Neozine :: Because Design is Made of People

SANG HAN
This is one of the things we enjoy the most about running Neozine*: you get to know the work of amazing creative minds. Elixir 818, Sang Han Portfolio has got some of the coolest corporate web design websites we've seen so far. Stylish, clean, imaginative and professionally clearly mastered, we consider his work as major inspirational for any webdesigner.

Nuno Soares/
Cristina Correia

21.12.2005

NEOZINE* - Do you have your own method to approach the layout of a website?

SANG HAN - Well that depends on the timeline/budget. But in a perfect world I would scope out the client and do some research on what they do and who their competitors are. Back in the day when budgets were fat I would sketch out some concepts and take them to Photoshop or Illustrator but now days I go straight to creating PSDs. I still sometimes create a wire frame of the concept first. This helps a lot in knowing what all-content exists on the site before designing.

NEOZINE* -Which phase do you consider the most difficult - Layout approval/ Website Structure and Development/ PHP or ASP programming (in order to keep design safe)/ Client unexpected changes to the project?
What solutions do you have to the one you have chosen as the most difficult?

SANG HAN - Definitely design approval. Here in the mid-west it is very hard to convince a client that being unique is good. With every project, I try unique approaches to giving clients something different to what they’re use to seeing. There are so many fluffs in our industry that make cookie cutter sites and call them “custom websites”. Clients buy that crap and think that’s what they want. I’m not sure if there’s a solution to it but what I try to do is give them a compelling speech about why being set apart from the rest is good. Do your research and take some time getting to know your client and their competitors. Make sure they know that you’re the expert and that’s why they’re paying you.

NEOZINE* - What moves you to turn a "at first sight" non-compelling corporate website into a thrilling one?

SANG HAN - I think the look in the client’s eyes when they see their site turned into something totally different. Like anything else that needs rehabbing, there’s nothing like making something better. Fixing something gives you a huge sense of achievement and for me creating unique websites gives me just that. It also makes my portfolio look good ?

NEOZINE* - Some web designers choose the KISS formula (Keep it Simple Stupid) and some believe that coolest details make all the difference. What path do you choose, is it possible to maintain both?

SANG HAN - If you’re just starting out the KISS method is good. I like clean, sophisticated design and slick interaction to go hand in hand with usability. But I think every designer has his or her own style. I’d like to think I incorporate a clean look as well as detail design but using your own style is the way to go. Don’t rely on formal education to create award-winning designs. What is taught in schools has already been done a million times. Do you own thing and be confident.

NEOZINE* - What do you think of flash? Total flash website or ...

SANG HAN -I think flash is amazing but when used right. Not that I’m a flash guru or anything but I’ve seen some bad attempts. Flash that enhances user experience with tight visuals and interaction can really make a site great and a valuable asset in website development. With bandwidth increasing everyday, I think flash and video will be used more and more in the future.

NEOZINE* - What do you think that a web designer or any designer/ illustrator must also be good at rather than just designing? (I mean like the ability to be compelling in a meeting or salesman skills.)

SANG HAN - I think learning the tools of the trade are very important. But having confidence in your work is crucial. If you’re outside of the box, don’t worry they’ll catch on.

NEOZINE* - What do you think of portfolio websites?

SANG HAN - Refreshing. They give me all sorts of inspirations and time to look at what other designers are doing. It’s the only way to see what people are doing globally with a click of a button. There are some kick ass designers all over the world. Very motivating.

NEOZINE* - One huge advice for beginners.

SANG HAN - Explore, practice, and learn. Get yourself involved in the design community. It is motivating and rewarding to be part of something.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.elixir818.com

images used with the author's permission*