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
Read more about The Way We Build WebsitesDennis Deacon
Text-Decoration vs. Border-Bottom
The topic of using text-decoration versus border-bottom for hyperlinks recently cross my mind. To be honest, I had never consider the effects and impacts of these two different implementations. However, since playing with these concepts, it has become quite an important usability item to me.
Read more about Text-Decoration vs. Border-BottomEvangelize Yourself for a Change
I evangelize about things that I’m passionate about. I’ve evangelized about the web and web design for over ten years. I attend web-related meetups and get really wound up about the topic. Segue to the networking side of those same meetups. I stumble. Ok, I fall flat on my face. I typically find someone to introduce myself to, but it
Read more about Evangelize Yourself for a ChangeModular CSS – Flexible Web Design
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
Read more about Modular CSS – Flexible Web DesignGreat New Web Design Podcast
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
Read more about Great New Web Design PodcastLet’s Eliminate Sexism in the Web Industry
My typical post center around sharing my knowledge and experience with other web professionals. This particular post will depart from the norm and cover the very important topic of diversity & respect in the web industry, specifically related to gender. I recently attended the 200th episode of the Boagworld podcast. The podcast celebrated by spanning twelve hours with special guests;
Read more about Let’s Eliminate Sexism in the Web IndustryToo Much Emphasis De-emphasizes Content
Early in my web career, say 2000, I was always told to limit what you emphasize. The theory is that the more you emphasize, the less something is emphasized. I remember debating with several content producers on this topic.
Read more about Too Much Emphasis De-emphasizes ContentBLP Labels
This website redesign project was referred by my web design partner. A printing business has an existing site, which was outdated and not representing the company’s products and services. We worked with the client to examine their competition and agree upon an information architecture that would provide results. After creating wireframes that represented the content for each page type, my
Read more about BLP LabelsLindblad Alaska
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.
Read more about Lindblad AlaskaUser Experience and Mobile Flash
I recently had a bad experience at a local restaurant. So what does that have to do with web design? My wife & I were told to view the carryout menu online. As we were physically at the restaurant, we attempted to view the menu on the restaurant’s website from our smart phones. That failed, due to the site being
Read more about User Experience and Mobile FlashUpdate Your Copyright Date Automatically
It’s a new year, and it’s time to get back to work. So why do your websites still read © last year or worse? Most web site owners forget to update their copyright date. And it’s easy to understand why. For most sites, the footer, where the copyright date usually sits, is below the fold and in small type anyways.
Read more about Update Your Copyright Date AutomaticallyTrubyLaw
This web design project was for a business lawyer client in Los Angeles, California. The project involved information architecture, wireframes and Photoshop design mock-ups. The site was then built on the WordPress CMS platform leveraging a web standards approach. It encompasses the clients need to communicate that their legal services provide direction. Highlights About the site WordPress, standards-based website Completed
Read more about TrubyLawDecember Chicago Dreamweaver Meetup Wrap-up
We are truly blessed. No, I’m not getting religious. As a web professional, we here in Chicago are truly bless.
Read more about December Chicago Dreamweaver Meetup Wrap-upThe Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands 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. The site leverages Cufon, a font-replacement technology, that allowed me to target the well-established supplier branding. As the Galapagos Islands are a unique destination,
Read more about The Galapagos IslandsCSS Styling for ASP.NET Applications
I just concluded a month long, onsite project for a mid-to-large sized company. The project was to consolidate several client-side applications into one web-based application for corporate & field employees. It was personally rewarding on several levels (besides financial). First, got to work with a company that has a seemingly great culture of teamwork and respect, of which I truly
Read more about CSS Styling for ASP.NET ApplicationsPrevious Blog Posts
My previous blog posts will remain on the WordPress.com platform for historical purposes. View past blog posts (pre-Oct. 25, 2009)…
Read more about Previous Blog PostsSmiles by Design
The client, who created the initial 10-year old website using Frontpage, was my dentist at the time. For many years, I commented on how I could freshen up the look of his website while increasing the chance the site would rank better on the search engines. After several off and on discussions over a period of years, he finally decided
Read more about Smiles by DesignJean-Jacques Bernard Furniture Studio
The client had an existing table-based website which was designed by the hosting company. In two years, the client had never received any leads from the website. Desperate to increase business, Jean-Jacques was referred to me to redesign the website, making it more effective. The redesigned website incorporated a web standards-based approach with search engine optimization in mind, while increasing
Read more about Jean-Jacques Bernard Furniture StudioSecond City Scooters
The client contacted my web design partner requesting a redesign of a site who’s business they purchased. The old site had a grunge, retro feel to it, and didn’t match the new owner’s fun retro tone they wanted to achieve. As this was a seasonal business and the season fast approaching, we worked with the business owner to determine the
Read more about Second City ScootersCruise West Alaska
Cruise West Alaska is a lead generating microsite for a travel agency which specializes in small ship cruises. It was my first web standards-based website and has been quite effective for the business. Highlights About the site Completed 2008 Microsite; supplier and destination focused Work performed Web Design & Development Flash Video processing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Technologies Used (X)HTML
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