Now, I’m all for a standardized browser and code. I agree with Andy over at the Web office that a virus which removes IE and replaces it with Firefox or at least the latest browsers would be fantastic. But recently, I’ve realized how design is becoming the red headed step cousin’s school bully in the entire Web 2.0 – o – sphere.
Web design is probably one of the things that has led to a push for standardization. When a site looks different on each browser, something is wrong. I’ve hated doing cross browser checks for as long as I’ve been designing sites. Then along came Flash and everything went bonkos. People added Flash components for no reason and sites slowed down and got annoying.
So what has happened now? A complete switch. Many web-savy folks despise Flash and anything associated with it. Design is second to function.. or maybe fifth or sixth, right under the proper Google Ad Words links. My friends, this is stupid.
Flash isn’t a bad thing when used properly. As a nice way to engage the viewer? GOLD! As a stupid introduction with fading words and bad techno? STUPID! As an interactive game which lends itself to your concept or idea? GOLD! As a huge site that ties up resources? STUPID! Do you get what I’m saying here? Flash isn’t the problem. The people are the problem. Now I blame guns for some deaths and Flash isn’t free of blame, but seriously just think people (I’m not talking to you specifically, it’s some kind of writing thing I’m trying).
And now design…. where to start. Web 2.0 pages all look the same. There are about 3 templates floating around (and if I see a business website with that damn blue fade on the header and white text over it, I’m going to actually stand up and leave my computer for at least five minutes.) This doesn’t need to be. CSS is fantastic for design. Is it harder to use than tables? Yes. A lot harder. But is it more powerful and cool when it’s done. Yes. A lot more powerful. Just because we need to be compliant, doesn’t mean we need to be boring or stupid.
Can’t we all just get along? Yup.. and it’s not that hard really. Just design in compatible code. Just use Flash when you need to. Just don’t be stupid.
This isn’t just in web or even graphic design. How many of us have seen anything that looks really cool but doesn’t work or function well? Everyone, that’s who. I have an idea. More designers and coders and engineers should hang out. Why not? I like my friends who are coders and engineers. They aren’t so bad. Just cause they may not know the latest design trends or know what font is used in some obscure Chip Kidd cover… ok, I’ve said too much.
Please, don’t be stupid. Please, code well and design well and the web-o-verse p0D-Vl4t10n 2.o will thank you.
