| It's been said you aren't really an expert on a topic | | | | feature. Be honest...tell them up front that you want |
| until you can write about that topic so that everyone | | | | to understand how they will implement the feature. |
| can understand it. Just think about it a second...if you | | | | Some web designers may refuse the idea right away. |
| can't explain a topic to a lay-person without resorting | | | | They are the "expert"...how dare you ask them to |
| to a bunch of techno-jargon, then the field is | | | | explain their actions! Others will ask charge you a bit |
| probably still somewhat abstract to you...therefore | | | | for it (you are taking up their time you know), |
| you are not an expert. Let's apply this principle to | | | | however it would be money well spent to eliminate |
| check whether a potential web designer is an expert. | | | | the wannabies. |
| Ok. So you've created a "short list" of potential web | | | | Remember the idea here is that you should |
| designers to design your website. Hopefully you've | | | | understand how they are going to implement this |
| checked their home page (and portfolio) for | | | | feature. If their explanation is filled with "Coldfusion" |
| conforming to valid web standards using tested their | | | | this; and "client-side script" that; and "polymorphism" |
| portfolio in a few different web browsers, and most | | | | some other thing; then you probably aren't dealing |
| importantly didn't use the "lowest bidder" philosophy | | | | with an expert. If on the other hand, you receive a |
| (since this will probably cost you much more later). | | | | detailed explanation without a bunch of |
| Now give these web designers a test to see if they | | | | "techno-babble" then you have probably found |
| truely are "experts." Pick some feature of what you | | | | yourself an expert. Basically, the one with the |
| want in your web design, and ask them to write you | | | | clearest, most detailed explanation knows that topic. |
| an email explaining how they intend to implement the | | | | Well done! |