Lessons Learned

Post-project implementation, it's common practice to review a project's success, to review what was done well and as the corporate heads say, "what we could have done better."

Today, I discovered that the website designed for me - based on the business card I designed - was usurped. Now I look like a putz because my site is identical in all but colour and a couple of elements to another's website. I think that the duplication cheapens my work, not his, because it looks as if mine is copied, not vice versa, so I've laid some ground rules for redesign.

Caveat #1. Don't take advice from online classmates.

Caveat #2. If the term "quick and dirty" is bandied about frequently when discussing design, know that the result will be just that.

Caveat #3. Get it in writing. Don't presume that just because a colleague, friend, or acquaintance vouches for someone that you don't need to get terms in writing. This includes the right to an original design.

Caveat #4. Take one last look before you cut the cheque.

Caveat #5. An individual who is involved in a lawsuit, for whatever reason, is not an individual with whom you want to do business.

To be sure, you get what you pay for.

Comments

[valerie]

I'm just going to ignore it and hope that my visitors aren't the same as his. What else can I do?

[david]

can you save the project?