Design
I strive to build clean, standards-compliant, accessible, user-oriented web sites. I was taught to write elegant code for uncluttered, content-focused web sites. Along with compelling design, I've learned that logical, user-friendly navigation structure and information architecture are critical to any web site's success.
Web site design / redesign
Whether you need a brand new web site, or an evaluation and redesign of an existing one, I can help. I deliver original designs and redesigns that help you reach the widest possible audience. Contact me me to discuss your project.
Web Standards
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) developed a set of widely accepted standards for web design and development. I work hard to make sure the sites I build meet these standards. Web sites that comply with web standards have several advantages for the designer, developer, client, and user. Some advantages are:
- Faster design process
- Reduced file size
- Reduced bandwidth usage
- Faster page downloads
- Simplified site maintenance and updating
- Increased potential audience
- Increased ease of use
- Consistent rendering across browsers/platforms
- Decreased overall costs
Accessibility
Building a site with web standards implies the separation of its content from its presentation. This separation makes it easier for the site to effectively comply with accessibility specifications, and engage the widest possible audience.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act both cover web sites. Making sure your site complies with published accessibility standards now can save your organization from costly and embarrassing anti-discrimination litigation in the future.
Although written with disabled internet users in mind, there are general business advantages to compliance with accessibility guidelines. Imagine the content of your web site equally reaching users with low-bandwidth internet connections, old or text-only browsers, screen readers, PDAs and wireless devices without any fancy scripting or proprietary technology.
Although not used widely enough, there are many others advocating the use of web standards and accessibility specifications.
Learn more about web standards and accessibility by visiting WaSP, W3C, MACCAWS, ALA, WAI, WCAG, and others
User-centered design (UCD)
I believe a web site cannot truly serve its purpose if it is not easy to use. User research and usability testing should be part of any web design, or redesign process. Development time and money can be saved when a web site's intended audience is surveyed first, to determine the expectations and requirements they have for the site.
Contact me me to discuss converting your web site to an accessible, usable, standards-compliant design.
Digital imaging and optimization
I can prepare your original photos to be used on your web site. In doing so, I can retouch, restore and enhance them. I also provide the same photo enhancement services for print. Contact me me to discuss your digital imaging or print photography project.
My design process
Each individual project may require a unique process, but the following steps will give you an idea of how I work with you to learn about your needs and requirements, evaluate your goals and deliver results.
First, we meet to ask and invite lots of questions from each other. I find out as much about you, your project and your ideas as possible. I take the information with me and use it to develop designs to fit your needs.
We meet again and I show you several distinctive and unique ideas for your project, and discuss your reaction to each. You may decide at this point which design you want to implement, or take some time to consider your decision.
After you decide on a design, we iron out the details, making sure to document the results of the discussion.
- I develop your project.
- I deliver your project to you for review.
- Any edits are made and reviewed again.
- The final project is delivered or published live on the web.
We may meet in person or make arrangements to communicate using email, telephone and various delivery services.
Contact me me to discuss your web or digital imaging needs.