edurus :: Web Design

Every web presence begins with a good design. There is a big difference between "professional" design and a design that the kid next door (who claims to be a web designer) does.

There is much more that goes into a "professional" design than just pretty pictures. Putting together a detailed strategic plan, designing the architecture of the site, planning for updates and maintenance, ensuring functionality and usability, creation of a site blue print, and then the pretty pictures.

Having a great looking Web site isn't going to mean diddly if it's not functional and easy to get around.

For information on each of the above mentioned issues, please choose from the options above.

The task of planning any successful Web presence begins long before the designing begins. The careful architechture of a Web site plays one of the most important roles in the design and development of all Web projects.

edurus' Creative Director works very closely with all departments to bring all the elements of the project together. The target market of the project is researched and issues related to the target are then taken into consideration when the project is being planned.

Programming considerations, marketing programs and maintenance concerns must all work hand in hand with the overall design.
A blue print of the project is created as well as a creative brief which can follow the project from department to department to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Proper architecture of a Web project does take some time, however, the time and money saved in the long run is significant. Bad or no architecture will mean a project will never fall within budget and can mean serious fixes or complete rebuilds in the future. Many Web projects, large and small have failed horribly due to lack of architecture.

Your Web site won't do you a bit of good if people can't use it. Compatibility is one of the biggest areas overlooked by non-professional Web developers. For some reason they think the only people looking at the site they designed are people who use the same computer, same browser and platform that they use.

edurus takes careful consideration when it comes to compatibilty. We want everyone who comes to the sites we design to be able to use it. We design our Web sites to work cross platform/cross browser.

Every one of our designs must comply to the following basic compatibility requirements:

1. The site must function without error on the following browsers; Internet Explorer 4.x+, Netscape 4.x+, AOL 4.x+.

2. The site must function without error on the following platforms; Windows 95+ and Mac OS.

3. If technology is used that requires a plug-in, the plug-in must be downloadable from the site.

4. The site is designed for a minimum of an 800 X 600 monitor setting.

In addition, we recommend to our clients the following compatibility options:

1. A site compatible with WebTV.

2. A version of the site for 800 X 600 monitors and a version for 1024 X 768 monitors to optimize the users viewing experience.

When we design multiple compatibility options into a site, we make it seamless. The user doesn't even notice that we have optimized the Web site they are seeing for their specific viewing needs. Even though all our Web site designs include our minimum compatibility requirements, we highly recommend including the additional compatibility options. We include the additional options in our quoting process and they can be added in phases for budgetary purposes.

One of the most over looked areas when a Web presence is being created is that of Usability Testing and overall functionality of the site. edurus offers usability testing as part of the overall development of your Web project.

Utilizing individuals from your target market, we run a series of controlled studies to make sure that when your site is launched, you will receive the best possible results.

For more information on Usability Testing contact your project manager.

Unless you're skilled in HTML don't attempt to perform more than basic database upkeep on your own. Get a maintenance contract from your Web integrator.

Maintaining your Web site is essential to success. Keeping content and images fresh is one of the most important steps to a successful Web presence. Make sure your content is useful and meaningful, people are visiting your Web site to get the information they're looking for, make sure you provide them with what they need, otherwise they won't be back.

For more information regarding Web site maintenance and maintenance contracts from edurus, give us a call at 775.885.8333.