Help with a Difficult Client (Full Version)

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Nicole -> Help with a Difficult Client (2/14/2005 16:11:20)

Okay it’s not the kind of difficult client you’d expect, but it’s one I’m having trouble understanding just what their design needs are.

I’ve created a template for them based on two meetings with them and a few quick samples I threw together to show them what their site could look like. None of the links work, but the pages would appear in the following order with the third page layout consistent through the other 700 or so pages in the site:

Opening Page

Second Page

Remaining 700 pages

The difficulty with this client is that they can’t use any identifying images of people or places, they wanted an opening page as they say they need to put a warning that the content may offend some people (any help appreciated on proper wording for that and how to make it appear but not as prominently as I have it (the words Adult Content are not to be used so I’m told)), so that’s why I’ve come up with a very plain opening page.

I gave them about 7 sample images I felt were appropriate without identifying anything, like a beach, fern leaf, clouds, sunset and by chance I threw in an image of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, which is the one they’ve eventually decided upon, to identify at least that they are from Sydney. The problem for me is that that image included in the banner doesn’t contain enough other interesting colours to add to the rest of the site, hence I’ve used different shades of blue.

I think the site looks pretty good (with the exception of the list in the left column appearing dark when it should be white (see CSS message board for that if you have a solution)), but the next issue is that their client base is very, very diverse. From Academics, Media, Politicians, Medical Practitioners to other Service Providers down to family and friends of individuals and then the individuals themselves. I think this site suits the majority of this client base, but it just doesn’t suit the individuals themselves who would need a little more uplifting appearance to the site.

Any suggestions on how to keep the site professional looking to suit the academics and professionals, but also make it look a little less depressing for the other clients would be greatly appreciated. I've checked these 3 pages for XHTML 1.0 validation and they appear to work in IE, Netscape, Firefox, Mozilla, Opera and MSN latest versions at 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768, but would still like feedback at other screen resolutions and browser versions.

Thanks

Nicole



kitcar -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/14/2005 21:02:51)

How about:

"This site deals with social information that some people may find troubling"

Or

People=users

Troubling=offensive



golfer -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 5:28:48)

I see your problem and it is difficult to answer from a distance.

Statement on first page.

"As the name states this educational website deals with the subject of gender issues and this could affect some of our visitors. You are, however, more than welcome to view our pages".

Something like that Nicole?

As regards your uplifting issue (Sounds rude. Sorry) for individuals I think that satisfying the two needs is not possible as the needs are different. Can I suggest that individuals (I assume you mean people, family or friends with gender issues) have a sub web area with your 'uplifting' design. In effect you have a professional side and an individual side. It may require a layout rethink/adjustment.

I hope this helps.

Ian



Nicole -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 5:39:47)

That's a really good point Ian,

I've just been back through the site and realised while as it is, it's geared toward the academic/professional in appearance, while most of the content is actually geared toward the individual.

I've emailed these templates to the client today, as it turns out she won't be there until tomorrow, so i could've held off. It may be a matter of "not being able to please everybody"?

Thanks also for the suggestions about the wording, and Kitcar also, i'm in doubt as to what to put there, but maybe the client already has something prepared?

The more i went into designing this site, the more it started looking like a government department site, oh well, i appreciate all feedback.

Thanks

Nicole



golfer -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 6:00:55)

Glad to have been of assistance.

I read somewhere that we should always ask our customers for the words that go on a page especially those difficult ones. They will, I am sure, have faced this issue before.

Ian



jaybee -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 8:10:24)

Ian is quite correct, let your client choose the words or you'll go round and round in circles making suggestions that get panned.

As for the site and scheme, I think it's fine. These people are going on there to get information and the main concern is making it easy to find. You can't go for graphics that suit the subject or it'll end up becoming a site of ridicule or something that attracts hate mail.

I know I said this before on another of your sites but if you want to brighten it then add some colour in your headings. Orange would go well with the blue and white. It also draws attention to what needs to be emphasised.



dpf -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 9:07:27)

quote:

I think this site suits the majority of this client base, but it just doesn’t suit the individuals themselves who would need a little more uplifting appearance to the site.
Is this your opinion or the client's? Frankly, I don't see it - its a nice site and I think people with gender issues would come here for information - not a color scheme that would "uplift them". You do nice work.



dpf -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 9:44:34)

I apologize if these comments are inappropriate - frankly, I dont understand your clients - why do they want a notice that some people might be offended? there is nothing sexual, risque et. al on their pages. Its a serious topic, right? They are trying to help people who have these issues and do it with dignity - if someone who no sympathy stumbles upon this site and is "offended", screw them. In my mind, by posting that message, they are reaffirming societys message to their prospective clients that your "issue" is offensive and something to be ashamed of.



paulie -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 10:11:16)

quote:

if someone who has no sympathy stumbles upon this site and is "offended", screw them.


Well said Dan, and I wholeheartedly agree. Why should they apologize?



caz -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 12:28:11)

I am with Dan and Paulie, why should they have to apologise, or warn? In my opinion the keywords here are "information" and "dignity", so if they insist how about a strap line on the first page, something like -

The name of the clinic, followed by,
"Information with dignity..."

Also, you do need a touch of contrast here and there and Jaybee's orange suggestion should be given serious thought.

Otherwise a very professional design. ( Insist that they provide the words, if they are so contentious.)

Cheers
Carol



jaybee -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 13:27:57)

quote:

Jaybee's orange suggestion should be given serious thought.


No, the orange looked crud. I tried it. Yellow looks better but I hesitate to say so as Nicole will start to think I'm a yellow nut. [:D]

I agree with you all about the strap line but I think it needs to be the client's call. After all, they're the ones who are going to get all the flack if some namby pamby goes into the site and doesn't like what they read.



golfer -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 14:22:04)

Yes Jaybee. It's the clients call. We can all agree here that it would not be an issue for us but it could be for Nicole's clients. We do what they want (within the bounds of reason of course).

Ian



dpf -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 14:24:22)

quote:

I apologize if these comments are inappropriate



Nicole -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 15:16:55)

Hey you guys have come up with some really good suggestions while i was sleeping....thanks!

I now agree with you about the disclaimer and the whole opening page thing. The client did say she wanted that there though but i will pass your comments onto her. As far as I know it's only needed because one page within the site in particular shows a series of photos of how they make a penis using forearm skin. It's very graphic! Maybe i can suggest to her that we put the disclaimer under that link and/or have a pop-up that shows the disclaimer with an option to leave.

Your other suggestions are great also, i'll have a play around with the heading colours this morning along with the possible solution to the left hand link colour. The debate over whether the site should have a information or an uplifting feel was an issue at my meetings with this client, so i'll just wait and see what she thinks of the site today.

Nicole



paulie -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 15:31:36)

quote:

one page within the site in particular shows a series of photos of how they make a penis using forearm skin. It's very graphic! Maybe i can suggest to her that we put the disclaimer under that link and/or have a pop-up that shows the disclaimer with an option to leave.


Yes, anything like that definately needs a clear warning to the viewer on the link to that page. Not because of the context of gender issues, but because it depicts medical surgery in a graphic format. You would do the same with, say, pictures of natural childbirth or open heart surgery, wouldn't you?



golfer -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 15:42:30)

Oh Nicole. A penis from forearm skin??????!!!!! Why on earth do they want to show that?? They will have every pervert hitting the site for years to come. I think that could be bad taste for many people even us in OF.

Gracious me this site and Jaybee on another thread talking about using her knife to slice a banana and two scoops of ice cream on valentines. I don't know.

Good luck with your meeting and please send us instructions on this penis building job. My wife seems interested in an addition for me.



dzirkelb1 -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 15:49:24)

Could the opening page contain a bit of flash? Nothing fancy by any means, just a little to uplift the spirits of whomever is watching it. I think flash is neat to look at, so it could get the individuals attention; while, keeping it professional with some sort of slogan. Then, at the end, you could place the "enter at your own risk" link (of course it wouldn't say that) or "I choose not to view" and have it close or something.

I know there are mixed reviews about flash on websites...but it may do the uplifting you are looking for...be it only on one page.



golfer -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 15:53:54)

A Penis and now using FLASH. I am having difficulty in controling my giggling.



jaybee -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 16:50:34)

I have to say I agree with Dave on the "I choose not to view" thing. I wouldn't use a pop up Nicole in case they have a blocker then they'll just get dropped in the page. I would make the link go to a warning page where they click to say they agree to view. You wouldn't need to store anything as long as you make sure that's the only way into the page. You'd need to set up a robots.txt file to stop the SEs from spidering it.

I think the issue of pervs visiting the site because of pictures of penile construction is a pretty moot point. The mere subject of the site will bring them in anyway. Perhaps a few graphic details might make them think.

Dave, what on earth were you intending to put in a flash movie? I'm sure you're not thinking what the rest of us are. [&:] Or at least I hope not!

Suggestions?



jaybee -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 16:53:32)

quote:

I wouldn't use a pop up Nicole


Hang on, that doesn't sound right.

Perhaps it should be

I wouldn't use a pop up,

Nicole,



Nicole -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 17:00:46)

LOL!

I think your "extra page" is a good idea, thanks.

Nicole



dzirkelb1 -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 17:04:56)

heheeh, the flash movie would be just something simple with movement..anything to make the user say, "hey, this front page looks sort of neat and it isn't overpowering me, maybe it is ok to look inside" as I'm sure there will be some people who are uncomfortable with the whole topic. It could be something as simple as the logo coming in one piece at a time from the sidney house, or just have the house with clouds moving in the background (color permitting) or waves of water.

But, again, I'm a flash nut...I see flash on a site (that is neat like something moving and not overpowering or ugly) and I stay interested.



jaybee -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 17:20:29)

Hmmm. I like flash in the right place but I don't think this is it.

To appease your sense of movement, go visit this. I think it's the best Flash site there is, and then some.

http://www.cartoonsmart.com/



Nicole -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/15/2005 17:36:21)

I understood the Flash comment and liked it. It'd have to be very quick loading though, even something just like the name swirling around a little to begin with.

I don't know a thing about Flash though, and the probability that a lot of users of this site will be using old and slow computers probably rules that out.

Nicole



dzirkelb1 -> RE: Help with a Difficult Client (2/16/2005 10:32:04)

I like the flash on this site...http://www.colligandemos.com/acme_new/. Its simple, yet catches your eye. If you could do something like that, I think it would be neat...but, again, not everyone has flash. I think the load time would be minimal as its such a small "movie", but I have no experience with flash either!!

That cartoon site was neat...I like that :)




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