mega launch: moneydesktop.com

probably our biggest site launch yet! ispectrum is responsible for literally everything you see; the complete design, flash, and copy.

working with moneydesktop has been a blast; despite the 11-hour workdays the last couple of weeks (argh), it's been a lot of fun to watch it come together. still getting minor tweaks in the weeks to come, but officially launched. if you've wondered why launch activity has been a bit slower, this major project is the reason.

as usual, i've managed to push the limits of css and design - i'm gaining quite a reputation with programmers for requiring, err, "creative" programming. many posts in the days to come about this design, its unique features and so forth...

view the site!

soapbox: html emails

working on a simple html email notification template today, i was reminded why i find them so annoying.

the primary reason, no designer will be surprised to hear, is microsoft. rather than making their browsers and email clients compliant with current standards, they routinely take steps backwards! why, you ask? i have no idea. i also have no idea why such a staggering percentage of people still use them; in my opinion, this is ground zero for capitalism breakdown.

but i was reminded of the shortlist version of programming & design requirements to hack html emails for the majority of email clients (for a much more complete discussion, including valuable marketing tips, visit the email experience council):

• 600px width max.
• simplicity is KING in the design. if you do find a way to make it look cool, keep in mind not everyone will see it that way anyway.
  
• make everything important text, not image based. always use alt tags on images. and if you must use an image, be sure to repeat the same info in plain text somewhere.
• use the most simple code you can come up with (by simple, i mean grossly archaic and outdated).
  
• use tables (eek!) but don't nest them, or style them, or otherwise do anything attractive with them at all, or they won't display consistently.
  
• code styles inline with both html and css. then try to show your client how to add content to the template. then tie a large, twisty knot behind your ears, using only your toes.
• near the top, ask users to add you to their address book, or your emails may never reach them in the first place
  
• test your email in every email client you can think of, and a few you can't.
  
• include a "view in browser" link at the top, in case your best efforts fail miserably anyway.
• comply with can-spam laws, or you may get blocked forever.

this is one of those times when minimalism is a great artistic movement to ponder on. not simply because this particular email template will probably have a grand total 2 sentences, but also because we want people to actually be able to see and read them.

color, color, color

if you've seen my logo, it may be no surprise to you that color is one of my favorite design elements.

case 1:

take, for example, a recent project i've been working on: a web-based money management software. the technology is amazing, but it needed something to connect the advanced back-end with the end user.before: the colors seems drab, and the design un-inviting. (granted, they weren't trying to put much effort into the design)

after: the site appears welcoming, and the technology as advanced as it really is! in some ways, the changes were minor...but they add up to make a big difference.

case 2:
onyx websites

before: the colors are so plain, bland, and paint-bucket-esque, i don't think even a good design could make them look professional.

after: toning the colors down a bit and changing up the logo makes all the difference. though this is a rough design and still very simple, the difference is unmistakable.

in professional designs, gray is one of my favorite colors. it's legible, but not as hard-edged and plain. bright colors can work well, but they must be chosen carefully.

so today's lesson - go, design, create - but do it with (the right) color!

love it...

i love coming across new and interesting sites that tickle my creative fancy. in only a few minutes i've found so much interesting imagery, it makes me want to go out and design something new.

have a look: www.ffffound.com

site (ok, landing page) launch: seasons boutique

this landing page is mostly a placeholder for a bigger, better site coming soon, although the design will be very similar. she wanted the bright colors and a classy fashion look. personally, i love the way it turned out: www.seasonsboutiqueutah.com

we also helped with the logo:

site launch: george elliott design

this was a much smaller site for a local business. because there's so little content, i went with a much more minimalist design. i didn't have as much freedom with the color palette and layout as i'd normally like, but in all, i still think it turned out really nicely! check it out: www.bygeorgeelliott.com

we also designed the logo:

back in the saddle (again)

the lack of posting has not been for lack of working... it's just been a busy few weeks! many site launches will be posted soon, so stick around! and join with me in defending the world from evil flu viruses, like the one that has kept me ill for the last 10 days... no fun!