Website Design: Our Capabilities and Philosophy
BROAD-BASED EXPERIENCE
Groff
Creative has been recognized as one of the region’s
leading graphic design firms for over fifteen years. For
the past six years, we have also been contributing our analytical
thinking and creative development expertise to the design,
art direction, and implementation of Websites.
Previous
Website clients include corporations, associations, museums,
and universities. Project scope may entail a comprehensive
site analysis and redesign, or it may be limited to a simple
home page. No matter how complex or straightforward the need,
we apply the same proven marketing and design principles
to develop Website pages that are eye-catching, readable,
quick-to-load, and easy-to-navigate.
PRELIMINARY RESEARCH AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS
For
both start-up businesses and clients with existing Websites,
our design process starts with a thorough information-gathering
phase. What is the purpose of the site? How can we best distinguish
your business from industry competitors? Who are the possible
target audiences? We would also take into consideration any
planned advertising or public relations campaigns, any new
program initiatives that may need to be highlighted, your
business’s corporate image, and any current graphic
standards.
We
interview key staff to discern not only the needs and goals
of the site, but also the entry point for all the different
audiences who will use your site. What types of information
are primary and secondary viewers looking for? What is this
best way to help them locate this content quickly and easily?
The answers to all these questions will dictate the underlying
structure of your site and its all-important navigation functionality.
NAVIGATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND GRAPHICAL INTERFACE
It
is crucial that the navigation infrastructure facilitate
the user’s experience and be relevant and streamlined
at all times. This will determine how easily viewers will
be able to locate the information they are seeking. If information
is not readily accessible or if the site structure does not
seem intuitive, viewers may promptly give up and exit the
site. Our Web design process focuses on this information
architecture as part of the graphical interface planning
for the site. Working in partnership with our clients towards
the attainment of identified project objectives, we continue
to stay in close contact as we refine site architecture and
page design. This methodology has contributed to consistently
excellent results and a lengthy track record of impressive
performance.
STRATEGIC BRANDING
We
often design a Website as part of a client’s overall
rebranding strategy. New content and graphical themes are
established to ensure a consistent visual identity across
both print and electronic media. Coordinated promotional
efforts then serve to re-energize the organization’s
core image. Site content can direct viewers to PDF downloads
of print materials, surveys, and e-mail links. Information
can be updated quickly, as needed. Cross-marketing opportunities
can introduce both new and existing customers to additional
service or product areas. By making sound use of all these
strategies, marketing messages are reinforced, and the business
benefits from an integrated approach to visual design and
informational content.
GAINING A COMPETITIVE EDGE WITH A GREAT WEBSITE
An
effective Website is one of an organization’s most
accessible means of establishing and maintaining an advantageous
marketplace position and a distinguishing brand. The Website
will function as a framework from which the business will
communicate with its various audiences. Besides building
brand recognition, the Website will provide unique opportunities
to modify company information in response to evolving industry
conditions. In many ways, a well-designed Website can provide
the critical edge necessary to help an organization succeed.
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