There is no perfect solution for all needs and uses, but this is a good general guideline for evaluating CMS options. We used similar criteria in creating our Genome framework for our custom CMS sites. The biggest failing we found in the market was the choice of limited features or overly complex systems. We either couldn’t do what the client wanted with the systems or the client couldn’t figure out how to use it once it was set up. We customized based on those principals to give the best of both worlds in our projects. This is a great list to check over when you are evaluating your next CMS project so that the feature list does not cloud the decision. You don’t want a system the client can’t use.
Icons. To use or overuse? There are countless examples of poor use of icons and imagry to handle navigation in a site. This article from Smashing Magazine explores some examples of good solid use of icons to help and enhance user experience, rather than distract.
Some great pointers to must haves for agencies or freelancers to set up a fully usable portfolio site. Not all may apply to you, but it’s a good check list to make sure you are not leaving any holes in your approach to attracting the right clients. Read more on Smashing Magazine.
TechCrunch has an early review for Safari 4 for the Mac. While its not out officially yet (public beta for now) it is another next generation browser that is on the way. As always its important to keep in mind how things look and function (both good and bad) in multiple browsers so that usability is always at its best for all users. Safari 4 seems to offer a lot in speed and multi page views that very well are showing a trend with all next generation browsers.
“Social Networking” is more than just a fad these days. Agencies are starting to see how these new technologies can be powerful tools at their disposal, but what is the down side? Can clients be shown how these powerful and cheap ways to contact customers can be effective and still not loose sight of more traditional methods? Phil Johnson takes a swing at some ideas that might help bridge between old and new for ad agencies.
No longer will users have to download huge files to preview the content. DocStoc lets you post documents and they provide simple links to provide users a popup preview of the document with a much smaller file size. Don’t pull down that 100 MB PDF just to realize its the wrong size, preview it before and skip the download.
The number of new registrations of domain names are slowing. With 88% of registered names resolving to an actual site, one can only hope that that percentage might be on the rise rather than parking for profit. Interesting trends none the less…
If you have (or are) a kid between the ages of 4 and 94 you may be interested in the next generation of Nintendo’s portable gaming device. But what about the non gamer. Why should developers even care that a new game device is out? Simple, it now has a browser! Like the iPhone and many other devices that make the web accessible, each new device that launches with a browser, also means another way for users to view your content.
Many devices use existing technology (iPhones use Safari for example) but keeping up with versions, capabilities, and screen sizes for various devices can be a challenge. As more of these devices come out, computer screen resolution and 2-3 browser’s capabilities won’t be enough. Make sure you know your target audience and choose appropriate web design and features accordingly. There is nothing more frustrating to an iPhone user than to hit an all Flash site with no alternate version of the content. Know your audience, their capabilities, and be willing to customize the experience to the device, or better yet, plan with multiple devices in mind from the start.
Solid usability is key for a user experience. The best content or concept is useless if its difficult to navigate and use. Smashing Magazine posted a good summary of 9 common mistakes that are made in web design. While some may not apply to “all” sites, its a great check list to make sure the bigger bases are covered.
