The etiquette of interaction
Design R.I.P. to the Generic
I couldn’t help but wonder… in an era where everyone is shouting for attention, isn’t the ultimate flex to be the one who whispers?
We’ve all been there. You walk into a beautifully curated boutique, only to be hounded by an over-eager sales clerk the second you touch a sleeve. It ruins the mood, doesn’t it? The same “Digital Sins” are happening right now on your browser. Luxury is a 360-degree experience; it’s defined by the grace of the entrance and the lingering impression of the exit. If your website is breaking the “Brand Spell” with clumsy interactions, you aren’t just losing clicks—you’re losing prestige.
In my Design R.I.P. series, I believe in the art of the Digital Concierge. Your website should behave like a well-trained host: always present, infinitely helpful, but never, ever intrusive.
The “Sound Sin” and the Art of the Subtle Nod
There is nothing quite as un-chic as a digital “jump scare.” If a button flashes a jarring neon when touched, or a video begins blaring audio without an invitation, you’ve violated your guest’s environment.
In a true Digital Atelier, we practice the “Subtle Response.” It’s the digital equivalent of a polite nod from across a room.
The Silk-Touch Hover: A soft shift in opacity or a graceful change in cursor shape.
Polite Feedback: Acknowledging the guest’s action without screaming for their approval.
Your brand should be felt and seen long before it is ever heard. If you have to be loud to be noticed, you’ve already lost the room.
The Preservation of Attention: Close the “Link Leaks”
Perhaps the most expensive faux pas I see in high-ticket design is the “Header Exit.” You’ve spent months—and likely a small fortune—building a custom digital home. Why on earth would you put the “Exit” sign right above the front door?
Placing social media icons in your header is an invitation for your guest to leave before the conversation has even begun. One click on that tiny Instagram camera and suddenly, they aren’t looking at your package anymore—they’re looking at a video of a stranger’s pasta dinner.
The Rule of the Active Footer: Your header is for the Journey; your footer is for the Legacy. Keep the social icons at the bottom. By the time they reach your footer, they’ve seen your value. Now, they’re ready for the relationship.
A Final Note on Digital Grooming
Thee role of the designer is that of a good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.”
Charles Eames
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Is your website a well-trained concierge or a digital nuisance? From the “Sound Sin” to the tragedy of “Link Leaks,” we’re bidding R.I.P. to generic design. Discover how to master the etiquette of interaction and build a digital presence that commands respect without ever raising its voice.
Is your website a “Resume Site” or a “Digital Ballroom”? Explore the psychology of the Investment Gap and why your high-ticket expertise requires a design that acts as a velvet rope, not an open door. It’s time to move the spotlight off your ego and onto your client’s aspirations.
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Luxury is never an accident;
it is a series of perfectly executed manners. If your digital home is currently widening the gap between your talent and your price tag, it’s time for a renovation.
