I completely agree with you that understanding a CMS–and perhaps more importantly, its constraints–can save a ton of not only development time, but also the time debating what features or functionality should even make it into the wires, comps, prototypes, whatever.

The only time I've had issues with CMS products is when what should be fundamental functionality is either poorly designed or not even available. In that case the constraint grows to a limitation, and may be a competitive disadvantage what could be a crowded marketplace.

I've also bought the Spool and Hoekman “Web Anatomy” discussing frameworks, but I have yet to dig much into that text to offer any informed comment.

Thanks again for your thoughts and I hope to provide more useful posts here soon.

~ Chris

Having read both Aaron's points and yours, I lean in your direction. With the issue of mediocrity momentarily in the distance, my thoughts are that the practice of pattern-finding should be the vehement pursuit of every modern web designer.

Beyond using wireframes and frameworks in the design process, patterns can be seen and used in both the front and back-end process, and eventually, the client's process.

I argue that using a CMS like WordPress or Expression Engine is a savvy, even critical way to plan for and execute small web projects. By knowing the end before the beginning, one can better plan for both the functionality and organization of a site, and it's use by the client.

By working creatively within the confines of a well-oiled machine, you're forced to think efficiently and solve problems in a carefully delineated and reasonable way (i.e., “What can I realistically do with the navigation functionality if I'm building it on WordPress?”). The client reaps the benefits in their process because you're also thinking about their needs: “Will they be able to update this easily?

If you're familiar with it's structure, thoroughly understand it's inner workings, and thoughtfully design for it, using a CMS can ensure that your final result is solid, and therefore, not mediocre.

Thanks again for the mention, nice blog… looking forward to parousing the articles.

~ Aaron I

Thanks again for the mention, nice blog… looking forward to parousing the articles.

~ Aaron I