I am an app developer. Most of the time I will build the apps' user interface by myself, thus resulting in functional but not appealing apps :-(
Like this -> one (link to AppStore)
For a few projects, I was out-of-idea (probably out-of-skill) and then I became open-minded. I let the designer go with what he considers good. I take the work fully and built the app.
Like this -> one (link to AppStore)
However, most of time things do not go extreme. For a project or two:
- I had some sort of art direction in mind
- I talked to the designer about what I wanted
- The design came back with a draft
- I was not satisfied and asked for another version
- After two iterations ... didn't work out
- I paid the fee for the draft and I gave up (and the project was dead)
Now there is dribbble and I see great design works. Every time I hit the Hire me
button, I hesitate. I am so worried that I pay but do not get what I pay for.
So, what's correct way to convey with designers. In software, requirements are clearly laid down with a screen flow storyboard, plus functional requirements of how each UI element work. How can I tell a designer what to design if what I want is something I cannot imagine?
I almost wanted to write to a designer, "Can you build a UI for my app like that artwork on http://dribbble.com/__
?" But I worried that could be offensive.
Let's use a real example. I have just finished -> this app (link to AppStore)
But I don't think it's good looking enough. If I am going to talk to a designer, what should I write to let him know:
- I want my app to look good
- I wish the design is minimalism
- The numbers and alphabets should be in font that is available on iPhone, not bitmaps (as I want to let users change fonts)
- I wish the design is good for both keypad layouts (one fewer keys, one more)
Thanks for reading a long question.