Comments on: The Solar Method (of building websites)

By: Elga

Elga — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 19:15:48 +0000

This is definitely a designer’s method, not a programmer one. If you’re a designer and someone else would code the dynamic framework, this is the way you should start. HTML > CSS + media > JS > PHP and server related stuff. Why PHP should be the last? Because you don’t code for the server, you code for your needs.

By: nick fratter

nick fratter — Wed, 04 May 2011 22:42:12 +0000

i agree with points 1,2 and 3… but i switch the last two points…, normally i’ll check all the flash-related elements, then i put all in a CMS, leave it boil for 3-4 weeks….(shaking the content every day) and then it’s done!!

By: Brendon

Brendon — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 06:56:02 +0000

Interestingly enough I have this method implemented as my most efficient means of site construction and it does make a load of logical sense to those who develop all the technologies required for a site themselves eg: DB’s, interactions, structure and skinning … I personally think this method is fine but obviously for those who have a set method that has worked there would be little need to change however I think XHTML & CSS are the core baby steps (by no means a small task) in any web project … Great article and awesome site very glad I stumbled upon it …

By: Alexander Nastase

Alexander Nastase — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:53:25 +0000

Grate article Solar Method this is good to remember and follow and I agree Radu, websites can’t achieve that physical thing. I love print more than web. Never the less print will not have the interactivity of web.

By: Espreson

Espreson — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:25:19 +0000

I guess you have also got inspired with solar and implement it in your site layout..
Nice layout after-all.

By: azul

azul — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:17:08 +0000

hmm inovative method, i think it’s quiet easy to follow

By: Jae Xavier

Jae Xavier — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:49:22 +0000

Yes – I’m also an astronomy enthusiast as well!

I don’t think that print or hand drawn art will die out in the next 200 years. Print will play a “Sun” role in niche markets. What will cause disruption are new paradigms being taught to children (direct/indirect). It’s not a bad thing however technology is progress.

Physical representation will take on new forms that correspond and hold meaning to a “current generation”. The iPad and other similar devices are a precursor to a new “physical representation” to a future generation.

I once worked in the print industry as pressmen, pre-presser, and artist. It was the staple of my income in early 2000. Nowadays I rarely print anything at all.

By: Gabriel

Gabriel — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:00:10 +0000

Great article, brings a good metaphorical light on the design process. Good job defining the steps, and nice metaphors.

By: Radu Chelariu

Radu Chelariu — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:29:05 +0000

Jae, as a pretty big astronomy buff, I have to say that’s one hell of a metaphor. I like it! And I agree with you, to a certain extent. I think, nay, I hope print will never die out. There something magical about holding a physical representation of your creative work that just can’t be achieved with digital design. Or maybe I’m just an old fart stuck in the past.

By: Jae Xavier

Jae Xavier — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:51:19 +0000

Interesting philosophy. I can see that it can also get out of hand if a scope was not established.

One question however.

If HTML is the Sun, then what are Black holes equivalent to?

I believe the answer is this: Less usage of a technological standard.

Usage = Fuel to Burn.

Disruptive technologies lure away usage and therefore causes a collapse of said technology and its solar system.

For example, print media was the Sun. Now its collapsing and shrinking. Soon it will form a black hole and the solar system around it (print media tools).

By: Website Design Gloucestershire

Website Design Gloucestershire — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:03:47 +0000

This is an interesting concept. In fact it is one I generally adhere to through experience.

I may suggest adding a loop (or orbit perhaps) where content and additional media is added on an ongoing/continual basis without overly affecting the core HTML.

By: Marc

Marc — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:56:20 +0000

I like the concept, straight forward, simple and most importantly, logical.
It’s way too easy in web design to get ahead of yourself and miss the basics. I’m just getting into web design and this is a great article.

By: Pixelbox Design

Pixelbox Design — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:52:47 +0000

Excellent Article, Added to favs, keep up the good work.

By: Radu Chelariu

Radu Chelariu — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:20:38 +0000

Indeed, this was the reason for my writing this post. I believe most experienced web designers have come to a similar method but, as you said, it would have been nice for someone to have shared this when we were starting out. Thanks!

By: Radu Chelariu

Radu Chelariu — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:17:43 +0000

Indeed, as both a front and back end developer your approach should be tailored to your needs and preferences because the whole process happens within your own controlled system. The Solar Method is meant for designer that also do front-end development mostly, which is why I left the back end stuff at the end. It’s not meant as a beat-down for back end developers, just a way of prioritizing the website development process for front-end developers.

By: Radu Chelariu

Radu Chelariu — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:14:18 +0000

Maybe I shouldn’t mention this, but I am one of those 25 year olds you’re referring to Either way, I know where you’re coming from. Professionals, like us, in other areas than North America & Western Europe usually have a harder time landing projects. It’s tough but that just means we have to up our game, which leads us to better our work and ultimately, ourselves. Every cloud has a silver lining, I guess

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:42:16 +0000

Very interesting.

As both and front- and back-end developer I prefer a more iterative approach i.e. I don’t do all the HTML first then the CSS, build things up in stages, as well as adding dynamic functionality as I go – although in some situations I’ll start with the DB + PHP (classes etc.) before starting on the front-end.

The only thing that gets left til last is of course the JS, because no site should ever require it to function.

By: Eimerich

Eimerich — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:19:18 +0000

Hi Radu, I really appreciate the article and more your website, really, really cool.
I agree with you that in this era of daily evolving methods on “how to design best” it is really important to set a solid root – a fundament and a path on the same time – that will brings more consistency and reliability to our work.
I entered the world of web designer very late – I’m 42 – as trying to finally work for what I like most – graphic and web.
I’m continuosly dealing with 25 years old competitors, but I would present my customers my previous experience. I’m getting my jobs also because I have a strict and basic approach to a site design and I’ve seen a lot in your clear “solar method”.
I’m struggling to improve, but here in Italy is quite difficult to have the same credibility as in other coutries.
Sorry for the long “stream of consciousness” and forgive any error in writing (is not my own language…).
Thanks for your hints and surely I’ll follow you in future.

By: Montana Flynn

Montana Flynn — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 05:34:29 +0000

I really like your writing style, and the method is not far from my own process.

By: perth web

perth web — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 01:09:29 +0000

interesting take on the web industry. Interesting read!

By: Tim

Tim — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:00:56 +0000

First, cool site. Bookmarked. Secondly, this is a great article that bridges the gap between learning the code and building a site. Two different beasts entirely. I ended up with very similar process through experience, but it would have been nice for someone to have said “Start here.” Good stuff.

By: Kris

Kris — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:36:52 +0000

Ah good point, hadn’t considered that possibility I’m sure you could ask 100 web creatives and get 100 different methods back! This is a good basis though for people to find their own technique…

By: Radu Chelariu

Radu Chelariu — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:49:25 +0000

I guess it depends on the situation at hand. I usually work out the HTML/CSS/JS stuff and then send it over to a programmer where they integrate the two into a full website. There are of course other situations and, of course, my method is only a proposition, not a strict directive. You made a good observation there. Thanks!

By: Kris

Kris — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:45:15 +0000

Like the concept – it’s a lot similar to how I work when building from scratch.

Personally I would switch steps 3 and 4, because I think you should build a site to work without JavaScript first, and then use it to enhance the functionality.

Also, if you’re using AJAX, then you need the server-side code in place first to do the actual work.

I think of JS as an enhancement to a site whereas HTML/CSS and whatever server-side language you use are the nuts and bolts. A site will work fine without JS, but not without the markup and backend code!

By: Steam Multimedia - Web Design

Steam Multimedia - Web Design — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 08:49:07 +0000

This is a really intresting article.
It sounds like you are really trying to think how could the profesion of web design have structure. Then from that structure apply rules that all web designers need to comply to.

By: Radu Chelariu

Radu Chelariu — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:33:44 +0000

Yeah, I did briefly think about including a design step in the method but the Solar method is aimed at the coding side of web design, so that would be in another realm. Though, if it did include a design element, your step would fit in quite well. Thanks!

By: Jason

Jason — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 10:24:14 +0000

I think the solar method needs:

Step 0: ‘big bang’. i.e the sketches and concepts that come together before creating the html, the gathering of thoughts and ideas that are needed for the creator to follow.

I think I kind of like the ‘solar system – me playing god’ concept

By: clippingimages

clippingimages — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:16:59 +0000

It’s a different idea.I think its innovative.

By: Radu Chelariu

Radu Chelariu — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:10:35 +0000

There’s no denying that a lot of people, like yourself, the system they’ve come accustomed to is the most efficient.
My proposition doesn’t aim to be all-solving, at least not for people with a well established system, but rather a clear and concise direction for those starting out with web design or those that feel a system would be useful rather than “playing it by ear” .
Obviously, since you’re first a developer, that suits your style better and makes much more sense from a developer stand point.

By: Ricardo Machado

Ricardo Machado — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:46:42 +0000

Hi Radu,
First comment, so let me just say that your site is awesome… Beautiful piece of art =).
Anyway, about your solar system method. As a web-developer I can’t really have a good opinion on design methods.
However, I can express my method according the developer’s view:

1 – I always use databases, so I structure the database first.
2 – Then I’ll do the storyboard (mockups,drafts,whatever)
3 – Then, and because a I use a php framework to develop, we start by creating the project and ‘actions’ and ‘templates’ (@ php still).
4 – Then and only after the actions and templates be defined (this “templates” word mean the schema of the html) we start thinking on HTML… But actions first

But still I believe that, for simple websites those are pretty valuable tips. However I’m really considering put HTML first on MY method