Services: Designer + Nerd

The following is an overview of services provided. If there’s something you have a question about, don’t hesitate to ask me about it.

Website design and development

Interactive design (which includes websites) requires more than good graphic design—it is also a combination of clear information architecture and appropriate technologies. Even the zoomiest of interfaces will fail if users cannot find what they need. Pleasing the client eventually comes second to pleasing the user.

Building websites the right way

One important fact to mention is that every attempt is made to build each website using valid markup—this means having a working knowledge of HTML and using each tag and attribute as it was intendend to be used. While this may seem like common practice, there are designers using tools like FrontPage and even Dreamweaver who are satisfied creating sites that appear fine on the surface, but are lacking underneath. Valid markup has several advantages:

  • Smaller file size and, in turn, faster downloads
  • Better search engine recognition
  • Broader compatibility with browsing devices from computers to cell phones to PDAs
  • Better accessibility to handicapped users—especially the visually impaired
  • Simplified updates and even redesigns due to separation of content and style
  • Extended site longevity as a result of fewer hacks and “forced” layouts

All of these features are not added cost—they are simply the result of building websites the right way. Always ask your developer if they are using valid markup.

Production help for agencies and freelancers

Since some art directors and designers would rather eat glass than learn HTML, I often provide production services to convert designs into working websites. I can also consult with print designers regarding layouts and what does and does not work, and even provide the design if desired.

Partners

Producing a website requires several different disciplines, of which I can manage a few. If a client’s needs ever exceed my skills, I partner with other friends in the business whose specialties can help achieving our goals.

Hosting and domain registration

While I am not necessarily a hosting provider, I’m happy to help my clients find hosting services that fit their needs and cost, and help them manage the services provided. Every website also needs a domain, so I’ll not only help my client register a domain, but aid in selecting the most effective domain name.

How much does it cost?

Figuring the cost of a website is sort of like estimating the cost of building a house. How many square feet do you need? How many rooms would you like? What materials do you want to use? In order to provide an accurate estimate, I need to hear in detail what a client expects to get out of their website, and how much they want to spend. With that information, I can determine where to focus my time and resources so I can build a site that matches the client’s needs. Contact me if you would like an estimate.