Final Project Proposal

This site is for a web design company named "Designer Websites." This has been the name chosen by the business owner years before I was hired. My employer wanted a new, updated look for his website.

We hope to increase the number of viewers and potential clients to our company. The goal is to increase the number of phone calls, online inquiries, and on-site appointments specifically for design consultation. We will see if the redesign will make a difference by tracking the number of design consultations and further sales of agreements to pursue web site implementation with our company.

This site will be primarily for well-educated adult business owners who are looking to expand their company and brand online, and are willing to allocate funding to do so. Most business owners will have regular access to computers, are comfortable using the internet and social media, and have clear channels of communication.

Michael is a 38-year old automotive repair shop business owner who has working knowledge of the Web and e-mail, though his fiance is much more comfortable and more involved with interacting with web 2.0 and social media. His annual family income is over $60,000, and he has constant access to a 19-inch flat screen monitor connected to the Internet via DSL at work. He also has a smart phone with access to email and the internet. His fiance is a self-proclaimed "facebook addict" who heads the online identity for his business. Despite his laid-back nature, Michael is very busy and dedicated to his business. He prefers cleanly designed, user friendly sites that both catch his eye and easily provide desired information. He constantly uses his computer to reply to emails and oversee business transactions.

The clients include my boss and the collective interests for Designer Websites.

Work with your client to brainstorm a list of the content you would like to include in your site.  At this point, you don't have to organize or refine the list -- just list everything that comes to mind. Start with the information you want to cover, then describe  images, sounds, or video clips if you have any in mind.  Make your own list, then look at related sites for ideas. 

• Buttons for social media (facebook, twitter, etc)
• contact form for inquiries and quotes
• map and directions
• address, phone number, address, and hours of operation
• mission statement
• Picture of the building
• Portfolio of site designs for past clients
  • include screen shots and brief description
• Minimal, yet persuasive, "happy talk"
  • paragraphs for "Why Choose Us," "Prices"

http://www.altstrategies.com/ This site has been clearly delineated as a competitor by my employer.

http://www.ashwebstudio.com/

http://www.dtelepathy.com/

http://www.highrankwebsites.com/

Because this site is meant to appeal to business owners and associates, the site will include neutral and subdued colors, a straightforward navigation style, and simple image transitions. The site will aim for a professional appearance, and fonts will be of reasonable and readable size to reinforce positive user experience. No "grunge" or any other excessively decorative looks for the designated site audience.