Re: The difference between designers and developers

It's a general observation, and a distinction that I think is correct
and proper. I wouldn't call it an attitude, as that comes with some
baggage. I would say, however, that I think the distinction is correct
and advised.

By lacking proper roles, responsibilities, and focus, it's actually
more difficult for a designer or developer to do their job to the
maximum benefit of the team and the product. The lack of focus leads to
product delays, or lower quality products.

The other factor to keep in mind is that designer's and developer's
mindsets are typically different, and therefore operate differently. We
are both problem solvers in our own right. However, we tend to focus on
different things. We have different objectives. And it's not unusual
for those objectives to collide.

I'm not saying it's impossible to find a designer who's a good
developer, or a developer who's a good designer. I'm saying that it's
extremely rare and ill-advised.

You don't use a Swiss Army knife in the kitchen to mince and dice a
gourmet meal.

On Thursday, October 2, 2003, at 12:28 PM, Anthony Colfelt wrote:

> Todd said:
> "Designers concentrate on look-and-feel. A designer's goal is to create
> environments and interactions that the audience has an emotional or
> tactical connection to. They typically achieve this through good
> interaction design, usability practices, and visual appeal. They're
> often concerned with things like colour, font, screen placement, naming
> conventions, etc."
>
> Todd, can you clarify if you're asserting this as a general
> observation, or
> whether you would condone this attitude please? I would like to know
> whether
> to take umbrage at being lumped into this definition.

Cheers!

Todd R. Warfel
User Experience Architect
Message First | making products easier to use
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