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| Introduction | |
| Evaluate Your Organization | |
| Analyze Stakeholders | |
| Management Evolution | |
| References | |
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Evaluate Your Organization
The communal nature of the Web requires organizational Web designers to learn to accept the fact that they cannot—and should not—be in control of every aspect their work. Instead, successful designers strive to understand their organization well enough to win the battles that will really benefit users and compromise when they need to. Since Web design is a relatively new profession, and most Web designers received formal education in a specific, non-Web related discipline like writing, graphic design or computer science, establishing authority can be tricky. One individual’s writing and software skills may distinguish them as an effective communicator, but their page design skills may be less polished. Such a designer may garner support form individuals in product management or customer support but a graphic design manager from marketing may have valid concerns about their layout decisions. The management structure you operate within can be a formidable barrier. Working for non-designers trained in business management rather than communications necessitates extra skill on the part of the designer to assure the tenets of good design are supported. As happened with the programmers of the 1980s, management structures featuring individuals who are skilled in business, not Web design, evolved. While it takes specific tools and skills to work as a Web designer, the team managing the designer and the content of the Web page is very often not an individual trained in Web design. Unfortunately, it can be difficult, to discuss matters of Web design with the uninitiated, so it is important to understand the perspective of your managers in order to work effectively with them for the benefit of your users. Business-minded individuals bring valuable concerns to bear, including overall business strategy, organizational vision and budgetary distribution. Learning to negotiate and work well within this management structure is essential for your organizational Web page and professional success. |
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Understand Your Management
| Promote Collaboration | Argue
for Good Design
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