How did you caught up in web design?

I managed to get into web design by accident. I'm not a trained designer by any means, but have a pretty good eye, and have learned over the years what works and what doesn't. If you're going to be successful with this method, you need to be very critical of your own designs, and keep working at them until you have something you like. You can't like something just because you made it.

To your opinion what kind of design project (Interface Design, Template Development, Information Architecture, etc) gives you the best possibilities to reveal your creativity and design skills?

These day's I'm a huge fan of Interface Design, simply because it lets you tackle very interesting and often complex solutions with simple and effective ideas. You don't have to be the best graphic designer (which I am NOT) to be good at interface design. It takes a fresh approach and simple, creative ideas.

Nowadays different kinds of software can be used for various purposes including web design. What software do you use while creating your design works?

I'm a Fireworks guy. I use Photoshop every now and again, but most of the time I do all my design work in Fireworks. I couldn't use Illustrator to save my life. When it comes to coding up the designs, I use Textmate.

What makes an Informational architect different from a web designer? What are similar responsibilities for these specializations?

Information Architecture is similar to web design in many ways, though much less visually exciting. Both jobs require lots of creativity and problem solving, paying attention to goals and audiences, and attention to detail.

How did you become involved in Template Development?

By necessity. Being good at XHTML/CSS is pretty much required these days, especially as a freelancer. It isn't the most important skill, and certainly not the most lucrative, but definitely needed.

You perfectly combine simplicity, high usability and fascinating appearance in your creative design works. Looking at them an idea ?there isn't anything needless? comes to my mind. And is that your personal life philosophy?

I suppose you could say that. I'm a strong believer in the power of simplicity. Web design should be about accentuating the content and connecting with the audience. Extra visuals and complex design don't help either of those.

Your articles on web design tips sparkle a lively discussion. Have you ever had a situation when someone who commented your article made you change your mind?

Absolutely. I don't begin to think for a moment that I know everything there is to know about the subjects I write. Though it doesn't happen every post, my mind has been changed, or at least my horizons broadened, by commenters. That's a healthy part of blogging.

I wonder what web design-related sites, blogs and magazines you prefer to read. What books would you recommend reading to the beginners of web design?

Of course Designing with Web Standards is always a good place to start. Don't Make Me Think by Steve Krug, The Zen of CSS Design by Dave Shea and Molly Holzschlag are great reads as well.

What does it mean for you to be a successful designer? Is it a contentment of your clients, your colleagues' respect, good earnings or your own satisfaction?

Yes. But most importantly, it's about enjoying what I do. I push for the very best in quality that I can give, and always trying to meet that mark is very fulfilling.

You are one of the authors of 'The Art and Science of CSS' which has gained a great number of accolades. This book educates readers on different essential CSS methods. You personally have written 'Navigation' and 'Rounded Corners' chapters for this book. What kind of experience was it for you?

Writing is a very challenging and satisfying pursuit. I tried to approach it in a more informal way, treating each chapter more like a 30-40 page blog post. The writing process is rough, at least for me, but it's very much worth it when you're finished.

What are the advantages of CSS in your estimation?

Simplicity, semantics, and style. It's so much easier to template a design with CSS once you're familiar with it, and you get so many other benefits for free. Again, it's all about simplicity.

You've been a Senior Web Developer member of Notre Dame Web Group that is famous for providing full-service web development. Will you please share with us your impression of Notre Dame Web Group?

The Web Group at Notre Dame was, and still is, one of the most capable groups of folks I've worked with. The opportunity to work with them, and lead the direction of development for such a prestigious university was both exciting and humbling. I very much enjoyed the people at Notre Dame, and enjoy watching their continued successes.

Your Tiger Administration design for Wordpress has met with wide approval. Did you expect it'll be so helpful for the users of wp-admin area while creating it?

Not at all. I made it because I wanted it, and on a whim, released it to the public with a simple blog post. Within a day, my site was getting pounded, and people from all over the world were downloading it to use on their WP installs. To this day it's probably the most popular thing I've ever done. Since I don't use WordPress anymore, it's not a top priority for me these days, but it's still fun to see how much it's used.

Side bar Creative is well known like a place where great designers, developers, publishers, advocates of the new web could be found. You are a multi-talented person and I wonder what your main responsibilities while being a part of Side bar Creative are.

Each member of Sidebar that I work with has such exceptional talents, I'm just honored to be able to work with those guys and call them friends. My area is more in IA and development along with Jonathan, as Bryan and Dan are more than capable in the area of graphic design.

You seem to be a great enthusiast in the area of web design and you truly enjoy what you do. What inspires you and gives you mental forces to manage all web design projects you are involved with?

Seeing something that you created be used by people is my main motivation. That's the beauty of the web! You can have an idea one afternoon, spend a few hours putting it together, and immediately start seeing people find value in it. There's nothing much more exciting than that, at least to me.

Will you please tell us about your family and the way you prefer to spend your free time? What is the most exciting and unusual thing you've done lately?

I've been happily married since 2002 to my wife Carrie, and we have a son Jackson who was born in May of 2006. My free time is spent between spending time with them, my local and online friends, golfing in the summer, guitar, and home-brewing beer. Home-brewing is a hobby I just recently got into, and am very much enjoying it!

What web-related project will lug you away in the nearest future?

Whatever peaks my interest the most, I suppose. 2008 should be a very exciting year, so be sure to keep an eye out on http://orderedlist.com and http://sidebarcreative.com to see what's happening.

Helen Walker

Helen Walker graduated with a degree in Mass Communications and Sociology. She worked as a newspaper journalist for two years after that. Having always been interested in cyberculture and its impact on society, Helen switched to online journalism and joined Design Interviews blog in July, 2007. Ever since she's been interviewing web designers and administrating the blog. Helen is a keen movie-goer and she is also a panda lover.


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Get in touch with Helen: helen.walker4@gmail.com