Signal Response

A Few Quick Questions

So obviously, things have changed. And no, they aren’t going to stay this way. I got a little, um, upset at Wordpress the other day so I decided to just switch the site over to Expression Engine because the more I use EE, the more I like it and there are things I’d like to do that Wordpress just isn’t going to help with. Anyway, I could use a little help. Obviously–right now–nothing is very user friendly. That much is obvious but before I start going full steam ahead at re-designing, I have some questions that you can help answer in the comments. There are no right or wrong answers so just chime in because they will be helpful to me in the future. Anyway, here we go:

  1. Regarding readability: The basic school of thought is that reading on screen is best served by sans serif typefaces (Helvetica, etc.). It’s my preference (though I really can’t stand Helvetica) but yours may differ. Which do you find easier to read on the web, serif or sans serif?
  2. Also regarding readability: Personally, and this is just totally a personal preference, I would rather read light over dark like this site. Others prefer dark over light. What is your preference?
  3. Regarding navigation: Right now, we have no navigation other than titles. This will change. The old standard was global navigation along the top, local or targeted links are on the left side of the window. This is counter to my general thinking (and current trends) but then, I’m right handed and my cursor naturally heads to the right side. From an experience standpoint, it’s where I want things to be. Your experience may differ and I’d be curious to know how you feel.
  4. Content: Currently I’m thinking Featured (long) Post at the top, summarized and linked forward. Works for me since it will change infrequently but does it work for you? Also, since I quite often write short posts that only serve to lead you to something I find interesting and think you might find interesting, do you find it awkward to have those links below this Featured Post? Some people hate scrolling and honestly, the amount of people that actually click through on those links is minimal but I’m still interested in input.
  5. Twitter: This can get annoying. I understand that. Should I knock that off? I’m thinking I should since it can get annoying. Sorry if it’s annoying.

Like I say, things are gonna change and I’d like to get some input not only for this site but also for other work. Any help, suggestions, experiences are greatly appreciated so don’t be shy and don’t be afraid to be opinionated. Lord knows I’m not not. Anyway, click through to comment using the title and thanks in advance for any comments.

 

Quick Thoughts

Guess who’s coming to dinner?

Jim Pankiw, who’s made some bad judgement choices in the past, has thrown his hat into the ring as an Independent candidate in the Saskatoon-Humboldt riding. Mr. Pankiw has taken the bold step of using the internet to get his message of equality out into the world. And how can I be certain that his message is equality? Equality for all people everywhere? Sometimes you just have to check with the source.

How You Got There

Processed Identity–“a source for information about the value of the creative process designers have used to define visual identities for clients.” Yeah, that doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue but probably worth following if you’re interested in process/decisions/defence.

Internet Online Website!

Aquent’s Internet Online Website. From the copy: “Aquent’s InternetOnlineWebsite.com is a website about websites (and marketing, direct mail, t-shirts, etc.). Each familiar feature of the site is designed to be explored; rolling over them will pop up a helpful information window, letting you know what disciplines and technologies go into making that thing, and the type of people you’ll need to get the job done right.” Soooo…that means you need more than just a copy of Dreamweaver?

Doing it right.

Ok, colour me impressed. Here is a great example of local ad agency Brown doing it right by tying their outdoor/signage to a nice little piece on QR codes. Since the launch of their new site, Brown has taken the opportunity to educate and inspire client “next-steps” while promoting their own expertise and forward thinking. Too often, ad agency blogs end up being a self-congratulatory pat-on-the-back for the latest piece of “great creative from the minds at name_of_agency” which has never made much sense to me. If you want to promote your portfolio, use your portfolio. If you want to promote your agency and your staff as experts, use your blog. Inform your clients or potential clients, inspire them to help you and your staff do creative work, use your own voice as a voice of influence and don’t be afraid to give away a few secrets. You’re in advertising right? So advertise.