While watching Bela Fleck the other night, I was thinking about how precise and structured the music was yet organic and improvisational at the same time. This balance is the core of a good jam and exemplary of building a good web site. There are logical, learned aspects and emotional, intuitive ones. In web development project planning, database design, programming, and testing are usually the methodical parts while the graphic design, content creation and rich media are more exploratory. My favorite aspect of web development is the blending of technical and creative activities into one homogeneous entity. The better this happens, with careful balance, the better the results.

Both technical and creative people can learn from each other. Technical people thrive on structure, but when creativity is added amazing things can happen. The opposite is also true for creative folks. Applying structure to their process can allow them to concentrate on being creative while maintaining uniqueness to their approach. Technical folks can improve their problem solving skills by approaching tasks in new ways. Try having a developer learn a new programming language, or code something by hand not using the software they usually use. Creative folks may be able to improve hard skills such as using complex software and networks. Have a designer work with someone who is organized and efficient. Pair a creative with a technical person to share knowledge. Learning to be proficient within one's working environment allows them to concentrate on the core problem at hand. Being independent of one’s crutches fosters original thought. Different perspectives result in different solutions improving overall team performance.