Hex Codes, Not Hexes
I work in the small graphic design section of a web design company. I only interact with clients for the design aspect of their websites. One of them video-calls me in a panic.
Client: “The customers aren’t signing up for the loyalty program!”
Me: “I see. Well, that’s an operational issue, and I work in graphic design, so let me transfer you to—”
Client: “No! You designed the button that links our customers to the loyalty program! You need to make them click it!”
Me: “Well, I suppose we could try a few more eye-catching designs to—”
Client: “I need you to guarantee me a 100% sign-up rate.”
Me: “Well… that’s impossible.”
Client: “What am I paying you people for?!”
Me: “Sir, I’m just the graphic designer, so I can’t speak for the operational team, but no one can guarantee a 100% sign-up rate, ever. No one gets that!”
Client: “I am paying you to get people to sign up for my loyalty program!”
Me: “And I can design eye-catching ways to direct users to your program, but I can’t make them sign up.”
Client: “Why not?”
Me: “Because—”
Because this is a video call, the conversation has been broadcast to those in the room. Usually, this isn’t an issue, but my manager has had enough and steps over.
Manager: “Because she designs graphics; she doesn’t force your readers to sign up for a loyalty program.”
Client: “I just don’t understand why you can’t do what I ask.”
Manager: “Because we’re website designers, not hypnotists.”
My manager closes up the conversation quickly.
Manager: “Seriously, what do they want? Witchcraft?”
The operational lead later came over to our office, looking confused, and asked if we knew why the client suddenly wanted to put “hypnotic designs” on the loyalty sign-up page.