Things have been very busy here at Wiseacre Design. We've expanded, now with a full-time Business Operations Manager, and have completed several large-scale projects in the last -- well, half year (or so -- it has been a long time since I've updated, hasn't it?).
Over the last few months here are some projects we've completed:
From Reuters: "NBC Universal has decided not to renew its contract to sell television shows on iTunes, becoming the second major media company to challenge Apple Inc's (AAPL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) dominance in digital entertainment." I'm not entirely sure if this is a temporary ploy by NBC to attempt to gain control over pricing (which I can't believe they would) or that they believe they can "sell" their shows via their website?
There is no website, company or project too small; and I'm very proud to soon be launching a resource, information site for Bill Goodwin -- Your Mortgage Guy, Real Estate Mortgage Corporation representative, and all around great guy.
WhoKnew.org "Who Knew is an information design network devoted to 'difficult content' - ideas and issues that are commonly misunderstood and censored. Every 3 months, students graphically communicate texts considered complex, confusing and/or controversial - things that make us go, "Who knew?" Who Knew studies the interpretive power of graphics and typography in the access, efficiency and transparency of information. All sources and research limitations are disclosed. Readers are the most important part of understanding the process of understanding. Feedback about inaccuracies and errors of fact is valued."
Dotcomrade and photographer extraordinaire Jeremy Cowart has launched a superb new portfolio site with more work than you can consume in one day. His work is breathtaking, stunning, entertaining and intriguing; give it a visit, you won't regret it.
It's not often that a large news website can change the overall format of its web structure, but the new CNN.com redesigns takes information heavy websites in a new, simple, refined, clean direction. I'm a fan (though I don't understand the full width top navigation and the fixed width main content areas -- why not do one or the other throughout?). Great break down of the site by Andy Rutledge
A year or so ago I was nearly involved in helping to produce the newly re-designed TNIV.com website with HydraStudio -- timing and schedules didn't work out. About 2 weeks ago I got a request from Relevant Media Group to help them fix some issues, add some development and coding to -- you guessed it -- TNIV.com. It's a small world. I'm happy I could help them complete the project.
Thanks to ChurchCommunicationsPro.com for taking notice of the Four Corners site. We did put a lot of time and effort into making it work well and as simply as possible -- though, in all honesty, I'm ready to change the site, improve it and make it even better.
With recent redesigns of previously heavy Flash-based websites such as MTV or even LifeChurch have we seen the end of Flash as a fully-integrated web production tool (and regulated a multimedia player?). Or is AJAX and standards-based solutions yet another fad that will fade? Seems that what I thought might happen 2 years ago is well on the way.
Last night I launched the new, improved version of Fitchburg Days -- implementing an improved (and more fun) design, AJAX elements and more integrated CSS styles; as well as a fully custom back-end content manager.
Completely fascinating and brilliant concept (and execution) when Tony Deifell decided to teach photography -- at the Governor Morehead School for the Blind. The results are chronicled in the book (and website) Seeing Beyond Sight -- the results are astounding and outstanding.
For about a week now I've been using the service Twitter, and have grown quite addicted to it. What exactly is Twitter? Think of it as an instant message to all your friends, at once, about the mundane thoughts, details and actions of your day. In our voyeuristic society, Twitter melds new technology, permissible intrusion, and curiosity about what your friends do throughout a day. People "post" about anything from what they're eating for lunch, what they're working on, telling friends where to meet, to what's on their mind at the moment. Give it a try, you might like it.
Some amazing work by Georgia Russell using books as her medium (and cutting them in intricate and unbelievable ways). I love these, particularly this piece.
Working on the updated, redesigned look for Fitchburg Days, completely database and CSS driven, using some AJAX of certain elements, as well as fully customized back-end content management.
It's been a long time (a long long long time) since i've blogged -- without an excuse (or at least, a good one), I thought it appropriate to tackle the upcoming 2008 Presidential election -- minus the politics -- and focus on the candidate websites, ranked according to design (taking into account not only the overall look, but the functionality and usability).
It appears that splash pages are back. Nearly all the Democratic candidate websites start with a short introductory page graphic, typically highlighting their campaign message, and a quick and...