I’m a freelance designer.
Most people think designers make things look good. I do that too, but it’s the least important and least interesting part of what I do.
The most useful things I do are ask the right questions, communicate, and design authentic branding.
The Right Questions
To make something people can not only use, but also enjoy using, you have to understand who is using your site, what they need and how best to give it to them. Asking the right questions to help you understand these things, and designing killer interfaces based on the answers, is I what I do.
Communication
A good interface communicates what your site’s offering, where to find it and how to use it. With their first visit, your users need to understand these things. In seconds. Designing interfaces that aren’t only visually pleasing but which also communicate clearly is what I do.
And as far as communication’s concerned, I also give good presentation. I’ve spoken in front of hundreds at conferences, and won sales pitches for budgets of over one million euros. I’m told I’m convincing, funny, and put on a good show.
Authentic Branding
I worked for over seven years as an art director in one of Germany’s largest web agencies, so I understand branding. What most agencies don’t understand however, is how the web is changing what branding is and how it works.
To the digital natives, the people who live online, a brand is a dialogue. Your brand online is made up of your interface and the authentic conversations it allows you to have with your customers. Designing interfaces with personality, that facilitate these conversations and get out of the way, is what I do.
How May I Help?
I’m looking for projects I can help by doing all of these things, especially in the area of online social tools. If you have problems I could help solve, don’t hesitate to get in touch.