Hybrid designs

[brianzajac]

Hey everyone,

I want to get your opinion on what you consider "cookie cutter" designs (might be aka template designs), custom designs, and especially "hybrid designs"...they're the ones kind of stuck in the middle.

For example, I've got a couple "hybrid designs" at http://www.eyemagination.us/vrstarterdesigns.htm. Here's what I do...the client chooses which layout they prefer. In this case, these designs are made for the vacation rental industry. I then change out all the colors, text, and pictures to give them a totally unique look. Thus, I call them "hybrid designs" or "pre-laid out designs". And, since they are themed for vacation rental sites, they're targeted for that type of client.

So, what would you consider a "hybrid design"?

[redcircle]

If it looks professional and unique why not. As a consumer I would not expect to pay as much for a completely unique site but you would probably make much more with the hybrid through volume.

What I ususally do is have one customer pay for one site and then reuse the code for additional sites changing the graphics and content. That way you have less work to do by reusing the code and you maintain a unique look for all the sites you do.

[brianzajac]

I'm mainly trying to accommodate most of the small businesses out there...while not comprimising my company's design quality. However, do you consider this: http://www.eyemagination.us/starterdesigns.htm (click on design #7, then view this client - http://www.marcoislandart.com/) to be a hybrid design or a custom design?

Also by doing this, I save a bunch of time on finding a new layout for a small business client...thus not having to charge them for a "custom design". So, is the time saved then not considered a "custom design" in your opinion?