Website Design templates: A web designers secret weapon

[resurepus]

A fast way to build quality web sites
Now that the web has matured, the experts have discovered what works and what doesn't work when it comes to web site design. Out of this experience comes web templates, web site designs that have been tried and tested. Like with building a house, there is no longer a need to reinvent the wheel with every project - today you can select a web design template and get it online fast!

Don't reinvent the wheel!
As a software architect and programmer, I can tell you that a core rule in that field is to not reinvent the wheel. This basically means is that if someone else has built it already, you should use it! You are wasting your time and money trying to recreate things from scratch.

Fortunately you can now select from a huge collection of proven web site styles that you can use 'out of the box' or use the web site template as the foundation to your own creation.


the complete version of the article can be found here.

[ivancruz]

Well I kinda disagree with the article, yeah u can build up a website un half an hour with a template but where is your design?, where are your ideas, creativity and all those things u put in a design, being original is what puts u on the map, because there are a lot of designers and u have to make a living, I plan to live of it, that's why I make my own designs, sure u can grab some inspiration watching websites, u know check effects, color combination and from that u could part to make ur own design, I think its different to have an inspiration than to grab some .html and .fla or .psd files and build a website that everyone has.

For me templates would work IF u make those templates when u have some free time, that way u have some designs already made and when a client comes u can offer him those designs and he could choose the one he wants, sure they are templates, but u made them and only u will use it, once u use it, its not a template anymore now its a customer only website or animation...

That's all, It's only my opinion, if someone likes using websites, go ahead, its ur choice!

[thestudio@ymnow]

I think it is a good idea to use templates for a quick easy website, but if you want true creativity to come out then you should start from fresh

[josse]

I get sick when I see web templates, especially the flash templates. It's only good to get some inspiration. If you are a true webdesigner you should leave those templates where they are. Ok I agree that you don't have to reinvent the weel but if you can build a better one or a more special one...

[rtbenson]

Sergey, doesn't that whole article go against the fundamental concept of DesignContest? DC is supposed to provide custom, high quality web design whereas the article you mentioned advocates out-of-the-box templates. Since you're the founder and owner of this site that article is the last thing I would expect to see on this forum...

[Dumb Genius]

As a software architect and programmer

For this field ok, I totally agree.
For template design I don't agree at all although you can take the best of what you like and get inspiration and merge eveything your own way in your own style.

[designedbyelise]

Let's revisit what a template is. A template is a repeatable framework, in the case of a website template its the navigation, look and design of a site with place holders for content. Usually there is a distinct home template page and a sub page template for content pages. In terms of content management, I cannot imagine designing a site without implementing the use of a template system. However, make no mistake that the design of the template is completely original and from scratch, but there are elements that are rarely if ever touched after the site template is created.

I do not advocate the purchasing of templates, however I absolutely encourage creating your own template for site wide use to enable content management and easy updates to the client site. (Of course there is CMS software that can be implemented, but that is not always an option).

One more issue - once I create enough templates for enough businesses, I may discover a particular "layout" or image placement that is preferred for a particular customer group or industry segment, and use a similar layout again, but still employ original, creative design and ideas.

[Jopicasso]

well i disagree with using template always as references but it was a good way for me to learn web design basics and standards through templates
but now .. a white paper from scratch blending your experiences are always fun fun fun

[greyfade]

excatly what i was looking for this website is really helpful