I was wondering if I could ask you all what you do to plan a website, I mean like overall design and web browser compatibility..

 

Do you just come up with something off the top of your head or look at tutorials or browse other sites for ideas? Do you design with just one web browser in mind or do you design it to be viewable by many?

 

I know it's kind of a stupid question but I feel like I'm stuck, I can't seem to come up with any really good designs that don't look outdated or boring or overused. I have been trying to get ideas but I'm afraid whatever I make won't look right in other browsers so.. ugh.. I don't know what to make or even what colors to use.. and what things are "safe" to use...

 

what's wrong with me?

Hmm... For ideas you could try this thread on the forums :: http://www.webdesignerforum.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=360 :: lol. You started that topic but a lot of people have replied with some every interesting ideas.

 

For colours you could try the Adobe colour scheme thing that's posted somewhere about the forums, I can't find it. (sorry)

 

The last thing to do is validate your website using the W3 (X)HTML/CSS Validators.

 

http://validator.w3.org/

 

Two color scheme generators I like

 

http://kuler.adobe.com/

and

http://wellstyled.com/tools/colorscheme2/index-en.html

The kuler colour scheme site is amazing - I found that the other day and love it.

 

Oliver your link doesn't work, but I've found the topic and here's a working link:

 

Where do you come up with your ideas when planning a website?

 

melissajean why don't you download one of the free templates in this section and have a go at moving things around and playing with the layouts.

 

I used to do that when I started out in web design - I did a placement in a company and learnt on the job. I would get a colleagues design and take it to pieces and find out how I could change it...plus I had the added bonus of asking the person who designed it why they'd done certain things and therefore learn the problems they'd faced during the build process so as to avoid those issues myself.

 

All the folk on the furum are here for a reason - to teach, learn, chat etc - I check the site everyday and so if you've got any questions, no matter how stupid you think they are, just ask and you'll get a decent answer or solution, and you might even find that you help someone else out in the process.

 

E

What I learned from these guys and past experience (very little) is to think exactly what you want. How many pages do you want. Do you want buttons or links? What colors? Sometimes it is even good to draw it out and see how it looks. What sizes? Just ask yourself questions until you get all them answered.

A friend of mine told me he draws everything on graphix software first such as PS to make sure he knows what he wants, since it makes it easier on him to change things. It has the added bonus of having all your buttons already designed, as ell as the color codes, and pixel measurements for tables, etc.

I browse... and browse... and browse... I like css galleries. Lots of designs

 

I browse... and browse... and browse... I like css galleries. Lots of designs After I become inspired, I go for it, not knowing what to do next!

I browse a bit, but I found myself almost copying designs rather than designing my own. I now browse and then take a break to let my mind brew something up

Sorry.

 

Another thing, If you browse a lot of websites 'borrow' parts of the design and setup. Then when you have a load of ideas put them together on a webpage and start playing around with them, changing the colours, fonts etc. This way it is totally your design and you feel quite good afterwards

Wow, I am glad you asked this question! I am in the process of building a site and these are some really great links people have provided. Definitely adding them to my bookmarks.

I don't like to plan out my designs too much as I feel having strict outlines can hinder my work flow. I tend to find my inspiration from many sources, often away from the computer which means I can come back with fresh ideas in my mind. Then these seems to flow onto the page.

Hiya. When I design my sites i go for colours and shapes first, trying to keep everything quite simple and uncluttered. It also helps if you work out how many links ur going to have and what ur logo is like. I personally try to go for reflective glass looks (like apple's site and microsoft's homepage) - even my myspace (myspace.com/alexc14) has a simple theme. Yeah that's just personal preference though - one thing I would advise is to steer clear of flashing things and garish images. good luck!

 

PS try sticking to just one or two main colours! And personally go for designing the site with MS IE and Firefox in mind!

 

@lex