Web Design

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We believe in standards-based design using CSS and xHTML. Although that is our preference, we can equally code in other variations.

We have some experience dealing with CSS issues and cross browser implementation issues.

We can utilize many different technologies including PHP, SQL (in many flavors), Java, and Javascript. We work to achieve not only an attractive, clean looking, functional site, but also one that is maintainable. We are familiar with various graphic formats and can choose the ones best suited to the task.

We also work to build a site that is maintainable after it is built. A website should be a dynamic space. This means that things change. The website should be designed to make that change as straightforward as possible. This involves several aspects: ease of change, ease of identification of change, and as few places to change as possible (preferably one).

By the proper separation of content from design, we can make major design changes without rewriting a single page. Or, we can rewite the content of a page without worrying about how it might break the visual design.

We have successfully done this for a number of sites. Change is good. When change is easy, that's even better. When change is simple, it can be done faster. When change is easy and simple, it can be cheaper.

What You Can Expect From Us

Some of the things you can expect if we build your site (at no extra charge):

  • Web site design choices
  • W3C validation
  • Compatibility: Internet Explorer (win 5.5+/mac 5.2+), AOL, Safari, Netscape Navigator 6+, Firefox
  • Form to Mail processing
  • Image galleries
  • Blogs
  • RSS feeds
  • Built-in custom search
  • Fast loading pages
  • Search engine optimization
  • All images have 'alt' tags (improves accessability)
  • Meta tag set up
  • Structured markup (improves web search standings)
  • Previews and testing
  • Final site approval

What We Don't Do

Some of the things you are unlikely to find on sites we build:

  • "This page under construction"
  • Full page graphics
  • Highly patterned backgrounds
  • Garish colors or images
  • Broken links

Design Goals

Form Follows Function
This means that layout, design, and flow are based on acheiving the functional needs.

Simplify for Clarity
Often, people simplify to make things easier. When you simplify without seeking clarity, you can end up losing some of the important details. We seek to maintain all the important elements as we simplify so that the user won't get confused.

Clear Navigation
The user should be able to know where they are and know how to get to where they want to go.

Identity
For best results the site should establish an identity. This lets the user know where they are. As they move about on the site we seek to maintain that identity.

Consistency
The site should maintain a consistent feel throughout. Major elements (like navigation) should not move about from page to page. Navigation should also not change in method from page to page. Basic elements can adapt, but not in ways that are contrary to this basic rule.

Standards-Based
This provides better compliance and maintainability for the site. A detailed description of Standards-Based website design provides a more complete explanation.

What Does This All Mean?

Each site we build not only meets the standards, but it makes for a maintainable site that can be modified easily. The visual design makes the pages easy to traverse and allows users to find what they are looking for.

The content for each page contains no layout information, so content providers that are inexperienced in HTML can still build correct pages by following a few simple rules. The CSS provides the layout allowing for complex formatting without the HTML hassles associated with embedded formatting. Take a look at the source [View Source] of any of our pages (including this one) and notice how simple the HTML is. This simplicity is fundamental to providing a reliable and maintainable set of pages.