In order to incorporate the latest web trends, it was deemed necessary to overhaul the crowlinc.com website. During the evaluation period, key points were identified to provide a better overall web experience. We wanted to make a site that caters more to mobile device usability, shows our excitement for the burgeoning social media universe, and displays our use of the latest web technologies and standards.
The Redesign Goals:
Create a mobile friendly website to include social media integration, small scale CMS, more efficient site updating capabilities, and staff photography.
The Strategy:
Mobile Friendly – As difficult as it was to part with the flexibility and dynamic visual elements that Adobe Flash provides, it was decided that in order to reach the broadest possible audience, we would need to abandon Flash elements (unsupported on iPod, iPhone and iPad devices) on the website. Using a responsive CSS layout and scaling images, we created a site that responds to the width of the browser window, from a 240 pixel width mobile device to the largest desktop monitors. Using these techniques also eliminated the need for a separate, mobile-only site.
Social Media Integration – Embed the CMC blog and Facebook page recent posts, include direct links to CMC accounts with Facebook, Twitter, the CMC blog, and most recently, Pinterest.
CMS – Include a javascript CMS (content management system) that allows users to update information in real-time.
Updating – Use PHP coding to streamline navigation and page updates.
Staff Photography – Take advantage of PNG files and their unique ability to use transparent backgrounds. While the GIF file format does allow for transparent backgrounds, PNG files are superior in variable transparency, file compression, and variable opacity control. It was determined that PNG support for much older browsers would need to be included.
Crowlinc.com is now updated with current web technology trends best suited for our redesign goals.
