Web Design

Take it Easy

Michael Ronalter, GlassblowerKeep it simple, functional and to the point. Why make it difficult to get information by hiding it in layer upon layer of fancy, flashy code? Trim the fat – follow basic web standards. Your audience, the web, and Google will thank you for it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against fancy multimedia contraptions. I just keep in mind what my folks used to tell me about any construction work. Use the right tool for the job. It’s amazing what XHTML and CSS can do these days when used properly.

So what have you done lately?

I’ve done the work from scratch and I’ve implemented visions from other designers proofs, often working directly with them to help them understand the differences in print, multimedia and web design. Take a look at a handful of sites I’ve been a part of in the last several years.

  • Victor Emanuel Nature Tours – Full XHTML redesign based on a handful of proofs from the designers. It’s always a pleasure to work with an artist who ‘gets it’ and Whittington & Co. ‘gets it’.
  • University of Texas, Chemistry & Biochemistry – This one I did from scratch all by my lonesome. A fancy new design (don’t even ask to see the old site), XHTML & CSS to make it lean and clean, and even some fresh photographs.
  • The Matrix Online – This one I created as a base template from another designer’s proofs. Fancy DHTML menus and CSS styling make the base site code a lot faster for the MXO community.
  • Take 2 Games – As part of the team that re-did the Take 2 site, I’m especially proud of the fact that they continue to use the site we build for them years ago.
  • Gathering of Developers – This one I worked on through 2 separate re-designs, the second of which was done with a two man team in about 3 months. They’re still using the site we left them with and it still looks pretty cool (I think).
  • William Haskins, Writer and Import Auto Center – Two quick and simple jobs. They wanted something clean, understandable and in-expensive. From start to finish, just a few weeks on each one, and no complaints!