LebGeeks

rolf

Member

When you design a website, who are the users?

The title says it.

At first glance, I'd say the users are anyone who will visit the website. But then it becomes apparent that the customer needs the website, and he will use it for his own purpose (spreading a message, reaching people...). So now it gets more confusing.

Moreover, the customer is paying me, so he is paying for his usage of the website. The visitors, are not - so why should I center my design around the visitors and even get in trouble with paying customers, in the name of "user-centered design" (if we consider website visitors to be the users)?

What do you think?

user

Member

Re: When you design a website, who are the users?

Make it for your customer. I work in a web development company. Many of our customers are stubborn, don't trust us to do our jobs and insist on certain ideas and concepts even if they are flat out wrong. Most of the times arguing them is fruitless and you try to do the right thing but they dislike you for it. Screw it, give them what they want, even if you despise it and the users will hate it. Let the customer be responsible of the outcome.

rolf

Member

Re: When you design a website, who are the users?

You definitely have a point.
But this is more than an annoyance, it is a real ethics problem.
Plus it will make you miserable in many different ways.
Not that I have a solution. I wish I did.

Joe

Member

Re: When you design a website, who are the users?

relevant comic: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/design_hell