As you say - while a good design is important to a successful web site - after all, it’s all about capturing the end user’s attention, and a bad design is not going to do that… It’s equally as important to be sure the content is well considered.

Because while a good design is what initially attracts visitors to the web site and makes them decide to stay for a little while longer… if the content is not good, or it is difficult for them to navigate, etc., well, you’re just as likely to loose that end user, too.

It can be a tricky balance! That’s why I always find it important to have a good open line of communication with the client.

Not only for me to understand the client’s needs and goals for their web site and what it needs to do… But also for the client to understand where I (as the web designer) am coming from and why I suggest certain elements (such as a static site over a flash site, or wordpress / CMS vs a static site, etc.)

I know exactly what you mean. When I first got into web design, it was hard for me to understand that some clients couldn’t care less about whether the site looked decent or not as long as it did what they wanted it to. In those days I spent quite a bit of time explaining how good design can make things work better.

It isn’t usually that topic anymore, but I’m always learning things from my clients, and I think they’re learning from me too.

I find that my dealings with clients is a never ending process of education - both theirs and mine. In a way, I’m glad I don’t work with another designer because there are things that James sees that I easily take for granted.

I’ve learned to see a site through the eyes of a first time visitor. Many of the questions you posed here I ask myself every day through each step of the creative process. These are also questions we ask our clients to help them give their vision shape.

You can read it here:
http://www.phillipecw.com/blog/template_permalink.asp?id=164