Time for Restaurants to Get Their Websites Right

Posted May 20th, 2011 in User Experience, Web Design by deconspray

I previously wrote about an experience where a restaurant forced me to visit their website for their menu, only to discover that their website (including their menu) were in Flash.

Recently, I again had the need to lookup a restaurants menu online, via a mobile device. This time, the menu was in PDF format, making me traverse virtual hoops to see what the restaurant offered. Why do restaurants make it so hard to obtain information? Continue Reading »

Delving into a Website the Wrong Way

Posted November 15th, 2010 in Web Design by deconspray

— “Put the cart before the horse.”

Why do website owner’s do this? All the time? They come up with a great website element or feature. Then, they build the site around it. But they forget the primary reason for the site. The goal. Increase sales. Sell books. Increase downloads of brochures. They’ll all agree that these are the reasons they wanted a website in the first place.

Then why is the goofy menu, or the tacky videos the focus?

Continue Reading »

The latest…

Posted September 25th, 2010 in Latest, Professional by deconspray

It’s been a while since I last posted to the blog here. A lot of things have happened in my live, both professionally and personally. I’ll cover the professional here.

In June, I started a contract gig at United Airlines as a HTML Developer. Hands-on, indeed. It has been an adventure and a great experience. Although I don’t yet write my own JavaScript, I’ve been engaged in working with JavaScript, calling on the expertise of others. I’ve actually written and worked with JSP more than JavaScript. This, from a front-end guy.

It has, although, placed my on an emotional roller coaster. A good chunk of it relates to my lack of control; being able to handle certain tasks on my own. And there’s the “things” that just drive you nuts (nope, won’t go into it).

When this gig is over, I will be a better web professional. Stay tuned. I promise to be more prolific with my writing soon.

The Way We Build Websites

Posted March 16th, 2010 in Latest, Web Design by deconspray

Late last year, I wanted to verify thoughts I had on web design and the industry, specifically related to the web design process. I tapped my network at LinkedIn to poll. The results are definitely not scientific, as the questions were polled at different times, with different responders. Consider this just a quick check into the industry, not an all encompassing survey, like A List Apart’s Web Design Survey. Continue Reading »

Modular CSS – Flexible Web Design

Posted February 24th, 2010 in CSS, Latest, Web Design by deconspray

I really don’t know the official term to describe this method. It’s not new, by all means. However, it’s a powerful method of using CSS code & classes effectively and efficiently.

Multiple CSS Classes

First, you may not be aware that you can use multiple css classes on elements. Example:
<p class="classone classtwo"></p>
Here’s where the power comes in. We can use these multiple classes to separate the structure from the “skin.” Continue Reading »

Great New Web Design Podcast

Posted February 18th, 2010 in Latest, Web Design by deconspray

Just learned of a great new web design podcast.

The Pipeline, hosted by Dan Benjamin, features interviews with leading designers, developers, writers, and entrepreneurs. The first episode featured Jeffrey Zeldman, designer, founder of ALA. I found this to be the best interview with Jeffrey.

Other shows feature interviews with Ryan Carson and Jason Fried, with more interviews to come.

Visit the web site to listen to individual interviews, or subscribe via iTunes.

Lindblad Alaska

Posted January 30th, 2010 in B-to-C, Content Management Systems, Featured, Portfolio, Web Standards-Based by deconspray

Lindblad Alaska is a standards-based, lead-generation, travel-related microsite designed for an existing client and developed on a WordPress CMS. Much of the look n’ feel was derived from existing branding from travel supplier print material. I participated in the end-to-end design & development of the website.  Continue Reading »

December Chicago Dreamweaver Meetup Wrap-up

Posted December 16th, 2009 in Latest, Web Design by Dennis

We are truly blessed.

No, I’m not getting religious. As a web professional, we here in Chicago are truly bless. Continue Reading »