Blog

Allerton Health Centre Website Launch

2011-07-19T10:52:14Z

The goal of the project was to transform the existing treatment focussed microsite into a much more immersive, content rich and community oriented user experience. The Allerton Health Centre has been based on Smithdown Road, Allerton for over 20 years, delivering quality complementary health services to the local community.

It has a strong reputation for first rate care in areas of osteopathy, physiotherapy, colonic hydrotherapy, acupuncture, massage, cranial osteopathy, reflexology, reiki, aromatherapy, chinese and western herbal medicine. Our objective was to communicate this value through the user experience but in a highly accessible, structured and none-overpowering way.

The suggestion was to take the overlapping sections of treatments, practitioners and general healthcare and merge them naturally throughout the website in addition to leveraging other channels such as social media and email marketing.

Responsive Web Design

2011-06-21T08:55:22Z

It’s not that I am a naysayer, far from it. I’ve read Ethan Marcotte’s most excellent and recently published treatise as well as his earlier essay at A List Apart. I’ve read Andy Clarke’s take on things in the immaculate Hardboiled Web Design.

As have I read numerous opinions, articles and debates on the subject. I remain firmly unconvinced. Not unconvinced of the technical prowess, the user experience goals, the aim to make the world a better place but more unconvinced at the short and medium term commercial need for this approach.

Marc Drummond waxes lyrical about how Ethan gave him an epiphany (http://marcdrummond.com/web-standards/2011/06/20/hell-bad-devices-responsive-web-design-and-web-standards) which is perhaps testament to Marc’s abilities since all Ethan gave me was a headache and an overwhelming sense that I had to start doing math all over again.

In fairness Jeffrey Zeldman does point out in the forward that those expecting a box of tricks to sprinkle over a new website will need to look elsewhere; it’s hardcore.

It is set to become the first large scale implementation of responsive web design and for this reason, it’s a pretty big deal.

Great. But I say it again. It’s unlikely the Boston Globe will ever be a client of ours. For those struggling with the reference, Ethan Marcotte has been heavily involved with the redesign of the Globe’s new, as yet unreleased, website. It is set to become the first large scale implementation of responsive web design and for this reason, it’s a pretty big deal.

The thing with the Globe is they no doubt have firstly MANY users and secondly a multitude of devices, platforms and browser versions interacting with their content. As a news outlet a much higher percentage than norm of these devices will be smarthphones and tablets.

So the Globe is a fantastic candidate for a responsive approach. As a ‘publisher’ they are also a prime candidate for a content out approach so this is your bone fide, planets all lined up, universal harmony project for responsive. Fab.

They also have a significant budget and the means with which to contract the best and the brightest to build something truly amazing. Of course this sort of project and the persons writing the books, essays and articles are operating in the top 1% of the industry.

To use an architectural analogy it’s like offering a retired couple looking for a conservatory the latest insight into Norman Foster’s contemporary thinking on stadia design. Overkill!!

For the rest of us it’s a little different. To use an architectural analogy, it’s like offering a retired couple looking for a conservatory the latest insight into Norman Foster’s contemporary thinking on stadia design. Overkill!!

We’re all to blame of course. As web designers there exists some unseen force which pulls us towards the latest and greatest. Chasing our heros through twitter, subscribing to every blog, sitting opened jawed at web conferences, we dream of pier review and acceptance into the hallowed halls of web infamy.

The day to day commercial reality can be somewhat less glamourous. Technically ignorant clients, constrained budgets, timescales and limited content. We long for clients who allow us the freedom to go on an idealogical expedition on their dime, but of course that doesn’t happen.

We long for clients who allow us the freedom to go on an idealogical expedition on their dime

How do I even explain responsive web design to the majority of clients? If I don’t how do I justify the need for a bigger budget to support more devices? I’ve read a few extracts claiming that responsive needn’t mean more costly. Rubbish.

The notion that responsive web design does not add time and effort to a project is nonsense. And before anybody throws agile and browser prototyping in my face I say rubbish to that too.

The notion that responsive web design does not add time and effort to a project is nonsense.

Bypass Photoshop and simply design in the browser. Hmmm, yes I’ve seen the ubiquitous two column responsive layout too. Let’s not be overly liberal with the word design shall we.

So why not just go ahead and deploy responsive without telling clients and build it into the price? Because when they look at their website on their iphone they will call you up and say ‘I am not happy that my website looks different on an iphone.’ And can you blame them? Clients still live in a world of absolutes, believing that websites should look the same everywhere.

Clients still live in a world of absolutes, believing that websites should look the same everywhere.

It’s not a ridiculous notion either to be honest. Marketers and brand managers have spent decades learning about the importance of consistency and attention to detail. Us web lovies come along and tell them experience should change depending on where it’s viewed.

I would have some sympathy for this idea if it was the product of original thinking but it’s not. It’s a conclusion extrapolated from the technological limitations thrust upon us by a combination of different browsers and different screen sizes. We have actually managed to convince ourselves that it’s acceptable to argue with a client about brand consistency because of ‘the size of a screen’.

We have actually managed to convince ourselves that it’s acceptable to argue with a client about brand consistency because of ‘the size of a screen’.

We will never have the Boston Globe as a client. And perhaps you’re all nodding and pointing to the rant above as the reason why. Conservatism and close minded protectionism? In some sense yes. My business cannot afford to go on a liberal idealogical crusade. Our clients do not have the budget or the time and given most of them will enjoy mobile browser stats of less than 5% I’d be unethical to push an agenda based squarely on my need to satisfy my piers.

I love the idea of responsive web design. I love the philosophy of it and the passion with which it’s being pursued as an answer to some of the contemporary problems of content distribution. But can I suggest we don’t get too carried away just yet? You’re not about to go out of business guys because your competitors are selling lots of responsive sites.

And if they are, then maybe your client is the Boston Globe.

iOS5, iCloud and Lion

2011-06-06T19:16:00Z

What is most impressive about the announcements Apple have made today is firstly the sheer number of new features, services and applications scheduled for release over the next few months and also the cost, or rather lack of, of the new offerings. The much awaited OS X Lion, the next version of the Apple operating system will be priced at just £20 (insane), has no restriction on user installs and includes the server edition of the OS (previously sold separately).

Then there is the release of iOS5, the next generation mobile operating system from Apple. As has previously been the case this is a free update to iPad, iPod and iPhone users and given the breadth and depth of enhancements it’s sure to be comparable to an entirely new device purchase.

And finally, there is the much awaited launch of iCloud - a service infrastructure which will both replace and extend the features of the old MobileMe service. Previously carrying a sizeable annual subscription this new service is completely free.

Grand Rapids Goes Viral

2011-06-06T14:32:05Z

There are numerous examples of city branding / marketing around nowadays the most common being TV ads. 30 - 60 second stabs of local celebrities and dignitaries telling you why their town is great. Creative stuff…. Harumph!!

What’s both unique and fantastic about the following example is that it’s not the result of some uber-agency charging megabucks, it’s the brainchild of Grand Rapids local resident - 22 year old Rob Bliss. Responding to some negative press about his (so called) failing city, Rob developed the concept and pulled together the 3000 or so local residents to execute an impressive 10 minutes continuous shot lipsync of Don McLean classic - American Pie.

The greatest music video ever made - Roger Ebert

However cynical one might be about this sort of thing, you cannot argue the viral merits of this attempt and if nothing else the logistical execution of a ten minute continuous shot spread across a few city blocks, involving 3000 residents is clearly impressive. Pulitzer prize winning film critic Roger Ebert called it ‘The Greatest Music Video Ever Made’. Decide for yourself…

Costing about $40,000 and underwritten by YouTube sponsors the recent release has already attracted 2.5millions views. Only time will tell if there is a sustainable impact on brand but I for one know more about Grand Rapids than I did yesterday.

The Web Designers Reading List

2011-06-02T14:58:49Z

The various authors and contributors to these titles are all well known and live amongst the elite group of individuals who exist at the very top of the industry - making and shaping the future we will all be designing for.

Although I haven’t read it yet and hence can’t recommend, the following is also available from Five Simple Steps - A Practical Guide to Information Architecture by Donna Spencer. And also due out next week from A Book Apart is the eagerly awaited Responsive Web Design

Organising Content through Information Architecture

2011-06-02T11:10:22Z

Information architecture is the rather grandiose title given over to organising content efficiently and effectively, in a way that provides the best user experience whilst continuing to meet the objectives of an organisation’s website.

In order to effectively architect a website, particularly for larger projects, it’s vital to have a clear content strategy - the rules governing the type and structure of content as well as the means to harvest and maintain the content. And for all of this to work properly, it must be planned.

So returning to the original question, what happens before a website is live? What does it take? What is involved? Planning. Lots and lots of planning and drawing and scribbling:

The somewhat inadequate title of web design, creates a rather false impression that ‘design’, in traditional terms, forms a significant part of the overall project. Whilst it is true we want projects to deliver aesthetically, in reality the organisation of good quality content will have a much stronger bearing on user experience than pretty colours and pictures.

Creating compound paths in InDesign

2011-06-01T20:10:32Z

Looking at the example above shows how the ornamental rules break in the middle for the text labels. They also allow the background image to show through. With no background image this is as simple as drawing a white object but this isn’t possible when an object sits behind.

Here is a closer look minus background. So how to create a compound path, just follow the steps below:

The process is the same as Illustrator. Create an object to be used as the mask and place it behind the object to be masked.

Select both objects (the mask and the object to be masked) and select ‘Minus Back’. Voila, a perfect mask which objects behind will show through.

authentic jobs uk

2011-05-26T10:56:57Z

It would seem this portentous moment was not left unanswered since as I arrive at the desk this morning I see @elliotjaystocks talking about the launch of Authentic Jobs UK

This is fantastic news for the UK web development market. Not only do we now have a space dedicated to our cause but instead of your conventional clunky jobs market websites which feel like you’re booking a flight circa 1999, the site has been lovingly crafted by @cameronmoll et al and is therefore both excellent and a tour de force of adaptive design.

Owing to the spectacular £1 job listing offer currently available it seemed silly not to take advantage and post a position - http://uk.authenticjobs.com/jobs/8598/junior-web-designer-developer

Great work to everybody involved in this project and best of luck for authentic jobs uk

Spirit of Merseyside Awards 2011

2011-05-20T12:57:38Z

For those unfamiliar with the event it truly is a wonderful and humbling evening. Last year’s event was hosted against the breathtaking backdrop of the Anglican Cathedral and showcased some of the city’s most charitable individuals and organisations recognising and honouring their contribution to the community. Local celebrities, dignitaries and businesses come together to enjoy a wonderful three course dinner followed by the presentation ceremony.

This year the Mark McQueen Foundation has chosen to sponsor The Children, Young People and Families Award, the finalists of which are:

Amy and Friends – Wirral
Twin Vision – Liverpool
Venus – Sefton
Rampworx – Sefton
Team Oasis – Liverpool

The Mark McQueen Foundation supports sustainable projects and charities in Merseyside, and other areas, around the theme of young men’s mental health and strategic research into suicide. It also supports young musicians and musical activities that engage with young men to reflect Mark’s passion for music.

The Mark McQueen Foundation’s ultimate aim is to reduce the rate of male suicide in Merseyside and the UK.

Grants are available every six months. To apply for a grant, please visit www.cfmerseyside.org.uk or contact the Grants Team on 0151 232 2444.

To make a donation
TEXT MARK01 £5 to 70070
(or any donation amount)

or contact
Cathy Elliott - Manager of The Mark McQueen Foundation at cathy.elliott@cfmerseyside.org.uk

You can follow the activities of the Mark McQueen Foundation on Twitter @mmcqfoundation

Penny Lane in Spring

2011-05-20T06:02:05Z

Complementary Health Allerton

2011-05-16T13:07:22Z

For those unfamiliar the Allerton Health Centre has been based on Smithdown Road for over 10 years. During that time it has built a sound reputation as a pain relief clinic for the treatment of acute and chronic muscular and skeletal ailments in addition to providing a range of health and wellbeing treatments such as acupuncture, chiropody and colonic hydrotherapy.

Our aim over coming months is to better communicate this range of services through improved shop front graphics, point of sale, literature and supporting website. Work has already begun through a combination of advertising, in store literature and the introduction of twitter (@allerton) and facebook marketing.

Penny Lane Development Trust Challenge Cup

2011-05-13T18:05:41Z

Urban Chic from Sleep in Style

2011-05-12T16:22:41Z

Sleep in Style have been based at 83 High Street, Wavertree for some years and have become well known as a high quality bedroom design, construction and installation firm. A recent shift towards fashionable ultra chic, modern bedroom furniture such as gloss sliding panel wardrobes, has brought about a significant change in the Sleep in Style brand.

Following a complete redesign of the showroom and store front, Sleep in Style turned to evodesign to give the website the same uber contemporary feel. Dispensing with pages of waffly content, Sleep in Style were clear they wanted focus on product and for the website to convey the essence of the new brand.

The website is a great example of how well a single page can function when design and content are architected harmoniously

Our delivery is a single page solution, yet with an elegant Javascript sliding product browser. In spite of only consisting of a single page the arrangement of content and subtle styling creates a compelling user experience. Indeed, the website is a great example of how well a single page can function when design and content are architected harmoniously.

We are delighted with the results from evo.

Our client simply had this to say, “We are delighted with the results from evo. We asked the to site reflect the new contemporary feel of the brand with focus on example photos of what our business offers. They have delivered exactly that, everyone is keen to assess the impact of the new site over the coming months.” For more information you can visit the website at www.sleepinstyle.com.

Web Design Jobs Liverpool

2011-05-05T17:52:23Z

Please drop a portfolio link to hello@evo.uk.com or tweet us www.twitter.com/evodesign. Any of the following warmly welcomed:

Front End Designers - CSS Wizards
Application Developers - PHP Sages
Illustrators - Drawing Demons
Graphic Designers - Brand Gurus

Don’t forget to let us know your freelance rates, and whether you drink larger or alco-pops.

Cheers Guys!

Penny Lane - The perfect place to get creative

2011-05-03T16:17:17Z

Not only do we have a great address, our office is in the fantastic Penny Lane Development Trust community centre. The centre was completed in 2010, with evo moving in around July and since then it’s become a second home. Stunning views, great people and a perfect place to work hard(ish) and be creative.

Work in and around the community centre has been ongoing since opening, with huge effort going into landscaping to capitalise on the large numbers of people who come from all over the world to see this historic location.

The area surrounding the centre is a patchwork of popular culture references relating to the local area and in particular the Beatles. The importance of the area in the context of the Beatles is evident all around and embodied magically in the spectacular centerpiece Beatles wall.

The Allerton / Smithdown area is a dense community of residential and commercial activity; an ideal spot to live and work. The increasing numbers of tourists, boosted by organised tours, is evidence enough that south Liverpool has a part to play in the city’s ever improving tourist credentials. We are simply happy to be immersed and involved in such exciting times.

If you would like to know more about the Penny Lane Development Trust you can visit the website or follow on twitter @PennyLaneDT