Archive for the ‘Case Studies’ Category
Wordpress 3.2
Today, the good folks at WordPress released the latest and greatest version of their amazing content management software – version 3.2 “Gershwin”.
This newest version focuses on speed and compatibility, which I feel was a strong focus for this release. The interface has been streamlined, the database is quicker, greater support for mobile updating has been added and updates only download the files you need instead of re-loading the entire software. Not too shabby, WordPress.
As a fan and follower of WordPress, VectorDefector will continue to offer quality websites that are light-loading, easy to update and are easy on the eyes. Contact us today to get started!
Conscious Alliance
Conscious Alliance is a long term non-profit client that focuses on spreading good vibes- through utilizing concert events to fund and promote awareness of food banks and food drives for the underprivileged.
This newly designed and developed site strives to add community and social network focus to the Conscious Alliance cause along with a shiny new look and feel. An re-integrated custom e-commerce solution features a simple backend management toolset to organize and sort posters and their prices, a front-end poster gallery with an in-page ordering system, and options to make recurring donations through a secure payment gateway.
Lookin’ sharp and working great- nice work guys!
PharoahMoan Products
When long term friends and work associates Pharoahmoan Productions contacted me to help produce the next phase of their site, I said “of course!”. PMP focus on entertainment marketing within the alternative music community from event planning and venue locating to act booking and DJ resources.
Since our last collaboration took place in 2005, it was far time to give the PMP site a revamp. The new version features a brand new design crafted to meet new markets and screen sizes, an easy-to-update content management system and expandability for future services.
Still a few gaps to fill in, but a fabulous improvement, congrats guys! Check out the case study under my Interactive section.
Change Your Password!
This week, Sony’s Playstation Network was hacked on an unbelievably large scale resulting in outages of content, issues with online game play and, in some cases, users reporting missing dollars in their accounts.
As networks continue to grow and store our information for convenience, its important to remember that a lot of information is being stored about you on a day to day basis. While this is by no means malicious (and in fact adds to convenience), users need to remember to be careful. Make sure to choose a good password that is composed of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and even punctuation. Also try to minimize the amount of truely personal information that you share with these networks – that information is stored and can always, in the worst case scenarios, be stolen.
Personally, I made sure to remove any extra stored credit info from my XBOX Live account. While it makes life easier, I’d prefer to withold a little convenience for safety. And if you’re still using “admin” as your password, now is as good of a time as any to make that change!
Check out this article posted on Yahoo! Tech news today about some of the worst digital security breaches in history; many have taken place within the last 5 years.
Social Networks
According to an article posted on Yahoo! news and Mashable today, new studies are showing that Thursdays and Fridays may be the best days for businesses to interact with social media.
Studies produced by Buddy Media and Hubspot indicate a possible 18% increase in viewership on Facebook and Twitter growing at the end of the week. Their reasoning: people are starting to check out at the end of the week and spend more time browsing social networks. Furthermore, both companies note Monday as being a possible poor day to post business-related social network messages since its actually the most popular day for social network activity resulting in messages getting lost in the conversation threads.
While this doesn’t necessarily translate to traffic to a website, I encourage clients who utilize their social networks for marketing to keep this in mind. Fire off one last marketing message before heading out for the weekend and see how it returns!
Internet Explorer 9
This week Microsoft released its 9th version of its web browser Internet Explorer. As with most non-microsoft developers, I had been putting off upgrading until the official release and greeted it with apprehension at best.
After downloading and testing the full release, I have to say – its a definite improvement. As advertised, its much more streamlined and runs ridiculously fast compared to its predecessor. I did notice some elements of my most recent websites that work on every other browser on the market stopped working and will need a quick facelift, but thats to be expected with new corporate technology.
For anyone that uses Internet Explorer on a regular basis, I’d say go for the upgrade!
New Belgium Brewery
During an outing this week to free myself from the work grind, my girlfriend and I went to take a tour of the New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado. As major fans of the brew, we were very surprised and impressed to learn about their enviable business practices and cohesive brand.
In addition to brewing some of the tastiest adult beverages in North America, the New Belgium brewery is built on a strong standard of sustainability and fun. After certain yearly intervals, employees of all rank gain stock in the company, ability to travel to Belgium and numerous other perks. The facility itself utilizes its own recycled water (processed at its own plant) for 15% of its energy consumption and even more via photovoltaic solar panels.
Finally, all new product receives its own custom label hand-crafted by local artists. The facility itself boasted numerous multi-media art displays bringing even further aesthetic appeal.
Plus, free beer!
Man! where do I sign up?
Dominate the GMAT
Contracted through my associates Mindflint Media, Dominate the GMAT caters custom-made training videos for folks attempting to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
This project features the complete package: a custom branded logo set, website design and development and a simple PayPal E-Commerce solution that facilitates a gated member class signup area. View more details under my Interactive Section.
Check them out as a great online resource if you’re looking to take the GMAT!
House Jacks
A-Capella champions the House Jacks contacted me to create a brand new website custom tailored to match new artwork produced for their latest album, LEVEL.
This website features a fancy splash page (based around the new album), easy-to-update content, a custom photo slideshow, a community forum, and a press/blog section.
Check out more details under my Interactive Section.
A great collaboration brought to me by associate Troy Horne- thanks Troy!
Mobile Devices
Due to their growing popularity, mobile devices have become increasingly important to consider when designing for web.
Over the last 3-5 years, mobile devices have grown exponentially in their ability to work like a true computer. Heck, a modern Android or iPhone device has the same processing power as the computer I had when I first started this business. These devices now have real browsers instead of the paired-down versions of the past and as a result, standards are being created for mobile design.
VectorDefector has recently added design services for mobile devices – in fact, check out the site on your mobile device for a simplified version tailored to fit.
Want to find out how to get a site that is easy to manage and looks great on any screen? Contact me today!