What Your .PSD Won't Tell You: A Designer Looks at Drupal Theme Development

Track: 
Theming
Experience: 
Intermediate

Starting with the sketch on the back of a napkin, we'll walk through the phases in designing a great Drupal theme. What questions do you need to ask your client? How do you best implement their vision? What are some gotchas N00bs often overlook?
In this session we will talk about:
• What do you need from your client to make their site's theme rock?
• Why sitemaps, wireframes and representational content are essential
• How does a live site react differently than your super sweet Photoshop mockup?
• Where to go when your client "Just doesn't like it."
• Why choosing a good base theme important
• What are some often overlooked details which can make a good theme great?
• How several key contributed modules will make your theming easier
• What do you need to give your client to ensure they are happy in the long run?

Intended audience: 

Front end developers who have a basic understanding of the Drupal theming system, but wish to improve their skills.

Questions answered by this session
Question 1: 
If I can download a theme from d.o for free, why hire a professional?
Question 2: 
What steps are required in successfully designing a theme and why are each important?
Question 3: 
Why does every front end developer needs to understand Views?
Question 4: 
How do you help your aesthetically-challenged client embrace good design?
Question 5: 
How much control do you give to a non-technical administrator?
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