friendly
3. Do It Yourself
4. Multiuser
5. Optimizes search engine results

I have found that Drupal is difficult for the average client to use and understand in order to manage content on their own. If a project is going to be in-house content management, then deciding whether or not to use Drupal or WordPress isn’t an issue. However, many clients find WordPress much more user-friendly and easier to understand.

Based upon my experience, the client requested end product and service determines which CMS or web design process is utilized. And, of course, budget and time are also factors. I am proud to say that I can design using traditional Photoshop techniques using the more recent CSS markup language techniques, and working within Drupal or WordPress. This range of skills is beneficial for myself as a designer as I continue to create web designs.