Who do YOU design a theme for?

[Stinky666]

That title can be misleading and interpreted a few different ways.
The way how I mean it though is, if you decide to make a theme , who do you design it based around? Do you tr consider what OTHERS (the general user base) would possibly like, OR do you lean MORE towards what YOU would like it you were designing it for yourself?

This can literally be for any part of the theme, ranging from key features to colours. Do you think to yourself "Would the general user base like this colour scheme". Or do you think "yeah I really like this colour selection/palette, I will use it"?


Maybe you have a mixture of feelings, and even though you love something, you compromise and think "no, the members/users wont like this, I will change it/leave it out"?

[TornadoGTS]

For me, in general terms, I think of the members when it comes to things like readability and overall cohesiveness, but in terms of design and layout I usually go with something that I definitely like for sure. Plus I deal with a lot graphically inclined people, so if they really find an issue with it, I gladly let them create one of their own themes lol. I'm also redesigning one of my boards using your great Blue Ninja theme Stinky666, looks really good.

[Tumbleweed]

I design purely for myself and it is based on something the comes to my mind that I'd like to try but I don't ever do so with intentions to submit to the library. I just don't have the desire to be saddled (for lack of a better word) with questions from members about how can I change this or that. I don't even do it with intentions of using on my own forum. I just do it for fun.  In the end, my designing some themes/layouts, I learn and I guess it is somewhat beneficial when helping others here on ProBoards  so I'm not totally selfish about it. lol Besides, there are a gazillion themes in the library already anyway.

Interesting question, Stinky666 and I'll be interesting in what others say including you. I'm sure if I were intentionally creating something for members then I'd have to think about what they would like, readability, etc.

[Stinky666]

I could have sworn that I responded to this. I'm sure I wrote a message/reply for it the other day.... I'm sure of it. I don't even know any more haha.

In short though, I design something mainly for how I would like it. If I don't like a colour palette, or a feature/concept/idea, it's not going in. If I am at least content with it then that's at least okay. It may make me seem selfish, but I don't compromise too much based on what I think others would like. I know for commercial use that's definitely a bad thing, because I want to reach a larger audience. It's one reason I don't do requests, because I get an idea or multiple and try to go with it and work from that 1, or 2 ideas.

I do try add some smaller things, such as maybe some place where people could place sidebars since that is hugely popular, and I try think of the kinds of things people would like to see int he "user nav" and "mini profile" etc.

[Former Member]

I design for fun.I also do it for the challenge.Also, when I do, I usually learn something in the process.
Also, I let my members know if they want a certain color theme, I make it for them.

[whisker]

I wait for inspiration to come to me re color, theme etc. First of all, I have to like it. I'm hoping, that if I like it, my members will like it too. Clarity and legibility are high priority. I have the plugin that lets me know which themes my members are using. That gives me an idea of which of my designs have been most popular/successful. I'd must admit, my members have good taste!

[Kami]

It's a combination of factors. My primary factor is, what inspires me for that theme? If I'm not inspired, then my steam runs out quickly. I have tonnes and tonnes of WIP files on my computer, all unfinished themes that I didn't really have a solid idea/inspiration for that wound up unfinished -- some a little, some a lot.

Then secondly comes the theme of the site. If it's an RP forum I always try to think of the RP style and make something that's related.

The biggest priority I give though is making sure all of my designs -- after being inspired and themed appropriately -- are compliant with as many accessibility issues as possible.

After that, it's basically what I (and possibly my staff, if I have any) decide is appropriate and necessary. I'd say most members are satisfied every time, regardless of what I choose, so I just keep doing what I find I enjoy. :>