Nov 07
Designs for the Duoh! website that didn’t make it
2007 at 02.26 pm posted by Veerle
For me it’s usually a bit of fun to talk about a successful finished project. Every design project is a challenge, because it’s always different. Whether it’s a logo design or website design, to me, working on my own projects is the most difficult thing. That’s probably the case for every graphic designer. Because people have mailed me about when the new Duoh.com would be online, I thought I’ll share some of the designs that didn’t make it and explain my thinking process and why I rejected them.
Finding inspiration
It all started with some sketches on paper which I thought would give me enough spice to turn them into the right designs. I love to do a bit of sketching upfront just to try out some basic compositions. Nothing in much detail, just some pretty basic thoughts. The rest is in my head. Ideas are brewing already while I'm launching Photoshop.
While I start experimenting with color combinations and defining the grid, ideas are coming. At least, that happens when I have a productive day and the creative juice is flowing through my veins. The creativity is always there for sure, but it's not always there for 100% or even better for 200%. We're all good in what we do, but we're not perfect, we're no robots. Inspiration is an unpredictable thing and it's very hard to define or grab to keep it.
If it comes to designing your own stuff, a designer is his or hers own worse client (at least I am). Nothing seems good enough or doesn't feel right. It hardly or may I say *never* happens that you design something for your own and it's right from the very first design. We just are the most picky and difficult clients :) It's a difficult task.
If you wonder why it's been taking me so long. Well it's not only because it needs time, it's because I don't *find* time to work on it that often. My blog gets all the priority in the little free time that I have at my disposal. I worked on the design last weekend, but it was from the beginning of July since I last opened it. It's hard to be creative 7 by 7 and create the best every time, over and over again. Good is not always good enough for me. Now you'll find out why that is.
Lost and found
Before I talk about the design for the current site, here is a design I created back in 2005, still with the old logo and corporate identity. Our old website was just online and I already saw all its flaws. After a few weeks I couldn't stand it anymore, I got agitated by it, so this was the result (picture 1 and 2). It never reached implementation due to lack of time. Then we got word that we had to move and when we bought our new office we decided to re-new our identity and so this design was useless.
picture 1 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
picture 2 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
New rejected design 1
With the new identity in place, I started with full courage on the new design of Duoh! dot com and came up with the following:
picture 3 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
picture 4 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
picture 5 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
Oh boy! What was I thinking here?! I tried to experiment with a not so common lay-out, existing out of 3 small columns. The flow of the page felt wrong! Sometimes you have to be hard on yourself if you want it to be good and in my mind this wasn't good at all. I started with a color combination where I created this line pattern from. Take that away and the pages doesn't have anything appealing at all. OK, maybe except for the logo, but that's it. I don't know what I was thinking, but I definitely took the wrong turn with this one (picture 3, 4 and 5). I might have been working too hard at that time and trying too hard to get to *some* design.
picture 6 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
picture 7 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
picture 8 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
If there is one thing I've learned from this, it's to take a step back, relax and take a break. Then after some time, look at it again and you'll see what is wrong and what should be changed. My thinking was I needed to show more of my illustration skills and make it beautiful to look at (picture 7 and 8). Maybe that's a good starting point but I wasn't too happy with the outcome since I had the feeling the illustrations took away too much of the attention. The work should take the spotlight like on Picture 6, which was better on that part, but I wasn't really thrilled with the result of this one either.
picture 9 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
picture 10 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
picture 11 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
I guess I was really caught up with all the illustration work and convinced of my choice of colors in combination with a white background. I worked out most of the templates (picture 9, 10 and 11). Guess I was just blind and didn't realize I was going about it in the wrong way. This design is absolutely not suitable for a company website. OK, I didn't want a typical 'corporate' look. After all we are a creative agency, but this was definitely one step too far in my mind. It's just not a strong design for a company website. It might be suitable maybe for a personal blog about illustration, perfume or beauty.
New rejected design 2
One thing was for sure, I had to work on the colors. Since I really liked the color combination in the line pattern I figured the white background was what's causing the trouble. So I tried a dark brown color. I also experimented a bit with a more straight boxy layout (picture 12).
picture 12 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
This wasn't getting anywhere either. I had trouble to present my work on it and after only a few hours I already hated this design.
picture 13 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
Now, with this last (rejected) version I thought I was going the right direction for a while (picture 13). I was convinced that this would be the version that would make it online. So I worked out almost all templates:
picture 14 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
picture 15 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
picture 16 - click on the image to view in its original size on Flickr
Guess what... No, I rejected this one just about a month ago (picture 14, 15 and 16). I looked at it again and I saw its flaws. I do like this design but it's too frivolous with all the flower illustrations and curvy dotted lines and bubbles. I believe the design needs to be strong and standing boldly if you know what I mean. This one isn't. It's definitely not bad and there are elements in there that I really like. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with what I've created, but it's just a bit too feminine. I want our company website to be a mirror of the different styles we can handle and this one isn't really showing that. It's hard to put in words what I exactly mean.
The end is near
For those who really wonder now, I believe the design I have now (which of course I won't show just yet) nailed it. It's not 100% finished yet, but at least the end is near. I can only say it's a lot different of what I've shown here. Geert and I are happy with it. Now it has to withstand another test: looking at it in about a week and still say "Yeah still love it". In the past I launched Duoh! designs just to have something online. This version has to stay a while so I don't want to repeat what happened with the old site (hating it once it was online). Hopefully I find some time soon to start the coding and later on the implementation into ExpressionEngine.
38served
1
Those are really great projects Veerle!
Specialy from pic.7 downwards. Maybe the last one is too dark if you ask me, but the lighter white.. with the blond woman is really nice..
Just can’t wait when the new duoh will be online. Loving your work! ;)
Take care!
2
Very interesting stuff to read - I’m REALLY curious about the design that hasn’t been rejected (yet ?) looking at the quality of the templates that already have been rejected…
Talk about high standards :-)
3
I agree with you. I have the hardest time designing for myself, however, I have a nasty habit of purchasing domains on a whim which leaves me with a lot of work to do and very little time to do it in.
4
Wow it’s always wonderful to see a behind the scenes look at a WIP!
So does this mean that the design of this blog is going away? Because in your main navigation you list it…
5
The ultimate perfectionist designer test:
Looking at your design 1 week after, and still be satisfied with it!
Can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with, if these are scraps, the final won’t be disappointing :-)
6
Nice designs you have there Veerle!
One remark however. And this has nothing to do with the design an sigh.
What about the logo? Is the logo not too frivolous? Is “serious” enough?
Just thinking… I like it though!
7
Nice article! I’m glad I’m not the only one who is hard on themselves when it comes to designing for yourself. My current site was just put up in April of this year and I’m already looking for a new design. Nothing has came to me yet on how I want it to look like, plus it will include a blog from me. And when something does come I always sketch out my ideas and hope one day I will have the time to start some layout ideas in Photoshop :)
8
Wow, after each design iteration I saw here I had to gather my breath! It was a wow, after wow after wow…
And as others have mentioned, I also can’t wait to see the actual design that will make it online.
You’re my biggest inspiration!
9
Thanks for the comments so far. I’m happy to hear I triggered your curiosity even more now after revealing these :)
Tim Van Damme said:
No, my blog stays just like it is right now. I was playing with the idea of linking to my blog like that, but the current design doesn’t link to my blog, a least not directly from the main menu. The re-design of this blog is on my list though, after Duoh.com. I’ll keep both sites separated, but I will try to create a ‘better’ linking from the new blog to the Duoh! site.
Martijn said:
The logo defines who we are: playful with a touch of humor, but I wanted to show another side to all this too. I just have the feeling that I exaggerated the playfulness factor with these designs.
10
Thanks for the post Veerle. Would love to see some of the process as to how you chose certain graphics, or why some elements look the way they do. (ie, for usability, to draw attention to a certain area, etc.)
11
Very nice post, Veerle. I know what you have been going through, as I also just redesigned my blog/portfolio…
Personally, I like the dark version a lot better. One question about it: Is that the golden ratio between the sidebar and the main content?
Oh, and good luck coming up with a design that you like.
12
These are great! You have some very interesting designs, I like image 14 of the dark portfolio the best.
I feel your pain...I’m currently in a re-design phase as well and I just can’t seem to create the one I’m 100% happy with.
Reading this post has given me a boost to keep pushing. It can be very frustrating, as I’m sure you know. Good luck! I’m really looking forward to seeing the end result.
13
Very interesting, Veerle!
I know what you mean as far as personal critique goes, we’re always our own worst critic, and it’s a hard barrier to break past. Who knows how many things I’ve started but disbanded due to dissatisfaction…
14
Nice post - you’re right in most points. I also do the “check it week after” test. And it’s true it’s hard to work on your own projects (cause you’re very harsh for yourself and there’s always no time to do that). Cheers
15
I think that the logo is absolutely brilliant. I am sure the new web will be as well. I would not expect anything less from you. Thank you for sharing your design ideas and working process. There is so much to learn from you. When I am looking at the design proposals for your new site I can always see your specific touches. To be honest I could not see them in the previous version that is why I am so exited what is going to come out from the new version. Wish you luck.
16
One of the things I love about this blog design is the way the grid structure makes things easy to look out and brings your eyes around the page.
3,4 and 5 weren’t quite doing that. 9 and 10 seemed to though, I liked them. 12 maybe too obviously grid like and 13-16 were lovely.
It’s nice to see your process. I’m not nearly as picky at this point. Lucky I’m not a professional designer! I suppose if I were I’d be more picky :P
17
Truly great ideas, I am surprise that you make all the sketches on the paper, not Photoshop, I guess all the best graphic designers do that.
18
the progression of your work is very exciting. the more mature your design became, the more excited i got about it. very nice and i love the choice of colours.
19
I like the layout of pictures 8 and 9 on the first batch because I think it shows a good organizational flow and with the titles above each section it make senses as a web page. I do like the white background (although maybe all white is too much) because I think it sets off your projects which have other colors in them quite nicely. Some of the examples I think have too much going on with all the background illustrations, but I liked those.
I really DID NOT like the plum/purple background - I think it is way too dark and doesn’t show up your background images or your logo, or your projects very well. In fact, I think there are a lot of colors clashing in that design - hope you don’t mind my saying so! The one dark background I did like however is under Picture 5 - the dark blue background setting off the Exonet website screenshot, and the way you combined it with the white border and multicolored thin border at the bottom. I think that those colors go very well together. But it is interesting to see how many designs you have come up with and all the effort you have put into creating yet another new Duoh identity – hope you get the final one worked out.
20
Boy, can I relate.
I’ve been working on a redesign and new brand for more than a YEAR.
There are probably 15+ iterations that I have. In my opinion, they all suck.
It’s difficult to design for oneself, even if you have clearly defined parameters, goals and focus on what you want to communicate.
I agree that the playfulness factor was exaggerated a bit too much in these designs. But what I do admire is some of the layout approaches you tried, particularly in the darker ones.
21
It´s great to see I´m not the only one struggling with designing. I´m creating a new design for our community website and although the designs I made where approved by others, I still find myself adjusting things or creating new templates.
It indeed is very hard to create something you are 100% satisfied with. And also, for some reason I always think designs made by others are great and mine are crap.
Oh well… but reading this I feel a little bit more like a decent designer/developer :o)
22
I am happy for you that you want to improve your work continuously.
I really want to do the same time, but it happens that I am restricted by my boss sometimes, giving me new projects and having not enough time for all projects to fine tuning them.
Besides that I have to redesign my Portfolio Website and my Blog, to unite them in one unit with a new design.
23
I really really like the last design there. I understand what you mean about trying not to be too feminine though. My husband and I also have our studio together and it’s a challenge to find a balance in the design that represents both of us and expresses different things we can do too.
24
Nice article! It really does show that a lot of the process of design is eliminating the superfluous.
To quote de Saint-Exupery:
25
If those were rejected I’m sure the chosen one will be amazing. I really like the first one with the plain white background. The bright colours really stand out on it and have a really fresh playful feel.
26
well after reading your post and all the comments i do not feel so bad about my design process. i am just starting out and it is nice to see the frustration that i have with my designs is not confined to me. looks like most designers have the same issues, they hold themselves to high standards and it is a struggle to get there.
thanks again.
.mike
27
What a great inspiration source you are Veerle. All your designs are unique but still they got a veerle touch!
Some fonts are amazing… maybe you could share the fonts with the rest of us who still struggles with Arial and Verdana ;)
28
You know what you should do… Is make all of the designs reel through randomly, so everyone can see your different designs. Then they can really get how great you are at design.
No, just kidding, but… Well, every design you’ve created is impossibly awesome. Awesome to the point that you’d put any great designer out of business.
Keep up the GREAT work.
Well, I did notice that some content does not have a real “container” if you know what I mean. So it seems like it’s just sitting there (referring to picture 16 “CONTACT us").
29
You really are an amazing designer! I LOVE your work!
30
Yeah, i also have a lot projects and webdesign wich i never bring to an end.
31
A perfectionist’s works is never finished.
i also constantly ponder and wonder about my work and i am never satisfied but i have seen that this takes a lot of time and delays all my projects. how do come to a point where you say enough is enough this is the final design, i would love to know so i can get some work finished
great work on the new site but i have a feeling that the site is too feminine. the faint graphics are cool but the flowers and the illustration of a woman are too girlie girlie for me. ps i have nothing against women, i actually like you
32
Veerle, I think they’re all good designs, I like all of them and each one is better than the previous! I’m very looking forward to see the new duoh website...good work
Lorenzo
33
I’m not joking, but your design skills are absolutely amazing. Seriously. Scrolling down this page made me feel so jealous, you are very talented and i can only dream to somebody be as great as you. Your designs gave me alot of inspiration… Keep up your fantastic work, great things are in-store for you i’m sure!
Marty.
34
I thought i saw Designs for the Dutch! But i was wrong. I am from Holland so i thougt “cool”.
But i like some of the designs very much.
35
Wow, really cool to see how your work is done. Also a great tip of you to make a design and put it away, to look at it at a later time, and to see if it is still has the ‘wow factor’.
I am curious about the ‘winning’ design.
36
they are really cool
37
Great project. I like the fact that your pumped out so many designs.
I’ll just comment on the one that ‘almost’ made it which is the last.
To be honest, the design elements are great. I like it. But I think your blog is awesome and I’d expect the site to be twice as better. In the last one, I saw the cool elements but didn’t see the same solid composition and structure. The first template seemed to have things all over the place, but there was a visual pathway happening which I’m sure was intentional. The site did come across as feminine but that didn’t bother me.
Overall, it’s a great design but I can see why you found flaws in it.
38
i loved the WHITE design. It is better than the dark one.