Living in a Post-PC world

Today’s internet landscape is rapidly changing. Whether you realize it or not, the world’s dependence on stationary computers is shifting to a more mobile alternative: Post-PC devices like smartphones and tablets.  It makes sense, too.  When you can do as much or more on a device that fits in your pocket and lets you travel anywhere, why would you want to limit yourself to a heavy, stationary computer?

We recently did some data crunching on a client’s Web site and projected that, by the end of this year, 12.9% of all visitors will be on mobile devices, and our other sites are seeing similar trends.  When one out of every ten visitors to your site is on a Post-PC device it creates some very interesting situations.

Most people think of the limitations these mobile devices present on the Web, but the growing number of users is actually a very good thing.  The typical complaints of small screens, short battery life, and missing Flash integration are overshadowed by all the benefits that arise from these portable devices.

The typical desktop computer lasts more than four years, but mobile devices like phones are usually upgraded every two years.  This means that technology stays up-to-date and the oldest devices are typically only two years old.  The modern technology found on these Post-PC devices provides lots of capabilities that escape many standard PC browsers.

It also lets you meet your users wherever they are.  74% of smartphone users have made a purchase from their phone and a clumsy Web presence might make the difference between a sale or a pass.  Mobile Web sites help you seal the deal by providing intuitive interfaces that lead clients to taking action immediately.

Then there’s the customization for mobile devices.  Mobile Web sites let you capture a whole new audience and tailor the experience to their smaller platform.  Creative layouts, large buttons for touch screens, geo-location services, and rearranged content are all possible features for a stand-alone mobile site that help users on-the-go find the content they need quickly and efficiently.

The custom interface for Post-PC devices also says a lot about your company or organization.  It shows the world that you put your users’ experiences first and that you’re doing your best to utilize emerging technology.  This improves your reputation and converts leads into results.

If you want to see how we’ve made a difference in the Post-PC realm, check out our Web site or www.kwc.edu on a smartphone or tablet.  Then, when you’re ready, contact us to request a quote and see how we can create a custom Web presence that connects you to Post-PC users everywhere.

New Friday Tradition – Casual Fridays

Happy Friday everyone!

As our second Friday post, we thought we might take the time to start a Friday tradition on the Illuminate Design Studio Blog.  Most days we’ll be talking about the importance of Web development and design, but Fridays are more casual. So without further ado…

Casual Friday:

You’re welcome Lady!

What’s your favorite color?

It’s a question we often ask during ice-breaker sessions or when we’re trying to get to know someone better.  My answer changes sometimes, so I’ll usually say something like, “Today it’s blue.”  Your favorite color can say a lot about you, and it helps your listeners to understand more about who you are.

The colors we choose to design Web sites help the world understand more about you, as well. Calm blues can show a down-to-business attitude, while bright orange can convey a sense of athleticism.  We picked the blue on our Web site because it appeals to a wide range of viewers, but it’s also bright and makes a bold statement against the clean grey and white of the rest of the site.

Color combinations also say a lot about your company or organization.  The logo we designed for Hollison conveys a sense of American nationalism.  It not only gives the company an identity, it confirms to the viewer that their work helps secure the nation’s food supply.

So what are your colors saying about you? If your Web site or logo need a color overhaul, feel free to contact us or request a quote.

The importance of great design

As we start out on with our first blog post I think it’s important to start with something we’re passionate about: great design.  Most people agree that a Web presence is a vital aspect of today’s business world, but many companies and organizations settle for a basic Web site with just enough information.  Please don’t misunderstand me.  Sometimes a simple Web site with a clear, succinct message is the ideal solution.  So here’s the bottom line: your Web site design tells your viewers almost everything they need to know about you.

A bad Web site design is like wearing sweatpants to an important meeting.  It can also be like wearing a three-piece suit to the beach.  Every site has a unique audience it’s trying to capture, and a tailored design helps establish connections with your audience.  A suitable design for your Web site encourages your viewers to see that you understand your market and that you consequently understand their needs.

Great design does more than establish a sense of competence.  It also enhances the functionality of your site.  A well-planed site will lead the user’s eye to important content quickly and offers intuitive navigation that requires little to no learning curve.

While a simple site with basic content is a good step for every company or organization, the same site, paired with great design will create a lasting impact on every viewer.  To find out how Illuminate Design Studio can help your site out request a free quote here.