Reasons
I try to begin thinking about design by first asking myself, “What’s the reason for this thing I want to make?” I don’t always begin projects this way, mostly out of impatience, but I try. Having clear goals can help simplify tactical decisions later.
The main reason I’m designing Making Nice Web Type is to simplify Nice Web Type. Right now the site has a notes blog, bookmarks, and Twitter favorites. I want to pull these things into a single stream that works on desktops and mobile devices without my having to maintain it so much, and that folks can follow via Tumblr or by RSS.
There are other reasons as well, although these are secondary.
- I want to explain my process in enough detail as to be useful and interesting for people interested in web design and/or typography.
- I want to explore the relationship between meaning and instinct in design decisions.
- I want to use Typekit on a new project. :)
Good enough, although because these aren’t very specific reasons I may have trouble making decisions later. At which point I may clarify or adapt my reasoning.
