It’s in the Details: Seven Secrets of a Successful InternationalWebsite
Posted on Jul 3, 2008 08:38:54 PM
Your customers want to feel like you are speaking to them. They want to feel like you understand them. This can be a relatively straightforward task if your target market shares your language and culture. But what if it doesn’t?
In a world where web sites are the calling cards of most companies, localizing web content for your international audience is the key. Part of localization involves translating your website into Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Details, InternationalWebsite, Secrets, Seven, SuccessfulCapture a Screencast with a Mac
Posted on Jun 29, 2008 05:52:39 PM
As a writer, I often make screenshots to accompany my tutorials, blog posts, and articles. But, sometimes, static screenshots aren’t up to the job of clearly illustrating a point.
I recently wrote Web Accessibility: The Flip Side of the Coin for About This Particular Mac (ATPM). I wanted to demonstrate how using multiple links with non-unique text, such as “Read more…” can be confusing, and created a Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Capture, Screencast, withThe Psychology of Navigation
Posted on Jun 28, 2008 08:37:23 AM
So, what do you do?
When people ask me what I do for a living, I usually tell them I design Web sites. Let’s face it, most people who ask that question want an answer they can understand, not an indoctrination. That’s why I don’t often use the phrase “information architect” among the uninitiated. It causes too much trouble.
It causes trouble because it’s not always easy to explain the complexities Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Navigation, PsychologyWeb Globalization On A Local Budget
Posted on Jun 26, 2008 05:36:56 PM
When we think of user-centered design we have yet another user to consider in our designs—the rest of the world. We have all seen large Web sites such as BBCs World Service, IBM, Macromedia and others that have not only created sites in other languages (internationalization), but also customized their content to the particular region they are targeting (localization). Essentially they have created multiple versions of their site, which Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Budget, Globalization, LocalWhat happens when the people come?
Posted on Jun 26, 2008 08:17:13 AM
Every experienced web designer knows that web statistics are important. Okay, now quick, think of a time when you responded directly to changes in web traffic in a tangible, tactical way. I'm guessing that some of you out there may be able to provide a few examples. Maybe not, though. The most common use of web statistics has always been to justify the existence of a site: "see boss, people are using the site, we can't stop now..." Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Come, happens, people, What, whenIntroduction to Django: Helping Perfectionists With Deadlines
Posted on Jun 25, 2008 08:18:49 PM
Django is an open-source Web framework, written in Python, that allows you to easily and rapidly develop interactive, data-centric web applications. It came into being when two Web developers—Adrian Holovaty and Simon Willison—in Kansas, after moving their newspaper’s website from PHP to Python, found themselves repeatedly solving similar problems. They decided to extract the common functionality and released the resulting Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Deadlines, Django, Helping, Introduction, Perfectionists, withOffline Marketing
Posted on Jun 24, 2008 05:05:57 PM
Looking Back
It wasn’t so long ago that dotcom startups, new media, and break-out Internet companies were pushing their name on the general public through various print ads, massive public banners, radio and television spots, as well as ridiculous and outrageous publicity events. All of these advertising methods proved an effective way to get their names out, but failed to truly establish brand awareness. Whether or not this contributed Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Marketing, OfflineDownload A Better Browser and Help Set A World Record
Posted on Jun 17, 2008 01:28:51 AM
If you are a designer and you haven’t heard of Firefox, I want to know where you’ve been. Seriously. No need to panic, because today is the official download day for the new Firefox 3.
Firefox offers a faster, safer browsing experience. To get the details, check out this page where you’ll find out more about what makes Firefox a better browser.
Today is the day that the Firefox Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Better, Browser, download, Help, Record, WorldA-Z Indexes to Enhance Site Searching
Posted on Jun 11, 2008 09:46:51 PM
Facilitate searching, not just navigation
An important part of an information architect’s job is to make it easier for users of a Web site or intranet to find the information they want. Usually the focus is on site navigation—the site’s structural design, hierarchy, page titles and labels, menu design, site map, and so on.
Another way to address making information on a Web site easy to find is through search functionality. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Enhance, Indexes, Searching, SiteHow to Build a Green Business
Posted on Jun 11, 2008 09:43:52 AM
In an age of inconvenient truths, global warming, and “green is good” messages in the mass media, Sustainability has become a popular catchphrase and the new marketing must-have for many companies. But what does it truly mean? And how can it apply to your business?
In this article, I’ll discuss how our web design and development company incorporated sustainability into our business model, and how other development Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Build, Business, Green