|
Case Study One: Architect Portfolio
We were flattered when Browne & Fuller* (see footnote), an award-winning architecture firm, offered us the opportunity to work on the renovation of their website. The highlight of their website was to be their portfolio, where they would showcase their work. "The portfolio needs to be easy to update," a client e-mail early into the project defined. "Everything else remains pretty constant. It's the portfolio that needs to be updated often as we complete our projects."
We gutted out the website entirely, rebuilding an interface and information architecture from scratch. Six weeks later, we deployed a site that featured an aesthetically pleasing interface and a full-scale administrative area, allowing the architecture firm to make necessary updates and changes as they pleased without the aid of a web designer.
The following are three particular areas of the new site we would like to highlight for you, stemming from the firm's portfolio area. All three are customized solutions developed specifically for their needs.
GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION
The back-end administratve area featured a section where general project information would be placed. Browne & Fuller expressed interest in having the lead paragraph to be a bit outstanding than the rest of the feature, inspiring us to recommend a gif featuring lettering that would be highlighted. The back-end accomodated the customized image upload, as well as a defined character-limit text box for contributing the body copy.
One thing we couldn't shake was the sophistation of the firm. Meeting in their office, a gorgeous loft overlooking the Hudson, we were enraptured with their sense of sleek style. We attempted to "bring out the cool," as the head designer of this project noted, by using the color black as a base and working with orange and slate highlights to indicate a icy, sleek feel without compromising the clean interface or appearing too offstandish. Our color selection was later fully adopted by the firm in their corresponding print letterhead.
PROJECT TEAM INFORMATION
Researching the architecture field, we realized that more than the name of the firm was required to herald a successful project; most onlookers would be curious as to the individual members of the team. As a first in online architecture websites, we encouraged the firm to upload team information. These names are easily published via another section in the back-end administrative area.
Position title and small photograph of the project lead would be automatically pulled from a small database where such information regarding each member of the firm is stored.
PHOTO GALLERY
Our favorite element of this site is the photo gallery, where the website administrators are able to upload up to three full images and their corresponding thumbnails (thumbnails being optional) for the user to view as they read about the project. Browne & Fuller had originally requested the photo gallery to reside outside of the portfolio; however, we argued the necessity for the user to read about the project with all its accompanying photographs on the same page for sake of continuity and clarity. This recommendation was later well lauded.
"SWEET."
"Sweet," was the one word response we received from the firm once the site was deployed. In the weeks to follow, our client representative forwarded us positive feedback from members of the firm. "Could updating be any easier?" "I would've never thought of making that photo gallery embedded within the page. Excellent!" "This is as user-friendly as it gets!" "A pleasant surprise! Your final total came out to be $1,000 less than we budgeted." "The number of inquiries to our services has risen 30% within the past two weeks [from first launching the site]." and, our personal favorite "Marry us! You make us so happy!"
CASE STUDY FOOTNOTE (*)
* By request of our clients, the names of the companies used in our case studies have been changed. However, all other elements, including interface and functionlities, remain the same and are portrayed accurately. For a list of references or access to working demonstrations, please contact us.
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERNET GOALS?
What brings you here? What are your internet goals? Please feel free to review the case study and do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to inquire further. We would appreciate the opportunity to assist you in establishing the strong online presence you deserve. We embody your dreams, share in your efforts, and work earnestly towards your success.
| 
