In a recent attempt to try and implement a version control system for my design team it dawned on me that there appears to be a lack of support for creating systems for front-end designers at large companies. It is quite possible that in this article I may be generalizing my experience so feel free to comment on what I’ve written here.
From the perspective that large companies take the longer to adapt to the ever changing technology, this would imply that they would also take longer to adapt to the new job roles that are associated with these new technologies. This could have to do nothing to with the larger company and rather just the HR department, but who can blame them? As amazing a job this department does to make sure we get paid and are provided the best benefits. They are less aware than business/project managers about the roles needed to further advance the company goals. In relation to my point, it seems as though front-end developers and designers have yet to be fully understood and fully utilized. That said, where does the creativity come from? Some large companies like Telus have excellent creatives for their campaign. The creativity comes from large agencies. It’s more expensive and does not necessarily result in better work. This has been noted in several articles by Mashable and other bloggers and I want to add my two sense to this as I completely agree from experience.
It looks like the only solution is to wait for the higher ups to realize the missing elements for some effective change to happen. But it’s not just about having the open roles available, it’s about provided the proper support and tools for such designer and front-end developer jobs to exist. Otherwise you’ll end up with high turnover rates with people coming and going from the positions you have available. Even a student right out of school would be quick to realize the difference between a company with the right tools and one without.
Front-end developers and designers want freedom to install, to edit, to access, and to customize bow they work. It makes them more efficient, productive, and happier. Want a fast way to better your business? Listen to what tools your developers and designers want and allow them to achieve their full potential using the them.
Information Technology departments provide the ground work for large companies’ employees and the tools they have at their disposal to do their jobs right….from the start.
