Cool Concept for a Homepage

Cleveland Independents exists to promote dining in independently owned restaurants and to serve the interests of the independent restaurateur. The website’s most popular area is where you can buy discount gift certificates to Northeast Ohio’s most popular restaurants. However, what I like best is how the website’s homepage graphically guides users to main sections.

The homepage navigation is divided up into four simple sections: restaurants, events, about us and shops. After you click each main category, you are then transported to an interior section with subcategories. This design is old school, but it works well with the character of the site. The homepage reminds of a friendly Walmart greeter welcoming you to the website and directing you were to go.

http://www.clevelandindependents.com

IE 6 Makes A Comeback

Chrome last month took over Internet Explorer, but now IE comes back? The article below says, “It may be 2012, but apparently someone hasn’t got the message. Internet Explorer’s share of the desktop browser market grew in January, and most of that growth was due to Internet Explorer 6. Internet Explorer 6 only runs on one supported operating system, Windows XP, and that too gained market share last month.” Thanks to cia_mike for lead.

http://arstechnica.com/business/news/2012/02/2001-all-over-again-internet-explorer-6-share-grows-and-chrome-falls.ars

Goodbye Adobe Flash

Recently Adobe announced last week that they will no longer be supporting Flash. Is this possible? When Macromedia launched Future Splash over 10 years ago, the simple program revolutionized the web viewing experience. The software soon after changed it’s name to Flash and then every website created an animated introduction using the free browser plug-in. For years I watched my analytics as Flash saturation dramatically increased from 2% to 99% of the visitors having the plug-in installed.

The mobile smartphone revolution is in full swing and is not Flash-friendly. Recent numbers from eMarketer say that by 2015, 76% of the public will be surfing the internet on their mobile phones. iPhones and iPads do not accept Flash. The recent Kindle Fire accepts the use of Flash, but in my opinion, the fact is it’s a little too late. Consider Flash the next Netscape, a pioneering technology that could not keep up with the times.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/10/technology/adobe_flash/

How Does Your Site Stack Up?

Whether you are designing, redesigning or optimizing your website, during the requirements gathering we suggest that you perform competitive analysis. You need to setup a strong benchmark before you spend money to revise your website. One site that may help your perform this task is the website Similar Sites.

SimilarSites.com states, “we help you find alternatives. Don’t scroll through countless search results. We make finding content related to your current search absolutely effortless. Simply enter a web address and instantly you will receive high quality results – based on content examination rather than popularity.”

They use algorithms and your feedback to analyze browsing habits and achieve the most relevant and best results. When surfing a website, you can give a thumbs up or down based on the relativity of the connection.

Start searching now based on similarity, perhaps you can establish a strong benchmark for your next website design.
http://www.similarsites.com/

Are Splash Screens Right For Your Audience?

Almost seven years ago, I had the pleasure of participating in a debate about whether or not splash screens are relevant. My stance was that splash screens are relevant if they are done right. The opposition said that under no circumstance can splash screens serve a purpose; they are completely annoying to users.

Splash screens are functional if:

• Important information is displayed
• Connect with your audience
• Have a skip button
• Give option to never show again
• Loads quickly
• Auto-play disabled
• Close Window link present
• Explaination of the splash screen

Above is an example from the Cuyahoga Public Library system that appeared after I didn’t login into my account in a while. I like how the information is organized especially the instant access to Login. I also am happy that the proper controls are available to skip and never show it to me again.

Do you think splash screens are good or bad? Do you feel splash screens can be executed properly or should they never see the light of day again?

McDonald’s Remodeling Is Much Like Your Website

In the book, we classify that your website has three distinct stages:

• New Site Design
• Website Redesign
• Site Optimization

Recently I drove by my local McDonald’s and the restaurant was totally leveled. The situation led me to equate that you could perform the same action to your website if you are considering a redesign. The reality is that sometimes it is easier to completely level your website technology and design, then rather try to optimize your site. If your site is older than five years old, then you should consider what McDonald’s does when they remodel – level it.

Yahoo Starbuck Error Page

How often do you land on the wrong page on a website and find it helpful? In web speak, landing on the wrong page on a website is called a 404 error. Many websites throw you the standard error which is “the page you are looking for is not currently found”. I actually like when companies take the time to create a custom error landing page like Yahoo did below. Instead of just instructing you to leave, they provide you with relevant information.

Auntie Annie’s Napkin

I had the pleasure of eating a pretzel at Auntie Annie’s last week and noticed some terrific marketing at the bottom of their napkin. I am really surprised that more restaurants do not use the bottom of their napkin for online marketing. Why not put your web address on your napkin?

Need Web Design Inspiration?

Are you looking for ideas to inspire that next great website? As a web designer, you need to explore and constantly keep up with the latest and greatest trends online. I keep Art Daily in my back pocket for a source of inspiration.

http://artdaily.org/

Have you revisited your website coding?

The iPad launched on Saturday and with it a reinforcement of web standards. HTML5 is the latest version of the language that web pages are constructed, what version are you running? If you are running the old version, your website will not be optimized for the iPad. If your site is constructed in Flash and you are not using the HTML5 commands, it virtually will not appear on the iPad. Do you need to revisit your website coding? Yes, you do! For sites that have recently rewritten their website in anticipation of the the iPad, see the link below.

http://www.apple.com/ipad/ready-for-ipad/