Web Design
Basic Web Design
For Genealogists:
The genealogy software available today comes with options for converting your database or GED files to HTML and uploading them to family tree websites. Unfortunately, most people are not familiar with website design and HTML programming. The automated features built into your genealogy software will allow you to present the raw data, but does little to personalize it for you.
I can assist by helping you customize the format or re-arranging the content to better suit your own personality and taste. Nothing fancy or flashy, but better than the drab pages created by your genealogy software.
I can help you create your own simple, personalized banners and menu buttons like those appearing on my own page. I can also help you incorporate the large number of free graphics available on the internet, or photos from your personal collections, into your web pages.
For Business:
Whether you are selling goods and services locally or globally, an internet presence is pretty much a requirement in today's business world. Very few companies have totally rejected websites for marketing and market presence. Indeed, the lack of a website can have very negative effects in our increasingly "connected" world.
Unfortunately, the cost of creating a website can sometimes overwhelm small and home-based companies. Professional designers will offer you lots of glitz and glam, incorporating things like active server pages, Flash graphics, and other fancy options into your web site. They may do it whether you need it or not. They will also charge you for it.
I can offer simple, straight-forward websites that will get your company's message across without any unnecessary features, flash, or cost. I will work with you, one-on-one, to create a cost-effective yet professional solution to your web design needs. I also offer on-going maintenance services for sites that require regular updating (ie: inventory, menus, daily specials, sales, etc). [Please note that I do not provide hosting services - design only]
My Web Design Philosophy
The history behind this site and my early introduction to web design can be found elsewhere, in a page titled About This Site - Coding & Design.
I am a firm believer in the following design philosophies:
- Form follows function
- Adhere to the K-I-S-S Principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid)
- Common interface within a site (single template)
- Simple navigation structure
- Easy to maintain
- Aesthetically pleasing
A site can advertise your company, market your wares, highlight your genealogical research, or even display pictures of your cat. But if it is slow-loading, incorporates features your browser can't handle properly, or is difficult to navigate, it will quickly be abandoned by most visitors. People simply don't have the time or patience to wait for high-intensity graphics to load, Flash-based animations to run their cycle, and so on. The glitz and glam that many sites offer, and many designers build around, may look impressive but likely isn't necessary.
I design and build sites that perform the intended functions and look professional. However, they are relatively simple in design and easy to maintain. Although created around modern browsers (Opera 9.02, Firefox 1.5, and Internet Explorer 6.0), functionality is retained for those using outdated computers and browser software. I no longer design for older browsers (such as Netscape 6 and earlier, or Internet Explorer 5.5 and earlier), nor do I design for "fringe" browsers such as WebTV, which few people use. I can't design for other platforms (such as Camino or Safari for Mac) as I have no way of checking my designs: however, my sites should be cross-platform compatible as they are designed to meet W3C standards.
As my knowledge of website and graphic design increases, so does the list of features incorporated into my sites. Future website designs will no doubt include new features and functions as I learn them. But, these future sites will continue to adhere to the design principles outlined above.
Whether for a personal or a business website, I offer reasonable rates below those of professional web designers. Please contact me for further information.
My Design Portfolio
Commercial Sites:
MacDonald Photography:
http://www.macdonald-photography.com
My fifth commercial design, albeit with a "personal" connection.
Having made the jump from amateur to professional photography, I realized that a web presence was a must. The site describes my photography and the photographic services offered while also providing an online portfolio to showcase my work.
New Brunswick Occupational Health Nurses Group:
http://www.nbohng-riistnb.com
My fourth commercial design, it is currently (22 October 2006) still under construction.
The NBOHNG required a web presence, both to advertise the group as an individual entity as well as to link it to other affiliated groups.
When completed, this site will meet the W3C standards for CSS and XHTML 1.0 Transitional.
DioDerm Medical:
http://www.diodermmedical.com
My third commercial design, it was completed in September 2005.
With new products on the way, and an expanding market for his existing product line, the client's company required a general internet presence. The site would serve as a means of advertising both the company and its product line. It would also serve as a medium for supplying his clientele with the product and other information necessary for their own end-use operations.
This site meets the W3C standards for CSS and XHTML 1.0 Transitional.
Shannon Security Ltd:
My second commercial design, it was completed in January 2005.
The client requested a simple yet professional site that would give his company a general web presence.
Shannon Security merged with a larger, national corporation in December 2006. Shortly afterwards, in January 2007, the website I designed went offline, replaced by the other company's corporate website.
3D Design Inc:
Splash Page
Links Page
My first commercial website design, completed in September 2002. It was upgraded in November 2003 to meet the W3C standards for HTML 4.01 Transitional.
The client requested a simple yet original site that would remain professional while expressing the youthfulness of the owners. Although a small, local company they worked on projects situated around the globe, often competing for contracts against much larger corporations. A general internet presence, along with the ability to advertise their portfolio, were the most important considerations. The Links Page, shown above, illustrates the matching top and bottom banners used throughout the site. The Splash Page, simple in design, highlights the corporate logo while the menu provides immediate access to all sections of the site.
This site went offline in December 2004, the company having opted to switch designs and move to a commercial design firm.
Genealogy Sites:
The Brick Walls:
http://personal.nbnet.nb.ca/brikwall
My personal site, it went online in February 2002. It has been modified several times since then. It is currently undergoing more design modifications as I switch to a simpler template with smaller file sizes. The site meets the standards for XHTML 1.0 Transitional.
This site serves two purposes - to provide a venue for me to practice and upgrade my web design skills, and to provide a forum for my genealogical research.
New Brunswick Genealogical Society:
http://www.nbgs.ca
I began working on this site in the fall of 2003. It was completed in April of 2004, replacing the existing site design which had been in use for some years.
The main purpose of the site is to disseminate information about the New Brunswick Genealogical Society, its various branches, and their activities. Membership application forms, information on the Society's quarterly journal, and listings of society, branch, and/or member-produced publications are also provided.
The site meets XHTML 1.0 Transitional standards. A common template and CSS-based formatting allow for quick loading. Best viewed in newer, CSS-capable browsers, it was designed to "degrade" properly in older browsers, ensuring that all pages and the information they contain remain accessible. This was the first of my pages to incorporate CSS-based formatting.
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