This comic, “How A Web Design Goes Straight To Hell,” is making the Twitter trending rounds this morning. Yes, some clients do not understand the value of well-reasoned design. Sure, interactions with that type of client are difficult, frustrating and, looking back, usually funny. But such views only serve to paint the designer as victim to the whims of an uneducated client. Designers are not victims. They are willing participants in the process. If the end result is unsuccessful they should share the responsibility.
A few notable quotes from the comic:
I actually had a client include their mother in the design process so she could provide feedback and criticism.
The inference here is that mothers are incapable of meaningful insight. What if the project was aimed at women?
After the 13th revision I fired the client.
Why did you let it go to thirteen revisions?
If you were an engineer designing the turbine of a commercial airplane, would they interfere then, I wonder?
A common complaint. “Would you tell your [lawyer, doctor, mechanic, etc.] how to do their job?” Of course not. While designers like to value their skills as equal to other professions, design is not as easily defined.
I do understand the comic exaggerates to make a facetious point. But having seen this point made repeatedly over the years, I think the message is less, “Clients suck; they need to change.” and more “Designers should do a better job communicating the value they provide.”