Simultaneous translation of the most… poetic client requests.
The great illusion of simplicity
There is a phrase that makes developers shiver, much more than a bug in production or a client saying, “I just changed two things in the code, now it doesn’t work anymore.”
That phrase?
“It’s simple, I just want a small website.”
Spoiler: “Just,” “small,” and “simple” are words that usually hide a sprawling 23-step project, 8 of which are unplanned, 3 mystical, and 1 involving a form with PDF teleportation.
CMS: your website’s conductor (but without a baton)
Here is a guide (non-exhaustive, but very liberating) to decoding those beautiful phrases full of innocence… or traps.
“I just want a showcase website.”
Developer translation:
“A 5-page website… but also a filterable gallery, an interactive map, an animated FAQ, Google Maps integration, and a blog. Oh, and it needs to load fast. Very fast. On all devices. Even on a smart fridge.”
“It’s just a contact form.”
Developer translation:
“With 17 mandatory fields, 30 logical conditions, a file selector, a smart captcha, sending to two different email addresses, a copy to the user, and automatic saving to an in-house CRM. Simple, right?”
“I would like to be able to modify it myself later.”
Developer translation:
“Create an intuitive administration interface, customize the CMS, plan modular blocks, secure access, document everything… and cross your fingers that no one accidentally deletes the homepage.”
“I found an example on a site; I want the same thing.”
Developer translation:
“Reproduce a design made by a team of 12 people with a $100,000 budget, but in 48 hours, with a maximum of 2 revisions, a $3,000 budget, and IE11 compatibility (just in case).”
“The site must be simple yet modern, fast yet complete.”
Developer translation:
“Create a mockup that makes Figma weep with joy, code as fast as an SSD, a design as trendy as a 2019 startup, and a website as light as a mojito on a terrace.”
It’s not (always) bad faith
Let’s be clear: in 80% of cases, the client doesn’t want to be difficult. They just don’t realize what their words actually imply on the technical side.
And that’s normal!
A good developer is also a teacher, a translator of vague needs, and sometimes… a bit of a therapist.
The right approach: setting boundaries without frustrating
A few magical tools to survive these requests:
- A clear brief, signed and validated.
- A list of features with priority levels.
- A good dose of humor (on Slack or in person).
- And most importantly: realistic deadlines. Even Gandalf doesn’t code a complete website in a weekend.
In summary:
Client phrase → What it often means
- “It’s just a landing page” → With animation, mega form, pop-up, and tracking
- “I want a clean design” → But still effects everywhere
- “I want to be able to change everything myself” → Without ever breaking anything
- “I want it to be fast” → Even if I send 4K videos from my iPhone
- “I want it to reflect me” → Without really knowing what I want
What now?
Are you a client who has said “simple” lately? Pas de panique. We do not hold it against you.
However, we can help you transform your great ideas into a concrete, feasible… and well-executed project.
Tell us about your “small project.”
We ensure it is truly simple. Or at least, well-defined.
