Animation is a lot of fun and it’s come along way since animated gif images. Animation should become more and more prevalent on the web as goes on. I visited the website of Lim Liang Danny at http://www.dannylim.net. The visit to the website is worth it for the music soundtrack alone. After I looked through I contacted Danny for an interview.

How did you get into web design? “It started off when I was studying my Multimedia Diploma in 2001. I learned to build a website from scratch using HTML. I’m interested in the way HTML works to bring visual out on a html page. From then I continue to develop website through various software such as Frontpage, Dreamweaver, Flash and 3D Studio Max - Swish.”

Do you remember the very first site you designed? “Ha! Ha! Well like most people did, I created a fansite for the game Final Fantasy 9. It was constructed using purely html codes with flash files.”

Describe how your work process usually flows, how do you like to start, what are the key points to consider, etc.? “I normally start with content design, the flow of information on the website, something like a mind map. Secondly, I will go into instructional design that is to make sure is user-friendly. Lastly, will be the interface design of the website.”

You are doing a lot of Digital Filmmaking and Web Design, are these both specializations for you? “After I got my diploma in Multimedia computing, my primary goal is to be an animator and then a web-designer. However, before I go into university, I happen to get a chance to work as freelance web designer and that is what really kicks off me in becoming a web designer. Sad to say, when I was in university, I decided to take a different path as a filmmaker and again treat web design as my hobby and alternative for earning some allowances through freelance work. Thus, my specialization is on
Digital Filmmaking and Web Design.”

Have you ever worked with website templates? “Nah . . .no room for creativity, however I do sometimes use them as a reference, especially for corporate web design.”

What do you think about Flash technology? “It is marvelous! Especially with the power of action script, one can really do wonders with it. There are more flexibility in terms of creativity in web designing.”

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Flash? “With just Flash it might be hard to update the information. However with XML it solves most of the problems. Easy to upload.”

What does “clean interface” mean to you? “Neat, structured, tidy and a visually appealing website.”

Tell us about your use of colors in your designs. “I like the use of primary colors in my design and this is already a style in all my personal websites. The reason is because they are simply ‘Pure’. You can’t mix a primary color out from any other colors.”You’re a web designer and a creative person - describe the creative process and how you stimulate yourself? “I look around and observe everything that my eyes see. I find inspiration from the things and people around me.”

What advice would you give to beginning web designers? “Be open-minded, take initiative and be ready to learn from all aspects. Web Design is not only about the visual but also the experience of the user using it.”

Thank you Danny for the design viewpoints and your experiences.

Finding the Best Solutions,
Arthur Browning