JBrownell Blog

Wire Frames for my port

justin1980 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:31:42 +0000

McCraw Design

justin1980 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:05:50 +0000

Last week Shawn McCraw from McCraw Design was our guest speaker. This was one of my favorite classes so far. It was nice to hear from a highly successful designer and all the leaps he has faced. I always knew that networking was important and I feel this just goes to show with how Shawn McCraw operates his business. He kept mentioning how he was not the sole designer behind the projects, but a different array of designers and artist working towards on goal. You can’t do it all on your own, but you can be a big part of the success!

Shawn motivated me to start doing things differently, to start sketching again (something I really havent done in a long time), be diverse, observe and listen, and don’t get attached to your work. If you are going to be great at freelancing then you need to be able to sell, and explain reasoning behind what you do. Don’t just find out what your client wants you to do, also find out who they are.

It was also nice and at the same time upsetting to see that some of the problems I have had with clients he also faces. From what I gathered this is going to be an ongoing process through my web design career. The good that came from this was our discussion about contracts and charging for your work. I have a clearer picture of how this should be done, and to get content in a quicker manner.

Overall, I gathered a load of information and motivation from Shawn, and really enjoyed this guest speaker.

Never stop learning!

Ummm

justin1980 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:43:18 +0000

“http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd”>

Untitled Document

THIS IS URGENT!

Creates a button
onclick=”makeLessUrgent();” /> When button is clicked displays “Dealt with” with css style of notsourgent

Me trying to explain some JavaScript code?

justin1980 — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:55:29 +0000

We are learning JavaScript in my scripting class and was asked to try and explain some code. I am going to do my best, but dont take my word.

Closes Script tag

onLoad=”showTime()“> When site loads show “showtime” (5:50:46:P.M.) in the body of the page

Week 1 Intro to JavaScript

justin1980 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:57:17 +0000

JavaScript provides action for a page. It is a seq. of statements to be performed by the browser. You can create cookies, perform visual effects, validate data, and many more other actions. JavaScript first appeared in 1995 originated by Netscape navigator and was created to eliminate slow download times.

JavaScript is made up of three parts:

ECMA- which provides the core function. Its a base for more robust scripting
DOM-Document Object Model. Page made with an heirarchy of nodes. Provides methods and interfaces for working with content.
BOM-Browser Object Model is the least standardized and allows a browser to perform many different things.

Sever-Side is all the processing power used by a web site. Some examples are CGI,ASP, or PHP. Where as Client-Side uses less bandwidth and runs in the browser. Its like the horsepower of the users computer.

WEB 2.0 is the transition from static html pages to a more dynamic web pages that are organized and serving the applications better.

Ajax is asynchronous JavaScript and was made popular by Google in 2005. It is a new way to use existing standards and was made to build highly interactive and responsive web applications.

RIA (rich internet application) is used to combine the desktop with the web.

Bolin Steger Outline

justin1980 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:46:41 +0000

HOME PAGE

Visual Statement/ About Bolin Steger

Rotating Images with quotes from testimonials

Custom Designs

Exterior Images

Interior Images

Outdoors/Landscaping Images

Floor Plans

Building Process

Pre Construction

Construction

Post Construction

What to expect

Time Frames

Warranty

FAQ’s

Lending Info

Companies/Materials we use

Glossary of Terms

Contact Bolin Steger

Make an Appointment

Call for a quote

Usability Testing for Bolin Steger Homes

justin1980 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:11:14 +0000

Jon

• Would like to see a building process explaining the steps and time frames between pre-construction and post-construction.
• Main focus for site would need to prove the dependability of the builder.
• Would like to see a pricing per foot.
• What companies and materials does the builder use?

Thomas

• Would like to see facts and the benefits to using this builder.
• Be able to zoom into pics for details.
• Thinks the building process info isn’t necessary for the web site, would rather hear it in person.
• Photos are key!
• The price per square foot could scare away potential customer’s, plus the prices could change. Suggested a call for a quote under the FAQ or Contact nav menus.

Berry

• A few key testimonials on the Home menu, separate testomials on specific areas of the build. (kitchen, bathrooms, etc.)
• Thinks that having the building process helps to show Bolins Stegger’s commitment to there work and that he has a plan.
• Is wondering how many people go to Bolin Steger’s location. As a builder does he go to the customer? If so is a Map necessary?
• Like’s the call for a quote suggestion better than the price per square foot.

Wylie

• The site nav is simple and easy to use.
• Doesn’t think there should be a Glossary of terms.
• When asked where to find Lending info he said under the FAQ or it should have its own section.
• Likes the building process to give you a time line of your build.
• There should only be a Map if there are built neighborhoods or an office.
• Likes the call for quote better than price per square foot. Thinks the price per square foot would change to often.
• The quote section should be under the Contact nav menu.

Jesse
• Would first look for photos or floorplans before looking at the building process.
• Likes the building process to show the steps that Bolin Steger takes to build homes. Builds confidence in the builder.
• Would like to know who the contractors are that would be working on the home before he starts building.
• Would like to see a pic of the builder in the home page, helps in judging character.
• Feels a Glossary of Terms is not needed for future or potential clients, only for those who are currently building. Is this site for both or just future clients?

Web Site Reviews

justin1980 — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:24:59 +0000

Origin Homes

This is the best of the three web sites that I reviewed. It has the easiest navigation, it is organized very well, and has a good color scheme. I like how the navigation is set up in two different areas, you can view information about the company or you can view different neighbor hoods built by the company. I like the flash in the main content area showing the different homes, although I feel as if it is playing to fast not allowing the viewer to see the quality of the homes.

Central City Builders

This web site seems more urban than the others. I feel like its targeting younger professionals who live in the metro area. The site is simple and easy to navigate. I think the site would be better with more information and a picture gallary of some of their work.

Lamar Homes

I am not a fan of this web sites layout. The first thing you see is a link to bring you to vacation rentals, this may cause viewers to shy away from what the company’s main product. Another big problem with the site is you have to scroll down the page before you get to the navigation menu. Another issue is that on my laptop I also have to scroll right to view more of the page. The pictures seem disorganized and there are random links through out the page. The color scheme is decent for a home builder with a white background and earth tone text.

Client Survey

justin1980 — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:46:15 +0000

General Info

1. What is the name of your company and your current (intended) URL?
Bolin Steger Homes, LLC
bolinsteger.com

2. Who are the primary contacts from your organization, and who has final approval on the project? Please list names, titles, email addresses and phone numbers.
Private Info

Current Site

1. Do you feel your current site promotes a favorable user experience? Why or why not?
No, it’s inoperable. It was started by another “webmaster” but never completed.

2. How important is it to maintain your current look and feel, logo, and branding?
Branding is still in progress. I wish to develop a brand of understated elegance. My clients are over 40 years of age, have acheived success in the business world, and are skeptical of flashy, hard sale gimmicks. They are primarily seeking well-constructed comfort and practicality in a new home, void of conspicuous consumption.

Redesign

1. What are your primary online business objectives with the site? What are your secondary objectives? Please discuss both long and short term goals.
To provide information to prospective clients. Business leads are generated solely by referral, and the website needs to provide followup information on Bolin Steger Homes, as well as the construction process.

2. What is the main business problem you hope to solve with the site redesign? How will you measure the success of the solution?
To create an user-friendly, reassuring source of information.

3.What existing strategy (both on- and offline) is in place to meet the new business objectives?
Provide accurate, guiding information that leads client to choose Bolin Steger Homes.

Audience/Desired Action

1. Describe a typical site visitor. How often are they online, and what do they generally use the web for? Give basic demographics: age, occupation,income level, purchasing habits, etc. (please use as much detail as possible in profiling your target audience)
Over 40 years of age
Married, with older children, or empty nesters
Professional
Over $150k income
Cautious consumers
Experienced homeowners

2. What is the primary “action” the site visitor should take when coming to your site (make a purchase, become a member, search for info, etc.)?
After viewing website, the prospective client will contact Bolin Steger Homes with followup questions specific to their individual new home desires.

3. What are the key reason the target audience chooses your company’s products and/or services?
Understanding that Bolin Steger Homes will provide them with exemplary customer service in the design and construction of their unique home.

Perception

1. Use a few adjectives to describe how your site visitor should perceive the new site. Is this different than the current image perception?
Understandable. Honest. User-friendly.

2. How is your company currently perceived offline? Do you want to carry the same kind of message through your website?
(Site is not currently active.)

3. How does your company differentiate itself from competitors? Do you thin your current audience differentiates you from your competition? Please list some competitors URL’s.
Any/all Austin-area custom home builders’ websites.

4. List a few URL’s of sites that you find compelling. What is it about these sites that you like?

Content

1. Describe visual elements or content that should be utilized from your current site or merketing materials (logo, color scheme, navigation, etc.).
Warm colors, traditional font styles, appropriate pictures accompanying the different pages of subject matter.

2. Do you already have a sitemap or outline for the proposed redesign?
Their is a rough start, but not functional.

Technology

1. What is your target platform and browser? Whom can I talk to in your organization to help respond to technical issues?
BlueHost.com

2. Are there are specific technologies (flash, javascript, DHTML, etc.) that you would like to use in your website? If so how will they enhance he experience?
Unsure.

3. Will you require other specific programing needs (such as personalization or search capability)? Please describe in detail.
Unsure.

Marketing

1. How do most people find out about your website? What kind of triggers prompt a visit (referral links, incentives, search engine terms) What methods of distributing the URL already exist within the company on and offline?
Most probably by word of mouth. I would be interested in learning more on this topic.

2.Do you have a existing or planned marketing scheme in mind to promote this sites redesign? If so, please describe.
No.

3.Do you intend to keep the site updated? If so, how often? How is responsible for updating and providing content?
Yes. I need the ability to update it with better photos, new lending information, etc.

The Site Development Process

justin1980 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:53:30 +0000

The Site Development Process

This is a great article of all the steps needed to make a functioning web site for any size company, organization or individual. Your website represents you and the whole world can view it, therefore good planning and organizing must be established. You wouldn’t just pick up a hammer and start building a house with out a well thought out blue print, materials, scheduling, etc.. So why do the same for your web site. This article shows that maintaining the web site after it is initially built is just as important as building the web site. Same as with a house, after you spent all that time and money building you just wouldnt let it sit and fall apart never maintaining it. When you ask someone to visit for a BBQ the chances of them going are slim. Same as for your web site, if you dont maintain it, over time you will lose visitors.

This article describes the complex web development in six major areas,

Site definition and planning

Information architecture

Site design

Site construction

Site marketing

Tracking, evaluation, and maintenance

I believe that this is a good structure of how to design a complex web site. From my previous experience as an expeditor/planner for a MFG company I learned quickly that defining and planning what you want to happen is one of the most important steps. You wouldn’t design your shop floor with out defining what areas will make or do a particular step of the overall process and then planning a flow of how this process will happen. Same as with any web site, define its purpose and then plan on the most efficient way to have a good flow without bottlenecking in any spot. One bottleneck can deter any future or current customers/users.

This article mentions site marketing and site tracking. I feel these are two very important components to a function complex web site. First you need to get people to view your site, and this will not happen just by you designing one, name your target audience and go after them. Once you have your audience you need to know whats working and what is not. Tracking what users are doing on your web site is the best way to do this. Where are they going the most, how long are they staying, and where are they not going. Now, you have a model to make the less used areas of your site function and do there job of holding on to the user.