Comments on: 6 Graphic Design Predictions made in 1998

By: Christopher Burd

Christopher Burd — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:34:09 +0000

Great idea for an article. I’d to see more experts face this kind of reality check on their predictions.

My responses:

1. Collapse of Job Market. I don’t see it. Professionals still outperform amateurs in terms of quality and (more importantly) in terms of professionalism.

2. Specialization. I believe this has happened to a large degree.

3. Collaboration. Undoubtedly.

4. You know, this is still a great idea, but so far it hasn’t really happened much (as far as I can see), the main exception being some SEO-influenced web design/web copywriting. I’m trying to sell a similar idea: the idea that information-rich technologies call for information-rich content-development. Meaning, more use of infographics and visualizations in web content.

But as far as I can see, content development still tends to be the neglected orphan child in the web design process.

5. Audience-centred design. Well, yes, everyone at least tries to do this, with the acceptance of focus groups, webstats etc. as key drivers of design decisions. It also creates a role for business analysts, which I like.

6. Larger rewards. No idea, but I doubt it. How did Neumeier square this with his prediction that the job market would collapse?

By: dot Blog. The week in links 23/11/09

dot Blog. The week in links 23/11/09 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:33:32 +0000

[...] 6 Graphic Design Predictions Made In 1998 (graphicedesignblender.com) [...]

By: links for 2009-11-19 « random thoughts and casual ruminations

links for 2009-11-19 « random thoughts and casual ruminations — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:04:09 +0000

[...] 6 Graphic Design Predictions made in 1998 | Graphic Design Blender [...]

By: How to make more money as a freelance designer | Graphic Design Blender

How to make more money as a freelance designer | Graphic Design Blender — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:24:11 +0000

[...] Last but not least, you should specialize in something. This means you should either focus on a particular kind of client, project, style, target audience, etc. Work hard to be the best in your niche and you can then charge more for the work that you produce. (By the way, a prediction was made in 1998 that designers would have to specialize in order to stay afloat and be successful. Check out all the 1998 design predictions here.) [...]

By: designfollow

designfollow — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:26:54 +0000

thank for this info

By: 6 Graphic Design Predictions Made In 1998 | Design Newz

6 Graphic Design Predictions Made In 1998 | Design Newz — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:58:49 +0000

[...] 6 Graphic Design Predictions Made In 1998 [...]

By: 6 Graphic Design Predictions made in 1999 « Design in Mind

6 Graphic Design Predictions made in 1999 « Design in Mind — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:02:09 +0000

[...] View source article… [...]

By: Aaron Winters

Aaron Winters — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:59:42 +0000

While I would definitely agree with the first prediction, I don’t necessarily agree with the effect.

“This means that Graphic Design is no longer seen as a dead-end career or hobby, but a profitable career choice.”

It may actually be just the opposite. Now that people can buy a copy of CS and watch an hour or two of Lynda and make something that’s “good enough” for them, it’s eliminated a lot of work that used to be available. I get contacted with “hey do you know where I can get a copy of Photoshop cheap?” as often (if not more) as “can you bid a job for me”?

Conversely — and bizarrely — it makes it harder when clients want to pay less (or not at all) when they know you know how to do something and already have all the tools and skills.

It also creates an issue when clients that have gone the free/hobbyist route too long finally realize they need professional-level services, but then expect the same amateur behavior (no contracts, work-for-hire, etc.) and prices.

By: Mike Grace

Mike Grace — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:56:26 +0000

Collaboration is definitely changing the game. Good designers are still good designers if they collaborate or not but it is allowing many to advance in ways not possible before. Very interesting stuff! : D

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:19:39 +0000

Interesting read and really quite ‘spot on’. Back in 1999 I was a web designer/graphic designer who wrote for fun. Now I find that both design and writing are equal components for communications which effect both design and marketing. Today I consider myself a professional designer and a writer. Clearly I’m not alone.

By: uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:52:59 +0000

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