Vectorloft Blog » Design http://www.vectorloft.com/blog Website ideas, information and rants... Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:14:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 Progress Bar Generator http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/progress-bar-generator/ http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/progress-bar-generator/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:39:33 +0000 Matt Cassella http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/?p=131 load bar generator
I found this great tool that dynamically creates animate gif load bars on the fly. It has a bunch of templates you can choose from. If you want a quick fix for a load bar and don’t want to create it from scratch check out the link below.

http://www.ajaxload.info/

]]> http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/progress-bar-generator/feed/ 0 Web got Back! http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/web-got-back/ http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/web-got-back/#comments Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:01:10 +0000 Matt Cassella http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/?p=36 In designing web solutions sometimes we forget to include some of the basic techniques in order to make a page stand out. It’s simple and most creatives think of it but for some, it isn’t put into emphasis enough. Backgrounds are essential in creating stimulating web pages that pop out at the visitor. Whether it be a repeating pattern or a drop shadow behind the main interface the background adds depth and a dynamic feel to any web GUI. Standard web GUI width should span a maximum of 900px in order to make sure all monitors are able to see the bulk of the main site. SO when we create layouts is always important to include space in order to show what the background of the site will look like. Another key idea is to always show your design comp within a browser. Sizing is a large issue when it comes to the development of web sites, as we all know and showing a client the design in its environment is always the best to minimize confusion.

I have been in countless companies where the focus is set on the main body of the site without the thought of what the site will look like within the browser. Clients sign off on the design and a solid background is coded taking away much needed depth in the design of the page. As designers, we must think of the whole picture. Incorporating depth and establishing the full environment is key! Give your design BACK! and bring your design into the light.

]]> http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/web-got-back/feed/ 0 To Hold or Not to Hold http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/to-hold-or-not-to-hold/ http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/to-hold-or-not-to-hold/#comments Wed, 31 Oct 2007 20:46:51 +0000 Matt Cassella http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/?p=34 Diversion SignI came upon this issue today, figured I write a little post about since I wasn’t really too sure how to handle such a situation. Maybe someone out there will find it interesting how we handled it.

Back Story:
One of my clients who just so happens to be very “strong willed” came into a bit of a conundrum. We have done a lot of work for campaigns, re branding, and other creative endeavors…. Long story short, there was a large open balance for creative that had already been released to them. Now I love helping my clients and always do my best to support them in any way I can, but with such a large balance I had to put all work on hold, even with deadlines fast approaching.

So now I’m at a loss, could loose the client could not but how do you handle such a situation? Ideally the payments would have been made promptly and all of this would have been avoided. So I put everything on hold and missed deadlines. Either way I think it was a bold but effective move. No one works for free and we stood our ground.

]]> http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/to-hold-or-not-to-hold/feed/ 0 The Client Push http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/the-client-push/ http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/the-client-push/#comments Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:42:13 +0000 Matt Cassella http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/?p=32 Bubble
Don’t get me wrong I love my clients but some time or another we get into a situation of the client push. Push…more like a jab in the side. “I need this done ASAP”. We are a deadline driven people us creatives, ASAP when I last checked was not a date. I don’t mean to be harsh…I’m just trying a new way of writing…sometimes a client just doesn’t listen. In my experience, which is always debatable, the best work comes from a hands off client. I found this great post on Freelance Switch that defines the different types of clients to the tee. 12 Breeds of Clients

Great article and hits on a a similar point. This would be classified as the hands on client, more like all up in your $hit client. As much as I don’t like to piss off my customers…as I love them dearly… they all should know that creative minds have an unsaid way about them. Maybe it should be in the contract…The best part is when they push you so hard to get everything done then drop off the face of the planet…love that… Bottom line…everyone works differently. Constructive criticism is encouraged, but when we talk about the “Client Push” this goes beyond constructive criticism, usually ending up in a complete loss of aesthetic.

It’s frustrating to see a great design go bad, and this is a result of the Client Push. If your new to the field or a seasoned veteran my advise, always stand up for your designs and hit them home with a nice summary of your ideas…otherwise…well you get the point.

]]> http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/the-client-push/feed/ 0 Atmospheric Creation http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/atmospheric-creation/ http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/atmospheric-creation/#comments Wed, 29 Aug 2007 18:25:35 +0000 Matt Cassella http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/?p=30 A design has so many meanings. What we create, a brand, an element, a finished piece, what is it? I ahd a conversation with my Executive creative director and my design team and we still could not come to a decision on what design is. Its debatable… but when we step back from the literal meaning of a design we need to realize that when we are creating a website we create an atmosphere, not a design. It’s different than print, its interface design infused with creative concepts and key visual easements. A place where the visitor can be engulfed in a presence. Sites like littledeviant.com or hotelgloriasubotica.com. All of the sites out there create a network of information that is free to all, the web, a cultural conglomerate of information.

Atmospheric Creation…yea I’m making up terms again but its a great idea to keep in mind when designing. To create an atmosphere, a presence, and experience… That is what makes a site different and impactful. I’ve written about cookie cutter web design before which is the complete opposite of this idea.

]]> http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/atmospheric-creation/feed/ 0 Understanding Renewal http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/understanding-renewal/ http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/understanding-renewal/#comments Wed, 20 Jun 2007 21:02:30 +0000 Matt Cassella http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/?p=24 Scream

“I need a website” is usually the first couple words that are said to me before I start a project, obviously. But when I get these types of requests most of the time a problem arises that is not always seen until the project starts. Not all people are educated in the techniques and process that goes into good web design. These types of projects tend to get lengthy and stale due to the fact that the client does not understand the full idea in developing something that will be successful for them.

I have run into the problem before many times. The client knows what they want, but fail to understand the principals behind good design. Fighting creative freedom is not always the best route to take when dealing with designers. In order for a creative pro to get into a project and give it the best treatment necessary it is important to honor the requests and advice of the creative director that is handling the project. Micro managing every fine detail takes the “fun” out of the project and tends to produce a stale result.

Communication is important in any situation of this type. Trying to understand the clients vision is the most difficult process of any project. Once understood and the two parties are on the same page, the project can turn a new leaf and become something that will be beneficial to both the client and the designer.

For this reason it is one of our jobs as designers to educate the client on the process before the project is even started. Anyone can spit out a generic website that maintains the basic structure and is functional, but successful hard hitting websites don’t come easy. It takes time and effort to develop a site that is both engaging and portrays the image, message and feeling behind the subject matter. Educate and create and the design process will be a lot smoother for both you and your clients.

]]> http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/understanding-renewal/feed/ 0 Lifecasting Impact on the Web http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/lifecasting-impact-on-the-web/ http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/lifecasting-impact-on-the-web/#comments Tue, 12 Jun 2007 14:54:13 +0000 Matt Cassella http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/?p=20 Life Button
In an age where everyone has access to post the innermost workings of everyones lives, broadcast for the public eye to see we come across this idea of Lifecasting. The success of reality TV, MySpace and YouTube has shown us that people want to know all there is to know about other people’s lives. I came across this idea of “Lifecasting” the other day in one of my magazines. Its an interesting concept that people have been doing for some time now. The posting of pretty much everything and everything that has to do with your everyday life. Blogs like this one are an outlet for people to display their info or lives and have become a large part of the web containing some of the best up to date information on the web.

The popularity of blogs, the posting of random funny pictures of unusual antics by random people, the success of the media mentioned above are all proof that everyday people are becoming more interesting than the stars in Hollywood. It’s a free expression of ideas, and people love it. Sharing photos, videos and everyday life excites the viewer creating a new type of community online. The basis of the internet is the free expression of ideas, a voice to the world to say what you want with no limitations for everyone to see.

We can apply this concept to Interactive Media and capitalize on the draw that this type of idea creates. If visitors are able to customize and personalize, they attach a certain ownership to the media that they have created. Create a profile, pick out a picture to associate your account to, change the color, change the layout, control hooks the masses. X-Box Live does a great job of hooking its users by allowing the customization of gamer profiles, tags, pictures, slogans, motos, friend groups, a message center, and more. This type of engagement attracts people to keep going back and checking in time after time to see what more they can customize and change.

Forums and interactive user communities are another sample of this and add a sense of validity and ownership to a product or service they are attached to. In user forums people can speak their minds regarding certain subjects and or products and help guide the company to better serve their customers. Its the new type of customer service, a integrated database of user opinions, rants and free ideas. It’s the idea of transparency, allow your customers or people interested in your business to freely speak their minds and help guide others and aid to sculpt a company into a customer service powerhouse.

We are integrated with the web in our everyday lives. Lifecasting is the beginning of a new era of technology being fused with society. We can either embrace this new media or be left in the dust…

]]> http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/lifecasting-impact-on-the-web/feed/ 0 target _blank…where was I? http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/target-_blankwhere-was-i/ http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/target-_blankwhere-was-i/#comments Wed, 23 May 2007 15:30:51 +0000 Matt Cassella http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/?p=16 Ever come across a site that launches all types of windows on your computer? If your not using Firefox, as you should be ;) , you might not even notice that you are being assaulted with various windows popping up on each click that you make. I’ve come across a couple sites that make the mistake of not going the distance and checking all of the links to make sure that they all stay within the same window. Numerous sites overlook this creating a endless barrage of new windows while navigating through their sites. Its a simple concept that is overlooked is bad web design.

Its all about having a website take control over your computer. Everyone wants control over the page they are browsing through. Yet some designers/developers feel the need to use JavaScript or some other coding language to resize a window or keep it at a certain size. My personal opinion is to stay out of the users ability to control what is on a site. Once we starting forcing the user to either keep the window open or do something they don’t necessarily want we create a negative user experience.

Why is this negative? Well think of it this way. Say a user is browsing the web in a small window while working on other things on their screen. they open your website and BAM! it resizes to the full width and hight of their screen. Although we would like to think when someone is going to your site that they will have no distractions and become totally focused on what you have created for them. This is rarely the case. With the emergence of multi-tab browsing your site is probably one of the multiple sites the user is currently browsing.

The work around is to hint at the idea of allowing full screen or auto resize by a button or witty line implying that their experience will be a whole lot cooler. Once we stray from the idea that the user/visitor should be in total control we lose positive experience points.

Through design and layout we work to guide the user through a site not force them to take a path. Let them choose…

]]> http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/target-_blankwhere-was-i/feed/ 0 Creativity, An Explanation http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/creativity-an-explanation/ http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/creativity-an-explanation/#comments Wed, 02 May 2007 14:48:41 +0000 Matt Cassella http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/?p=17 Design and creativity are an involved process of thinking. I have touched on the subject of creative thinking before but when applied to graphic/web design, the main stimulation of thinking is conveying a visual idea, as well as a purpose for that idea, to our clients and target audiance. This in turn should produce results based on the initial purpose of the project. As creative gurus, we become victims of our own creativity and at times get so involved in the process of layout and design that we loose the idea behind the whole process.

As artists, we shouldn’t have to explain why we created something. But as “Creative Resources” in the business marketplace, every action or creative innovation should have a purpose and a function. Designers do not necessarily need to explain their creativity. They should understand the ideas behind the innovations they create. Collaboration with the client and explaining the full idea cultivated from various ideas, well thats the Creative Director’s job. This separation of tasks allows for the designer to focus on the task at hand.

Teamwork is essential in creating innovative work, as well as clients that are willing to take the plunge and trust the vision set forth by the project leader. We struggle to find focus when all team players are not working toward that one unique vision. Creation for the web environment it tough, requiring many different technologies merged into one to produce a successful end product. Many different specialty fields are required when creating unique interfaces. Designers, Flash Animators, Developers, Art Directors, Project Managers etc. All play a integral part of the design process. Yet conveying the main idea and goal of the project is the most important idea that all players should be working towards.

The main focus of my little rant here is to embrace the creativity that stems from your subconscious. Don’t design with the intention of explaining why you created something a certain way. Once a solid idea is produced, we may then reflect upon the idea and explain why at the point of revisiting. This process seldom works in reverse and can be a unique idea to gain focus when in a time of creative lows.

]]> http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/creativity-an-explanation/feed/ 0 Cookie Cutter Web Design http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/cookie-cutter-web-design/ http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/cookie-cutter-web-design/#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2007 20:25:07 +0000 Matt Cassella http://www.vectorloft.com/blog/?p=14 As I browse the web looking for innovative web design from random portfolio sites, lots of sites, although effective in communicating the visual idea, look the same. A lot of creative companies, in order to create designs that are easy to use and effective, use template systems and stick to it. As an artist and innovator, straying away from these types of template systems, unless its e commerce, is a standard in thinking. Part of the challenge as designers is to encapsulate the feeling, aesthetic and vision of a company into an online presence. Using a template created for “insert company name” is a cop out in my opinion.

The ability to take a brand and create a unique user experience is essential to creating the best solution possible for a company. Don’t get me wrong, I am a big fan of wire frames showing the customer the idea behind the design and inherent flow that goes along with the creative idea…Yet some websites fall into the cookie cutter aesthetic all too often. The sites we create look different, have a certain theme and institute some type of feel with their audience. This is the idea that continues to reflect positive results.

So where do we draw the line, good design takes time, but some companies want speed and perfection… How do we accomplish such innovation under such tight time constraints? The key is keeping your creative team as well as your clients happy with constant updates on progress and feedback. Estimate a time frame for a project before starting, this allows the time needed to create a winning design that will be both give your team the time needed to have fun with the project as well as not have you pulling your hair out when the client wants to see something faster than the original plan, rushing the creative.

Surprises within a project are only good if they involve shorter estimated time frames than originally estimated. All in all, its about creating something different than the average. There are so many new web technologies at our fingertips. The essential idea is to use what you need, don’t over power and create with the user in mind.

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