Should Designers Code?

Tom Marra is an Interactive Developer for Ridgefield One, LLC.

http://intenseminimalism.com/2011/designers-shouldnt-code-the-digital-duo/

This article is an interesting perspective from the Developer side of the equation.  I agree that both designer, Developer, and Information Architect (omitted from article) should understand each others' disciplines enough to be comfortable with the limits of the media they are collectively working with.  I feel that any individual with the determination to succeed can be proficient at any task they set out to do.  With the simple understanding that success will not come overnight.

As a trained designer I think it's important to understand all components of a project you are a part of.  A designer's first obligation is not as an artist but as a successful communicator.  As a current developer I believe my colleagues need to understand that some factors of technology will innately escape those who are afraid to do the work required to understand it.  As the article suggests, we should be more open to conversations about the limitations of the language or technology you are working with; Preferably in as understandable verbiage as we can muster.  Coding puts a person into a mindset that is difficult for others to understand.

I think I was personally lucky to have a number of friends who were computer scientists.  My experience with them helped to  ease my transition from design into technical artistry.  Those of us who are lucky to have cognitive capacity on both ends of the spectrum should understand that we are a crucial link between the members of the team we are a part of.  We can solve problems and fix communication gaps that others can't see.  Regardless of your natural ability, it is important to remember that disciplines are only boundries of the mind and society.

One can accomplish whatever task they have vision and determination enough to take on.  By labeling people we innately limit them.


Ridgefield One provides an Extra Set of Hands on a Temporary Basis for companies located in Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester, New York. Ridgefield One also offers IT Consulting and Creative Web Services.