Archive for September, 2005
Before hiring a Web Design company to create or re-design your Web site, it may be helpful to answer this question: How will I determine if this project is successful? Does this sound too simple? It might, but you may be surprised by how few business owners consider this question in any detail before embarking on the sometimes hazardous journey towards online marketing.
Considering how you will decide if your project has been successful will help you set objectives that are quantifiable and then to create a plan to measure them. We will call these two components your Design Objectives and Success Metrics. Armed with your objectives, you will be able to choose a Web designer whose skills will help you achieve success. You will also be able to communicate them to your designer or design team and they will function as a steering vision for your project.
While your Design Objectives will be unique to you and your business, some example objectives are included below for your consideration.
For an Informational Web site:
- Clear navigation and fast loading pages
- Positive user experience
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Additional information easily available through the Web site via contact information, Web forms etc.
- Visibility on Search Engine Results Pages for specified key phrases
Some additional objectives specific to an eCommerce Web site:
- Increased customer loyalty
- Efficient checkout process that minimizes confusion
- Products easy to find due to effective categorization and Web site search capabilities
Some possible success metrics for these Web sites might be:
- Meeting a target number of Web site visits, sales, or requests for information
- Positive feedback from customers
- Fewer requests for technical assistance with the Web site
- Increased referral traffic from Search Engines
There are many additional objectives and success metrics to consider. Your goal setting process may be quick and easy or involved - depending on the complexity of your aims. Hopefully these ideas are helpful to you as you begin planning your Web site and choosing your Web designer or design company.
Next Steps:
If this blog post left you wanting more, Harvey Ramer has also written a short e-Book called A No-Nonsense Guide to Creating Your Web Site Design Plan that you may find helpful.
September 27th, 2005
Recently, I checked into a software package devoted to the encryption and obfuscation of page content. Not only does it prevent copying and pasting and printing; it uses Javascript to encrypt and decypher the page content (HTML or JavaScript). WebLock Pro does seem to effectively prevent digital theft. Of course, a determined person probably can find a way around this encryption to steal your content, copy the text longhand, or perhaps do a Print Screen to capture the layout.
Recommendation: While I think it is effective, the WebLock Pro home page has a bug that does not display any information on Firefox until a blocked pop-up is cleared and the page is reloaded (At least on Windows XP Pro with IE and Firefox). Does anyone really need to encrypt all their content to prevent others from viewing it? The web abounds with plagiarism detection tools and email is capable of contacting those who flaunt common ethical boundaries. How many alternative browsers (small screen, audio browsers) does this technique lock out?
Tools for finding copied content:
Code Obfuscators:
September 19th, 2005
Now that everone realizes the importance of keyword rich content in reaching potential customers through search engines, the Web is bursting at the seams with SEO experts and others seeking free content via robots that scrape Web pages and by RSS feeds. The reuse of content is not wrong, in fact it is a major reason RSS was created. This post is simply a plea the Web community to make an effort at crediting the sources from which this information comes.
Borrowing high quality copy from Web sites is always risky even if the content was syndicated via RSS. Here’s how I suggest you approach borrowing content if you feel it is necessary.
- Contact the Webmaster of the site from which you want to borrow to ask for permission. If it is an RSS feed, you may believe you are above reproach to use it without asking, but cover yourself nonetheless.
- Always credit the source conspicuously.
- Always link to the source.
I want to say a word about borrowing concepts and design themes as well. I believe that borrowing is an inherent fact of life. If we see a concept or design motif that works well, we will likely use bits and pieces. At times it is hard to know where to draw the lines.
My reason for writing this post is not to belittle anyone else, but to call attention to the dilemma facing all designers and business people who want to create high quality products, services, and marketing materials. Let’s not give in to the urge to copy directly from one another, but struggle to maintain high standards and to create our own original work - even when it is difficult.
Related Links
- Recently, Step Inside Design included an interesting article about copyright issues that contains some very challenging guidelines. As I read it, I realized how little thought I give copyright issues in general. Shel Perkins raises a very timely and challenging standard. This is the level of professionalism to which I aspire.
- Copyrights, Trademarks & Search Engines
September 17th, 2005
About Face 2.0: The Essentials of Interaction Design, by Alan Cooper and Robert Reimann is not merely a 500 page book of design ideas. It is the compilation of years of real-world software interface design (or interaction design) and consulting research. While addressing the well-known problems resulting from a programmatic approach to interface design, Cooper and Reimann propose the Goal-Directed design method as the solution.
Programmatic interface design is the translation of Boolean logic into visual form. Unlike programmers, users think in terms of tasks and are motivated by a goal. They do not enjoy making choices without a clear sense of how to complete a task and achieve a goal. The result of this design approach is a confused and frustrated end-user. Goal-Directed design is a method that takes the user’s needs into account at every step of the software development process.
About Face 2.0 is a wide-ranging labor of love that addresses the entire software research and development. Topics covered in-depth include:
- Implementation models and mental modes
- Usability research
- Translating goals into design
- Software design best practices
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Visual design principles
- User interaction and controls
- Communicating with users via error messages and other feedback devices
- The installation process
- Designing for the Web
- Designing for embedded systems such as cell phones and handheld devices, kiosks, and smart appliances
The chapter on designing for the Web is of interest to me because it applies the principals of interaction design to the creation of Web sites and Web applications. The authors tackle eight myths about Web design and discuss the difference between static Web page design and the creation of interactive Web applications. Their central point is that developing Web applications requires the same rigorous research and development process as software development for the desktop computer.
Recommendation: Since About Face 2.0 is such a detailed work, it is not an easy read. Don’t get me wrong, the writing is superb, the illustrations aid comprehension, and the content is relevant to any Web application developer. In fact, the main principles of interaction design can be applied to any interactive design project. Because of this, the book is a worthy read for any Web or multimedia designer. Just be sure to set aside adequate time for both reading and reflection and be ready to have your basic assumptions about design challenged!
The book is available for purchase from the publisher at Wiley.com
Title: About Face 2.0: The Essentials of Interaction Design
Authors: Alan Cooper and Robert Reimann
Publisher: Wiley Publishing, Inc.
ISBN: 0764526413
Date: 2003
Format: Paperback
Pages: 540
Cover Price: USD: $35.00 CDN: $52.99 UK: ?24.50
Resources:
September 16th, 2005
Regarding the Purpose of Design
Excellent visual design always serves the message. In most cases, this means that any visual element overpowering type needs to be either eliminated or toned down. If graphic elements are the message, they need to be organized for maximum comprehension.
Therefore, content is more important than design. Good design can clarify a message; bad design obstructs or confuses it. No designer can create a complete message; no design can BE the message.
Regarding the Methods of Design
Design with flexibility. The Web is viewed via many different channels. These include text to speech, cell phones and PDAs, and search engine robots. Intelligent use of CSS can help meet this objective.
Content needs organization and focus. Designing around focused content is less labor intensive and less prone to error. In addition, only a highly focused Web site will rise above the millions of others in the search engine results pages. It is best to figure out who you are and stay on message.
Regarding Teamwork
Planning & consultation is essential. Everything from site architecture to content should be thought about in a team setting before major changes are made. This way, the major stakeholders can be represented in the conclusions reached.
Teams produce superior work. When highly motivated experts collaborate, they bring focus to every aspect of a Web design project. I enjoy the process of creative collaboration immensely.
September 14th, 2005
The Design Delineations team works with manufacturers, retailers, professional services, tourist agencies and chambers of commerce to develop an effective marketing message and deliver it to their intended audience. We do this by conducting market research and offering experience based advice. You will be well supported as you refine your marketing message and clarify your marketing plan.
Design Delineations offers an online marketing consultation. Whether a formal meeting at your office or a casual chat over coffee, our hour together will be well spent! To schedule a consultation, call Harvey Ramer at 877-572-5911 or use our Become a Client form.
September 7th, 2005
Creating a compelling message about your product or service is one of the most difficult challenges any successful business overcomes. It requires a combination of active listening and trial and error. Active listening is empathic identification with the needs of our prospective clients coupled with a willingness to adjust our offerings to meet felt needs. Active listening softens our desire to convince the world that our product or service is perfect as it was initially envisioned.
If our product cannot be changed due to a manufacturing run, we can still listen to objections and change the emphasis of our marketing message to create more value for our prospects. When we view our offerings from our customer’s perspective, we are within reach of crafting a message that effectively converts prospects into customers.
September 7th, 2005
The days of creating a basic Web site and then sitting back to watch the inquiries and dollars roll in are over forever, if they ever really existed. In order to create revenue, a Web site must now be one important component of a wider marketing strategy that focuses on three elements of marketing success: message, medium (delivery channels), and market.
Once you have created a compelling message, you will be ready to distribute it via the many channels the Web provides along with other traditional media.
September 7th, 2005
