Favorite Quote – Design is a ‘day one’ issue and a part of everything.
Posted by Suzanne in Uncategorized on April 17, 2010
6 Ways Design Impacts Social Media Users
First Impressions – Social media users have incredibly short attention spans, and that typically means you’ve got about 3 seconds to make an impression and grab your viewer. Good use of pictures and dynamic images are an effective way to create a positive first impression and capture curiosity.
Page Load Speed – Social media visitors can be pretty impatient; with such a vast number of other pages waiting for their eyeballs, make sure pages load quickly.
Readability – Rather than reading word-for-word, social media users typically scan information quickly. Content that is easy to read, incorporating bulleted lists, short paragraphs, descriptive images, and bold text, works best.
Engage Your Visitor – Make the use of surveys, voting, contests, and subscribe options, prominent and visually appealing to encourage visitors to interact with your site. Read the rest of this entry »
Specialty beer business is booming – and not just for St. Patty’s Day
We have recently been enjoying the art of beer making. Well actually, we’ve just been enjoying the art of beer observing until now – having watched our brewmaster son cook several strong smelling batches in our kitchen. Today however, we received our own beer kits and are excited to begin the first batches of Bavarian Hefe Weizen, and Caribou Slobber Brown. Read the rest of this entry »
Simplicity and White Space – a virtue on the web
Simplicity and the proper use of white space in design is one of the hardest disciplines to learn – its use can be a virtue when it comes to the web. In design school the words “simplify, simplify,” were hammered in our heads repeatedly, by reducing all unnecessary visual elements, we were told, the design will more directly communicate its message. Proper use of white space, the empty space or negative space on a page, is an art form – think Apple computer – they wrote the book on white space, and have inspired a multitude of other companies to do the same.
White space is used to give balance, proportion and contrast to a page. The use of a lot of white space communicates a feeling of elegance and upmarket. Read the rest of this entry »
Happy Birthday Dr. Suess!!
Were he still alive, Dr. Seuss, one of the most prolific children’s book authors of all time would be 106 today. Born March 2, 1904, Theodor Seuss Geisel was an American writer and cartoonist most known for his children’s books written under the pen name Dr. Seuss. With over 60 children’s books to his name, he is definitely one of the most popular children’s authors ever. His books have topped many bestseller lists, sold over 222 million copies, and been translated into more than 15 languages. A list compiled by Publishers Weekly, of the best-selling children’s books of all time, included 16 hardcovers written by Geisel – placing Green Eggs and Ham, at number 4, The Cat in the Hat, at number 9, and One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, at number 13. Thank you Dr Suess, for bringing creativity, imagination, and wonderful writing to so many children and adults.
Nostalgia Marketing is “in” during a recession.
“New and improved,” the standard sales cry of boom times, is being replaced by “just as you remember and reassuringly safe. From soft drinks such as Mountain Dew, to beer, cereal, and even camping products, “throw back” advertising and marketing tactics that elicit childhood memories (and drive sales) are the new recession trend.
“Especially in a recession,” says Andy Gutowski, partner and creative director of Object 9, a Baton Rouge–based marketing company, “everyone’s looking for some kind of comfort. And logos or products that take you back to a time when things were simpler can really trigger that emotional connection.”
Ten Great Reasons to Support Locally Owned Businesses
Local McClellanville restaurant
Shopping online, or visiting the big box stores and chain restaurants might not seem like such a big deal, but over time, our local communities, businesses, and neighborhoods suffer.
Here is a great list of positive reasons to support our local businesses. Visit the American Independent Business Alliance at http://www.amiba.net/ for more discussion on this topic.
1. Locally owned businesses build community well-being by sustaining vibrant town centers, linking neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships, and contributing to local causes.
2. Maintaining unique local communities creates an economic advantage in the local community.
3. Local decision-making by local people who live and work in the community is increased. Read the rest of this entry »