Design Process

Building a website: The design reference phase

By Laura Riegel / Posted 4.17.2012 / In Design, Design Process / 0 comments

Building a website is a process. Literally. At Q Digital Studio, it’s a step-by-step process that keeps us organized and our clients in the loop. Every step of the way. Before we write a single line of code or fire up Illustrator or Photoshop, it’s important to get a sense of our client’s design preferences. Our very first step in building a website is called the design reference phase.

An introduction to Version Control

By Clinton Reeves / Posted 1.31.2012 / In Business, Business Process, Code, Code Process, Design, Design Process / 0 comments

Version Control Systems (or VCSs) are designed to record and manage changes made to computer documents. These systems store and track changes as you move through the development life cycle of a website. The benefits of Version Control Systems are not just limited to tracking changes. If you’re not currently using a VCS, find out how much better your website build (and your life) can be.

Project FreshKicks

By Lindsay McComb / Posted 5.3.2011 / In Business, Design, Design Process, Inspiration, Events, Favorite Sites / 0 comments

The Meta Q crew has a side project: Project FreshKicks. We're pairing up non-profits who need a new website with web professionals who want to give back. We've got the breakdown on our 24-hour design-off.

One Day for Design: Why design can’t be described in 140 characters

By Lindsay McComb / Posted 4.19.2011 / In Design, Design Process, Inspiration, Events, Reviews / 6 comments

One Day for Design was intended to be 24 hours of an "open global dialogue on the meaning and future of design." Did it live up to all the expectations? Not exactly.

A wireframe is worth a thousand spreadsheets: Wireframing 101

By Susan Snipes / Posted 4.5.2011 / In Design, Design Process, Information Architecture, Tips, Design Tips / 3 comments

Everyone involved in creating a web site benefits from wireframes: designers, developers and clients. This guide introduces clients or people new to wireframing to their advantages.

Designing the Story

By Terris Kremer / Posted 3.22.2011 / In Design, Design Process, Photos / 1 comment

There's always a story and often the best solutions are subtle and come naturally, when we recognize the assets and the ideas that have helped to establish that story.

When constructive criticism becomes destructive: How to guide client critiques

By Susan Snipes / Posted 3.22.2011 / In Business, Business Process, Design, Design Process, Tips / 0 comments

I've negotiated all kinds of design critiques with clients and there are always tough questions, challenging requests or progress stagnation issues that may need a little extra care. With the right focus, destructive criticism can be steered back to being constructive.

What Mamma Didn’t Tell You

By Laura Riegel / Posted 3.15.2011 / In Design, Design Process / 3 comments

When I was eighteen, I left home with a backpack full of ambition and mom's proverbial sayings. I studied graphic design in college, graduated thinking I was "a pretty big deal," took my first job and surprise! I wasn't all that, and I had a lot to learn about myself and the web industry. Below are the things my mamma didn't tell me which I want to pass along to future web designers and developers.

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