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Nicole
Posts: 2830
Joined: 9/15/2004
From: Nambucca / Kempsey, Australia
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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
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kitcar
Posts: 28
Joined: 2/13/2005
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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
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golfer
Posts: 1760
Joined: 1/5/2005
From: Bath, Wiltshire, UK
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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
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Nicole
Posts: 2830
Joined: 9/15/2004
From: Nambucca / Kempsey, Australia
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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
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golfer
Posts: 1760
Joined: 1/5/2005
From: Bath, Wiltshire, UK
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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
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dpf
Posts: 7121
Joined: 11/12/2003
From: India-napolis
Status: offline
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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.
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Dan
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dpf
Posts: 7121
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From: India-napolis
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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.
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Dan
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paulie
Posts: 558
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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?
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caz
Posts: 3516
Joined: 10/10/2001
From: Somewhere south of Chester, UK
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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
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Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are subtle and will dance, or more on your keyboard.
Cheshire cat. www.doracat.co.uk
I remember when it took less than 4hrs to fly across the Atlantic.
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golfer
Posts: 1760
Joined: 1/5/2005
From: Bath, Wiltshire, UK
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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
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dpf
Posts: 7121
Joined: 11/12/2003
From: India-napolis
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RE: Help with a Difficult Client - 2/15/2005 14:24:22
quote:
I apologize if these comments are inappropriate
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Dan
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paulie
Posts: 558
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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?
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golfer
Posts: 1760
Joined: 1/5/2005
From: Bath, Wiltshire, UK
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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.
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dzirkelb1
Posts: 1300
Joined: 10/5/2004
From: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Status: offline
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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.
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golfer
Posts: 1760
Joined: 1/5/2005
From: Bath, Wiltshire, UK
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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.
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dzirkelb1
Posts: 1300
Joined: 10/5/2004
From: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Status: offline
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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.
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dzirkelb1
Posts: 1300
Joined: 10/5/2004
From: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Status: offline
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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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