The Season of (Information) Giving
The 3 Resolutions from Bad Design
As the Holiday Season turns into the new year, most people begin to plan for what’s to come and make (often ill-kept) resolutions to change something significant. (By the way, WBL supports you in any endeavor you resolve for 2009, and we won’t make you feel bad if you fall short either. We’re nice and forgiving like that.) As we start thinking about our personal resolutions, it’s our job in the Lab to get you to consider resolutions that others are making regarding you.
The beautiful (and ugly) part of web design is that standards and technologies are ever changing. What was cool yesterday is old news and possibly bad practice today. So, it’s important that we share with you 3 resolutions that your visitors may have about your brand and company if the design, or user interface (UI) as we like to call it, is lacking.
1. “OMG, they’ve lost touch with the times.”
The worst resolve that your customer can walk away with after visiting your dated website is that you are not progressing as quickly as they need you to be. No matter what industry you are in, you want to show progression with technology, as well as society. Your UI is the beginning of trust being built between your brand and your potential customer. How trustworthy are you at this moment?
2. “They’re in disarray!”
Chances are that your site’s information architecture could use some sprucing up. Most sites dated as little as a few short years ago are no longer structured in what usability experts have determined to be ideal for users. If your copy, graphics, and branding are not cohesive and complementary with each other, you have given users a disservice by making them think harder and organize your services themselves.
3. “<insert competition here> has what I need.”
No, you have what they need and are the best fit. But your competitor has presented and designed their site in a way that persuades your visitor and lures them away from your sweet surrender. Your bad UI may be sending business to your competitors! I hope that makes you as mad as it does us. Well, uneasy. (We should strive to be slow to wrath.)
In most cases, your UI is the first encounter potential customers will have with your company. In this economy, it pays to make a good first impression consistently. Whiteboard Labs creates stunning interfaces (for both sites and custom applications) day-in and day-out. Hey, it’s our job. And we love it! While we try not to toot our own horns around the Lab, every now and again our resident Millennial reminds us it’s ok. (Thanks, Chris!) The plus is that we end up tooting our clients’ horns in the end. Talk to us if you are interested in a site refresh. We’re here and available.
MotionNotes comes Tweet-sized
MotionNotes is set to release an exciting new feature that will enable users to Twitter their messages directly from the composer in the MotionNotes admin. By month end, users will be able to enter their Twitter account information and post MotionNotes easily on to Twitter. By integrating MotionNotes with social media applications, users (including brands) are able to leverage the viral nature of social media with their own messages.
Simon Reynolds named 2008 Employee of the Year
Whiteboard Labs named Simon Reynolds, a very talented designer and musician, as 2008’s Employee of the Year. While every employee deserves the award, this was definitely Simon’s year. He has been diligently working on a large client project and has contributed quality design and insight to the company since starting in Fall of 2007. Simon, we are proud of you and happy to have you working with us! Check out the interview that has everyone talking about our main man!
Cool, worthwhile events in early 2009
There are 2 events approaching in early 2009 that Whiteboard Labs wanted to share with you:
Design Camp
Design Camp takes place Saturday, January 17, 2009, in Bryan, Texas. A gathering of web designers, writers, photographers, developers, and other members of the creative community will convene and present key lessons regarding design and how it affects other pieces of the creative process. It’s completely free and will be a great time! It’s open to the public, so check out the site and make plans to attend.
Mom 2.0 Summit
Mom 2.0 Summit is a conference happening February 19-21, 2009, in Houston. The conference will be a gathering of marketers and moms within social media to converse and share insights and information. With a mix of local and national attendees, the conference is slated to attract top names in social media and brands. The event is being held at the Four Seasons downtown. Check out the site and see if it’s something you, a colleague, or a friend might want to attend!