[Project Complete] First In Solutions (Website For Startup) - $500

[jtolbert]

(Admin code added by Palmer - 532652129D8912303)

COMPANY DETAILS

Company Name: First In Solutions, Inc.

Tag Line or Slogan: "Are You In?" (for recruiting employees)

Website: www.firstinsol.com (once website is up)

Company Logo? Yes (will provide)

Corporate visual identity? Wish to utilize logo (primary or secondary logo) to the extent that creates a mental image in one's mind and consultants within the industry someday can instantly recognize it. Color scheme is primarily red, white, blue, with some gray. However, I am not locked into those colors (they are the colors used in the log and on the business cards).

Project Requirements: First In Solutions, Inc. is a new start-up entity that is looking to create a professional new corporate website using its new corporate logo and some key content.

The company is looking for a website that clearly delineates the corporate focus on information technology and analysis services for the Intelligence Community. Ideally, the website will also represent all of the following:
- A sense of being the best at providing services at a reasonable price to its clients
- Supporting the “pointed end of the spear” in the fight against terrorism, where the phrase “pointed end of the spear” refers to those that put their lives on the line in foreign lands to protect our nation and its people
- Integrity, Integration, Innovation, Intelligence (note the symbolism with the word “IN”)
- The phrase “FIRST IN” often refers to Special Operations soldiers and intelligence personnel who go into a country before any conventional military action to conduct covert operations, reconnaissance, etc. Also note the play on being number one in providing solutions.
- “Solutions” refers to solving problems that may be difficult to solve, such as information sharing across agencies, using various disparate datasets to identify trends or make connections (“connecting the dots”), overcoming cultural or political differences to change an organization, etc.
- American patriotism, flag, etc (we do not need to plaster the flag over over the place to represent patriotism)

Client Focus: Providing IT and analysis expertise and solutions for the Intelligence Community

Business Status: This company is a new start-up within a very competitive market, so branding and logo will need to create a positive "memory" for current and prospective clients.

Competition: Everyone from large system integrators like Lockheed Martin, CACI, SAIC, and Northrup Gruman, to many small existing entities like Abraxus, GCI, 24/7 Solutions, and others.

Discriminators: In many ways, those companies that are best organized, agile, with excellent people, skills, and experience will succeed in this market. Having top-notch benefits and pay to attract the best people is critical. Thus, the success of this company depends on its ability to recruit the best and brightest engineers, developers, and analysts with a benefits/compensation plan and corporate focus that is better than everyone else. The main page and corporate vision, along with the secondary "Careers" or "Hot Jobs" and "Benefits" web content/pages will be key to attracting potential candidates to the company.

WEBSITE DETAILS

Other Websites: These are examples of the websites for some of the competition (some are OK, others are just so-so):

http://www.dragondc.com/
http://www.miklos.com/
http://www.spectal.com/
http://www.abraxascorp.com/
http://www.caci.com/
http://www.saic.com/
http://www.eastportanalytics.com/
http://www.northropgrumman.com/
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

Type Of Look: Ideally, the website will be professional, clean (not cluttered), and very easy for people to navigate (especially potential recruits, as well as clients). It does not have to be flashy (in fact, that might detract from the main purpose). With a focus on information technology, software applications, data visualization, "connecting the dots", use of analytical tools, and intelligence analysis to protect a nation, it should convey a sense of positive solutions to folks.

Images: A few images come to mind (in no particular order), such as the use of link analysis tools (e.g., Analyst Notebook), engineers and database experts, linguists, contractors, soldiers, a flood of information and data that needs to be collected, processed, analyized across multiple agencies, US Special Forces riding on horses in Afghanistan, the capture of Saddam Hussein, protecting common citizens at airports, at their jobs, and a group of intel analysts working at a watch center on a 24x7 basis, etc.

DEADLINES

I would like to settle on a design and designer around 25-Jan and complete the project by 31-Jan. If it takes a bit longer, that is OK, but it should not go beyond 14-Feb.

I need the templates in HTML and any other format needed to set up the initial website and populate the pages, duplicate the secondary page, etc and basically maintain the website and add to it going forward. I would expect to get the main page and at least one secondary page (maybe the job listing page).

[Aliska]

Hello
When you will provide us with logo file?

[jtolbert]

The logo files are attached .... :)

[Aliska]

Hello
thanks for the logo files. I will proceed with design now :).

[jtolbert]

I wanted to provide folks with some thoughts on some of the other websites I had provided in the initial set of requirements:

http://www.dragondc.com/
Simple, easy-to-navigate, good use of graphics/images; inconsistent use of font size, too much empty space on left side, lacks the ability to really attract potential new employees.

http://www.miklos.com/
Simple, good selection of colors (I really like the colors to differentiate "Hot Jobs" from other menu items); could use some graphics/images. :)

http://www.spectal.com/
BORING!! Good example of what I do not want .... :eek:

http://www.abraxascorp.com/
Excellent corporate header (poor choice of menu item colors though), good use of space; I really like the Careers page with the ability to review job listings and apply by uploading one's resume.

http://www.caci.com/
Overly complex for what I am looking for, poor use of colors and graphics; the Careers section is what I do not want!!

http://www.saic.com/
Decent main page, with reasonable use of images (lacks color), the Careers section is OK if you have a 1,000 job openings across the country (too much for a start-up though) :D

http://www.eastportanalytics.com/
Too glitzy, not enough substance (I do not like the Flash intro), no real attractiveness from a recruiting standpoint.

http://www.northropgrumman.com/
Not bad, but I don't like swicthing the navigation controls from side to top in the pages, I liked the careers and especially the job posting page with the "Post Date" and little "New" symbol next to new job listings.

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/
Nice people-oriented main page, but a bit on the plain/bland side, navigation controls and color selection are decent; careers area is overly complex and non-intuitive (not something I need as a start-up).

Final Thoughts: Overall, there are some decent parts within some of these websites that I like; however, there is much that is either boring, overly complex, poor choice of colors, graphics, etc. One other item that I did like is that some of the websites had a login area for employees to get to corporate data or info. While that is not needed immediately, I would hope to get to that point sometime in the future. Just something to keep in mind. I also liked the search feature that some, not all, of the sites had.

Hopefully, these observations and thoughts will help drive out some good designs .... :)

[mbleigh]

Let's get things rolling!

[jtolbert]

Michael,

Thanks for the good start ... not a bad beginning. :)

I like the "INTEGRITY, INNOVATION, ..." part and the intial recruiting statement to attract employees. Use of the tagline "ARE YOU IN?" is good, but maybe a bit over the top in terms of size, etc. The basic navigation controls are named properly, except for the fact that we provide "SERVICES", not "PRODUCTS", and I'm not sure yet about the size, location, and color of the buttons. The image is OK - maybe an image of a professional type like you have interlaced with maybe some kind of real-world images would be interesting. I like the two sections "AT THE POINTED END" and "SOLUTIONS" - it's simple and can get directly to the main points. One menu item that needs to stand out a bit is "CAREERS", which might look better as the last item. I would also look at the two tone highlighting - I'm not sure if I like it or not yet.

I'd be interested in seeing the next revision ....

UPDATE: I have uploaded some images that may be of use to the designers.

[Aliska]

Hello
Idea from me.

[jtolbert]

Thanks for the new ideas. Of the three, I like the first idea best with the search and login area to the left, The images look good except for the lady at the top (I'd rather see a person who is smiling, she appears to be undecided or in thought). I like the use of the spear-tip to identify new section headings, but the logo as well as the smaller spear-tips appear to have some kind of watermark behind the logo or soft reflection below them - is that correct (maybe it's my screen)? Finally, there might be just a bit too much blue - maybe having menu buttons that are gray would help (and I would make the Career button maybe yellow so it is easily identifiable).

Overall, not too bad .... :) I would be interested in seeing what you had in mind as ideas for the secondary webpage (either the Careers or Job Listing page).

[Severner]

Hey,

You can expect something from me in a few days.


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[jtolbert]

Thanks, Sev - looking forward to it!

[Aliska]

Hello
Revisions from me.

[jtolbert]

This version looks a bit better .... I like the new gray color bordering the body of the web page content and the new person at the top of the page. I still see some faint shadows or watermarks around the logo and beneath the small spear-tips. Is that intentional? If so, I do not care for them much. I would also like to see the image on the right (the one with three business people and tall buildings) be replaced with one that is a bit more technical, such as an image of a person looking at a multi-screen monitor (see attached image as an example of a multi-screen monitor only), or an image of a command and control watch center (see example image of an older type watch center attached, which is not exactly what I want, but it could be if it was state-of-the-art and more of a close-up of 1-2 people working). The other image with the guy interviewing the girl is OK, but I think it could be replaced with a better image as well. The change to better highlight the "Careers" section is nice, but I think it could be better if the background for that menu item was a different color.

Overall, with a few more changes, this version is a good one - I will be interested to see what some of the other designers come up with though. :)

[Severner]

Here is my entry;

[Severner]

A couple of background variants;

a)
http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/fis/pagea.jpg

b)
http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/fis/pageb.jpg


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[jtolbert]

Sev,

Thank you for the submissions. Here are some thoughts on them as well as some general guidance for all the designers:

First, except for the border around the three submissions, I did not see any real differences between them. The border itself is a good thing, but I do not like the varying gradient style and in particular, the use of blue. The overuse of blue was my first impression.

I did like the fact that you put the "Search" function into the menu bar with the menu items. I really want to see the "Careers" menu item to be different in terms of color so that it clearly stands out among the rest of the buttons.

The top image is a decent image except for the blue tint that again overuses the color blue. The other image in the body would be a nice image if the view was from the side or angled - the front view emphasizes the top of the laptop and lowers the appeal.

General Guideance (for all designers)
Don't overuse the color blue (or any other color).
I am open to the use of other colors if they are used to enhance or make the webpage more appealing.
Focus on bringing the viewer's attention to the corporate name, tag line, and the actual web content.
Read through all the previous feedback and look at some of the sample images and websites that were provided in the first post as well as several other posts.
The secure login is nice - it will be for "Employee Login" to access sensitive areas, but may not be needed immediately.

Thanks again ..... :)

[Aliska]

Hello
Revisions from me.

[clink]

I will be entering this project in the next few days. Regards :)

[jtolbert]

Thanks for the updates ... :)

These look good - I like the "Careers" menu button - very clear to the viewer and our potential new employees.

In general, the layout is reasonable and easy readable - I really like the small spear-tips to identify the start of a new web section.

One question in general I would have with this type of website template is how it will resize based on the user's web browser window?

I will be working on some actual web content (text) about the company to provide the to designers later this week. :)

[jtolbert]

Great - l look forward to seeing what creativity and ideas you have for submitting .... :)

[Severner]

Hey,

Here is another entry;

http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/fis/homepage2.jpg


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[jtolbert]

Sev,

Thanks for the new entry - it is an interesting one. I like the various colors; although, I'm not sure if the menu item colors are the right ones to use (maybe some light/medium shades of gray would look better). I really like the graphic with the three people looking at the laptop - it has the viewing angle that I was referring to in an earlier post. The various item lists and viewing areas under the other graphic are OK as is the font for the maining heading in the body of the web page.

Nice entry though - I'll give it some cosnideration .... :)

[clink]

My apologies but I will not be able to enter a design after all. Good luck with the project.

[jtolbert]

I'm sorry you will not be able to provide a submission. Thank you for letting me know. :)

[jtolbert]

As promised, I wanted to provide everyone with a some thoughts and a bit more guidance regarding what I'm looking for in the website:

As this project has progressed, I've had the opportunity to see several good ideas for designs as well as do additional research myself regarding what I like and don't like.

Here are some thoughts and clarification guidance:

First (and most important), is that I found a competitor website (www.listinc.com) that I really like and could be a very good example of what I'm looking for. I highly recommend every designer have a look at it and come up with something similar (but unique) for your submission. Here is a list of things I really like about this reference website and believe needs to be incorporated into the winning website submission:

use of colors to accent the body of the main page without being overbearing (the center of the body is white with the left and right sides having a gradient color the same as the logo color)
use of corporate logo with a patriotic-type image to the right, as well as the use of space above the logo for accessing main menu items (the image I would like to see is similar, but maybe uses the Pentagon instead of Congress in it)
use of the "RECENT NEWS" ticker with clickable headlines
use of the primary main menu items on the left side (I like this, but I do not like the rotating between image and text).
use of the main body starting with the "Welcome to" section (I would add another small section or two of content under the primary section titled "Our Services" and "Our People" with a "Read More" button for each.
use of the "ABOUT LIST" (in smaller font) is also quite nice in that it provide a short synopsis of the company

In message #3, I provided both a primary logo and a secondary logo to use. After a lot of thought, I've decided that I prefer to see the primary logo used at the top of the website. Next to the logo should be a nice attractive image that conveys some basic idea about who/what the company is about and use of our tagline "Are You In?".
The menu items listed in the website should be HOME, COMPANY, SERVICES, HOT JOBS, BENEFITS, and CONTACT US. Keep in mind, that I want the HOT JOBS menu item to be shaded/highlighted in a way that it clearly stands out to the viewer.
In the interest of good space utilization, I would like to have the "Search" function just under the main menu items on the left side.
As stated previously, I really like and want to use the concept of using the spear-tip that Aliska presented in message #17 to offset and highlight the start of a section of web content on the main page. Very cool .... :cool:
I also would still like to see a secure login capability for employees to access corporate info.
Finally, the bottom of the website should have a border area with the menu items listed horizontally on the left and contain the copyright on the right.


Hopefully, these thoughts and additional guidance will get us to the point where we can begin to get to closure on the project. If anyone needs any addiitonal clarification or info, just ask!! :)

[crimsondesigner]

Here is my entry based on the guidance posted in message #25.

Erika

[jtolbert]

Erika,

Thanks for your submission. In general, I like the layout and the use of colors and font. I do have some ideas on what changes I'd like to see: :)


Remove the watermark background behind the primary logo at the top of the page - I do not see it serving a useful purpose.
The image of the pentagon is good - if you could keep that, along with the "sof1.jpg" image I provided in message #7 and the American flag, all in a softened background and with 2-3 people working at a laptop in the forground as in message #21 and as is presented in the referenced website (www.listinc.com), that might convey the message I am looking for in this primary image.
Rather than have the employee login at the top, I would prefer to put it to the left beneath the main menu items. It is a secondary capability for future employees, whereas the primary function of the website is to convey info about our company and attract future employees in a highly-competitive environment. This would also allow the RECENT NEW part to be a slightly larger font and more visible to the viewer.
Maybe consider putting some whitespace between each of the main menu buttons so they are not crowded together.
Regarding the menu buttons, I see what you are trying to do in terms of using the shading like was done in the logo. Might I suggest that the buttons have a more 3-D look by having the shading on all four sides, like a beveled push-button. :)
I might want to see a slightly darker (and maybe a bit larger) gradiant border on the left and right side of the webpage.
Also, the tagline "Are You In?" should be displayed somewhere near the top, maybe over the image (but not too large a font) or under the logo in italics.

Overall, I think this submission is on the right track based on my last guidance. One thing I have not yet seen from anyone is what a secondary page would look like. :( The "HOT JOBS" page is probably the one secondary page that I would like to go with the primary page.

Finally, I would like to see what the other designers can do. I am expecting to try to settle on a designer by the end of the week (if possible) and get the project completed shortly after.

[crimsondesigner]

My design with the suggested changes.

Erika

[jtolbert]

Erika,

Thanks for the quick turnaround on the suggested changes. :)

Most of these look good, but ....


I like the side gradient color much better now.
I also like the image of the three people, but I think it shuld be a bit smaller in order to allow for more text in the "Welcome to" section. BTW, I want to have a small list of items within this section.
The "ABOUT LIST" is nice, but I'm worried about how well it will look horizontally, versus as a vertical like the referenced website (www.listinc.com) has which looks great as a concise set of bulleted information, which is what I'd like to use in this area.
The tagline "Are You In?" under the logo is in the location I suggested, but I don't care much for the font selection and font size - maybe use Times Roman in italics, black color, and a smaller size would look better?
I like part of the main image where you merged the Pentagon with the suggested image, but I do not like the Statue of Liberty (overkill) and the flag should be faded into the Pentagon (like the referenced website where the flag is faded into Congress). Also, it appears that the flag and the other image have text embedded into them, which should not be seen.
Finally, the main menu buttons are better in terms of spacing, but the buttons themselves are not very appealing. I guess maybe I was expecting menu buttons with a bit more pizazz (similar to some of the buttons found at http://www.buttongenerator.com/). Also, the HOT JOBS menu item still needs to be offset in a different shade/color (I like the colors on the Yahoo! website for the "More Yahoo! Services" menu item for possible use for the HOT JOBS menu button).


Thank you again for your submission and the changes - these are very much appreciated. :)

[crimsondesigner]

Thank you. Here is the design with changes.

Erika

[jtolbert]

Erika,

Thanks for the changes. I believe this is pretty close to what I'm looking for in the main home webpage. :)

I have a couple questions:


Will the RECENT NEWS section actually be a rolling news ticker with selectable headlines (as in the referenced website) that change color to RED when you mouse over them?
Will the main menu items change color as a user rolls the cursor across them or clicks on them?
Is the secure login a working area - what happens if a user tries to enter a Username and Password and click on the "LOG IN" button?


Also, I was wondering if you could put a small hit counter near bottom left side?

I would like to move the secure login part down a bit from the rest of the item on the left side and add a title above it called "Employee Login:" using the same font and size as used in the "Search:" title.

I like main menu buttons now, but I think the default blue color should be changed to gray (like the "GO" button). Same is true for the employee login border area. This will remove the overuse of blue and allow these items to stand out a bit more from the gradient blue sides.

Regarding the employee login, I would maybe add a title next to each of the input areas with the title being on the left or just above the input area and that say "Username:" and "Password:" respectively.

At the top, I would recommend reducing the tagline font by a step or two to provide some space between the "SOLUTIONS" in the logo and the tagline itself. They are separate entities.

Finally, the bottom area looks a bit strange in that the menu items and copyright info should probably be below the dark blue line to provide separation. Either that, or remove the lower part of the body area so that the dark blue line is the bottom of the page.

Given these changes and no other similar submissions, I will probably make a decision on the winning designer later today or tomorrow. You are the front-runner at this time. :)

Once a winning designer is chosen, I will want to work on any final edits/changes to the home page and creating the one secondary page that makes up the project requirements.

[Severner]

Hey,

I am working on my new entry now and will have it up later today.


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[jtolbert]

Sev,

Thanks for the heads up about your updated submission. I'm looking forward to seeing it! :)

[crimsondesigner]

* Will the RECENT NEWS section actually be a rolling news ticker with selectable headlines (as in the referenced website) that change color to RED when you mouse over them?

Yes, the recent news section will be similar the news ticker found on www.listinc.com.


* Will the main menu items change color as a user rolls the cursor across them or clicks on them?

Yes, the menu items will change color in response to the cursor .


* Is the secure login a working area - what happens if a user tries to enter a Username and Password and click on the "LOG IN" button?

The login will not be a working area. The programming for that would not be included with the template.

Here are the requested changes. Let me know what works for you and what needs to be changed.

Erika

[Severner]

Hey,

I still have a lot to add which I will do tomorrow morning.

Here it is so far;

http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/fis/special.jpg

http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/fis/speciala.jpg


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[jtolbert]

Erika,

Thanks for answering the questions - the answers were pretty much what I expected, but I wanted to be clear on what the functionality would be on the home page.

This version looks very nice - there is not much more I would want to change to your submission at this time. However, the stat counter that was added is probably one change, as I'm not too keen on the one shown because it does not go well with the rest of the webpage. I'm not sure what type of counter would be better (there are many free hit counters shown on http://www.amazingcounters.com/samples.php?counter=1), but it needs to "fit" with the rest of the areas on the page.

Thanks for making the other changes - they look good. :)

[jtolbert]

Sev,

Thanks for the new submission. Even though it is only partially complete - it looks very clean and the various areas flow well from one to the other. The fonts and your use of colors are well done. I particualrly like how you presented the "ABOUT LIST" area and your effort in highlighting the "RECENT NEWS" area. The bottom of the page is also very clean.

I like the soft fade from the main image over to the logo, but the image is too patriotic with just a flag. It would need to change to be more representatitive of our clients and services with the intelligence community and DoD. I also think that the EMPLOYEE LOGIN area and hit counter should be separated from the rest of the left side by moving them closer to the bottom of the page.

Overall, I would say that this submission is on the right track and quite pleasant to the viewer. :)

I look forward to seeing the final changes ....

[Severner]

Hey,

This is where I was heading with it;

http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/fis/specialb.jpg

Let me know what you think?


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[crimsondesigner]

I am working on a softer version of my original design and will post it within an hour or so.

Erika

[crimsondesigner]

Here is the rework of my previous design.

Erika

[jtolbert]

Sev,

Thanks for the update ....

Overall, this revision looks pretty good, but there are a few things that I would like to see changed:


Starting with the header graphic, it is too faded to really see anything or to convey a concept. I'd really prefer an image that is a bit more crisp/clear as far as being able to recognize what is in the image.
The tagline "Are You In?" is too large and overtakes the corporate logo - it should be smaller but more clearly seen. I still like it best when it is under the logo and in italics.
The black background on the header menu item bar is too dark and seems to me to be more like a blemish. Mabe a GRAY background or another color would look better.
I like the "Recent News:" bar, but the title needs to appear in RED so that it stands out.
I like the use of the little stars in the main menu items, but I don't care for the two-tone coloring and the use of BLUE for the menu items is just OK (maybe they would look better in GRAY).
I prefer the menu item text be centered versus right-justified.
The "About List:" is good but I think the title should be darker or use a different color to stand out.
I think maybe it would look better to have the hit counter displayed on the right side under the "About List:" at the same location. That way, the Employee Login area can be lowered and offset from the Search area.
I'm still thinking about the font used for the three main body areas. It's OK, but maybe too thin when compared to the font used in the logo.
The people image in the main body is good, but appears to have some parts of the image outside of the border line.
The menu items at the bottom of page are too light to be easily readable.


In general, I like the styles you're using and the layout. I think the real issues for me with this version is mostly color, clarity, and readability or being easy on the eyes. A few of these changes mentioned can probably rectify most of them.

This design version is definitely one that I'm considering and one that several folks like. :)

[Severner]

Hey,

Excellent detailed feedback, I will jump right on with the changes.


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[jtolbert]

Erika,

Thanks for the softened version. I must say it is interesting; although, I'm not sure if it works for me. Here is some feedback:


The header graphic is difficult to see now that it is smaller and more faded. I do like the menu item change in the header, but not the large empty blue space right under it.
Although I kind of like the main body area which now appears to be in a box, I do not like the main menu items on the left side. I do like the color changes in the "OUR SERVICES" and "OUR PEOPLE" heading titles.
The "ABOUT LIST" is OK, but as not good as the one in your previous submission.
I do like the changes that were made to the bottom of the webpage.


I need to think about this version as to whether it is what I'm looking for.

[crimsondesigner]

I made a few more changes based on your feedback.

Erika

[sawan]

hi,

here are my ideas.

regards,
sawan

[jtolbert]

Erika,

Thanks for the changes to the soften version - it looks much better than the previous version. :)

Here is some feedback:


I like the changes to the header graphic, but the logo area is missing something with nothing but whitespace around it - maybe the graphic needs to extend across and have the logo overlay the graphic.
I like the separation lines for the Search and Employee Login areas
The main menu items appear to be off-center or have some whitespace in them, compared to the way they looked in your orginal submission - maybe just a placement error?


Of your two submission versions, I think I like the version with the gradient side colors better than the softer version. But there are some things in the softer version that I think could be incorporated into the gradient version, such as the header graphic and top menu bar changes, a slight smaller logo like in the softer version, deading color changes in main body titles, and maybe the bottom area.

[jtolbert]

Sawan,

Thank you for the submissions .... you have some very interesting styles and concepts!! :)

Some of these might be relevant to what we're lookign for in our web design; however, there are some things that I've stated in some previous feedback messages that you may want to review (see messages #1,5,7,9,13,16,22,25,27,29,31,36,27,41,43,and 46) and then maybe provide some modified submissions.

Here is some feedback regarding your submissions and those things that I like about them:


I like your varied use of colors, shading, and shapes to draw attention to different areas.
I like the idea of inserting a people graphic when discussing different areas. The area called "Our People" that I've been referring to could use something like the image used in your 4th submission under the heading "Our Services".


Of the four submissions, I like the way you did the 2nd one. If it could be modified to adhere to some of the other feedback items and guideance I provided earlier, I'd be interested in seeing it. :yes:

Please note though, that I am really interested in wrapping up this project soon and getting a live website up for the company, so there is not much time left for addressing totally new submissions. I must say, though, that I have been very impressed with all of the submissions presented thus far, which is making a selection decision quite difficult. :)

[Severner]

Hey,

Just to let you know I will have my revised entry up tonight.


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[Severner]

Hey,

Here is the revision;

[Severner]

Also with a background;

[jtolbert]

Sev,

Very good revisions - both of them!

I really like how clean they are and with clarity, easy to view and understand. The header graphic is way cool too. :cool:

There is not much I would change here, except maybe put "Hot Jobs" in RED at the top and maybe add one more image to the main body under "Our People" which had maybe 3-4 smiling people in business casual attire (no suits) that appear to enjoy their jobs greatly.

Let me run these by a few folks for their input ....

After some more thought, here are a couple minor changes ....


Please add a "MORE" button or link under each of the three main body sections - these will take the user to a page containing the full web content.
Regarding the "Welcome to First In Solutions." title, I was wondering whether the company name should be in a different font to stand out, including maybe a gray color for the word "Solutions". If it looks worse using a different font, then leave it as is.
The "COUNTER STATS" will actually need to say "VISITORS:" or something similar to indicate the number of times people have visited the site.
I also had the same questions for you regarding what on the page will actually work (e.g., scrolling news ticker, color changes on mouse-overs for menu items, hit counter, search, etc).


Thanks again!

[jtolbert]

All Designers,

First thank you to all the designers who provided submissions to this project. I am thoroughly impressed with the quality and creativity of the submissions you provided and your professionalism in responding to feedback and suggested changes, ideas, etc.

In the end, there were two primary design submissions that were very seriously considered. In fact, there was considerable debate amongst the few folks that had an opportunity to comment on the designs. However, we have decided to go with Severner as our selected designer. Congrats! :)

I look forward to working with Sev in completing the main page and also producing a secondary page to complete the project and get our website online quickly.

Again, a BIG thank-you to all the designers - you guys and gals are awesome!

[Severner]

Hey,

Fantastic, I will start right on the changes.

# I also had the same questions for you regarding what on the page will actually work (e.g., scrolling news ticker, color changes on mouse-overs for menu items, hit counter, search, etc).

Both scrolling news and mouse-overs will work but as for the hit counter, search and login these will be a nonfunctional form.


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[jtolbert]

Sev,

Great. While you are working the changes to the main page, I have given some thought to what I want to see for the one secondary page that is included in the project. BTW, I want to go with the last submission version with the background.

I'm pretty certain that I want that this second webpage to be the "Hot Jobs" page which includes a list of our current job openings, a way for a viewer to respond to each opening by submitting their name, contact info, and resume. The page would also show some highlights of our benefits package offered.

Job openings should be searchable by location (city, state, and keywords).

Here are some of the previous referenced websites and my comments/thoughts on their equivalent page:


http://www.miklos.com/Hotjobs.htm - This one is simple, but yet effective. As a start-up, our company will not have a lot more job openings at any one time than this site has (I would guess we would have no more than maybe 12 openings at any one time). I do like the selectable list of job positions at the top with the "Return To Top" button after each job listing. Their "Benefits" area is a separate secondary page, which I do not care for (but it is fully detailed).
http://www.dragondc.com/dragon/page.aspx?m=11 - This one is a bit better in terms of graphics and design, but less in terms of functionality. They also have a separate page for benefits.
http://tbe.taleo.net/NA3/ats/careers/jobSearch.jsp?org=ABRAXAS&cws=1 - This one is poorly done, with just a search capability. Not what I want!


In the end, I think the secondary pages need to have a similar look and feel to the main (home) page, but be different enough to be attractive to the viewer. The functionality and layout of the secondary page for "Hot Jobs" should be general in that it can be utilised for other secondary pages with only minor changes.

Hopefully this info will provide you with enough to create a secondary page that not only will work well for the "Hot Jobs" page but will suffice in general for all other secondary pages that will be create later.

[Severner]

Hey,

Here are some of the changes to the homepage; I am still seeking out a good photo of 3-4 casual people smiling.

[jtolbert]

Sev,

Thanks for the updates. The image that you are looking for should be one that shows 3-5 people, more men than women, and dressed in business casual attire (1 or two in suits would be OK as long as there are some without).

Also, here are a couple other thoughts ...


The "HOT JOBS" color change to RED in the top menu bar is a bit too dark when viewed with the background. I think a different approach is going to be needed to make that menu item stand out - maybe a lighter RED color or some kind of highlighting around the text if it is WHITE like the other items.
I think I am OK with the change to GRAY for the word "SOLUTIONS", but I need to let the change set in. :)
The "READ MORE" buttons are too big and detract from the left side menu items - we may need to change to a simple hyperlinked "Read More ..." in dark BLUE, or just "MORE ..."
Just an FYI that I anticipate putting about 3-4 sentences in the "Welcome" section, and probably 2-4 sentences in the other two sections. This will probably expand or lengthen the main web page a bit. If you could put in a bit more text into each to show how it looks expanded a bit, that would be good.
The hit counter itself is probably one that I will have to add as a functioning area, but it will have a hit counter that includes a comma separation for thousands.


I will try to provide you with some actual text content for the main page tomorrow. Once you've made these tweaks and found the smiling business people image that I'm looking for under "Our People", this main page will be just about completed (I think!). :)

Thanks for your quick responses - they are appreciated!!

[Severner]

Hey,

Still looking around for that right photo... I am sure I will have a few options for you tomorrow on that... I will also start producing the subpage... I look forward to that content.

Here is the updated page thus far;

[jtolbert]

Sev,

These changes look good. I am attaching a file with my first cut at the content for the Home page. I will work on the subpage content tomorrow.

[Severner]

Hey,

Sorry for the delay.

Are any of these suitable?

http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/fis/istock/1.jpg
http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/fis/istock/2.jpg
http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/fis/istock/3.jpg
http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/fis/istock/4.jpg
http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/fis/istock/5.jpg
http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/fis/istock/6.jpg
http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/fis/istock/7.jpg
http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/fis/istock/8.jpg
http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/fis/istock/9.jpg

[jtolbert]

Sev,

Sorry for the delay as well (I had to resolves some software issues thanks to McAfee upgrades).

The various photos are OK, but I like the last one best with the three people, plant, and background. This one should work for the "Our People" section. The second image is good, but I do not like the fact that there is no background (too plain).

I'd like to also insert a technical-looking image into the "Our Services" section. I was thinking of using the attached image to show state-of-the-art technology as well as a watch center type location where analysts might work. However, I want to use an image that has slightly different style than the other two people images.

Finally, the text I provided looks good in the home page, but I need to make a couple corrections to it. I owe you that plus the initial content for the secondary Hot Jobs page. I will be providing you that tomorrow for certain. :)

[jtolbert]

Sev,

I have attached two files for you containing updated web content.

One file contains updates to the Home page, including the RECENT NEWS and the "First Facts:" (replaces the "About Us:". This content replaces the previous content I provided.

The other file contains the main body content for the Hot Jobs page which listing available job positions. Please note that the "Apply Now" button should open an email with the Subject line containing "Applicant - [name of job position and the number]" in it. From there, the user could provide a brief message and attach his/her resume. The "Return To Top" button simply takes the user back to the top and the job titles at the top of the page are links that would take the user directly to the job further down the page. On the right side, I think I'd like a similar box of facts like the Home page, but with the "Benefits:" listed.

There is probably a bit more for me to provide, but this gets you started with it! :)

[Severner]

Hey,

Fantastic I will have this for you tonight.


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[jtolbert]

Great! I look forward to seeing what you have ....

BTW, the "To:" portion for the email resulting from "Apply Now" should have the following email address: "recruiting@firstinsol.com".

[Severner]

Hey,

Sorry I am a little delayed, I will continue working on it first thing in the morning and will have it for you to see during the day.


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[jtolbert]

Sev,

I'm looking forward to seeing the latest and greatest. I'd really like to wrap this project up soon, so that I can get the website up and running. Let me know if you need anything. I will check back in later today. :)

[Severner]

Hey,

I have sent the homepage off to my partner to slice and dice up and code as it's just a case of adding content and photos.

Is this what you where thinking for the Hot Jobs page; obviously again when it comes to code, I will add all the content into place and the links you requested.

Do you have any content you want in the benefits?

[jtolbert]

Sev,

Thanks for the new Hot Jobs Page. Overall, it looks reasonable. I would recommend the following changes:


For the search of job positions, a simple keyword search for the page (similar to the "Find" function in MS Word where you can select "Next" to get to the next instance of the keyword) will suffice. you can take out the "Search Positions" to put in a simple "Keyword Search" under the listing of positions.
The page should be scrollable once all the job listings are presented in their entirety. or you could make each of the two areas (Technical and Analytical Positions) scrollable by themselves.
I have attached an updated file of job listings that also includes the list of benefits.


A good first cut at the secondary page. :)

[Severner]

Hey,

Could you take a screen shot of this find function on MS Word please... I don't have word on my mac and neither does my partner.


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[jtolbert]

Sev,

After thinking about the keyword search some more, it really should work like the "Find" function in Internet Explorer (not MS Word). I have attached the screen shot of the Find function. However, if you think that the keyword search might be too simple or redundant to Internet Explorer, I am OK with removing it. Typically, a larger company would have a search capability that would allow searching by position type or location. Since we will have that many open positions at the out set, this type of search is not really necessary. However, I do think it would be useful to find keywords that a potential candidate might be interested in.

[Severner]

Hey,

Do you not think this kind of feature is redundant now browsers come standard with keyword search, I use mine on a very regular basis but I don't know the statistics of users who are aware of the feature.

Also with a feature like this, you would probably have to scroll up every time to click the next button, what about having a small piece of text highlighted explaining how to use the browser feature, I can't speak for Internet Explorer but for FF on the mac to bring it up is simply Apple Command + F, I believe it was CTRL + F for windows too, I imagine IE would also be CTRL + F?

I do however feel a search feature is a great tool on most websites and seeing as I imagine you will eventually have a lot more job listening it's quite imperative to have one or at least have one in place for when you are ready to use one.

Let me know your thoughts?


Thanks,

Sev (:

[jtolbert]

Sev,

Thanks for your thoughts on the search fucntion for the "Hot Jobs" page.

Let's go with some simple text (in small italicised font, black) just under the capsulised position listings that says 'To search job listings by keyword, select "CTRL+F".'

That should eliminate any confusion and provide the needed search capability. :)

[Severner]

I am hoping to get all the HTML files off my partner tomorrow (Tuesday Evening/night).

Once I have these, I will send you all the files so you can begin to work on it and will continue making any changes you may need or want.


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[jtolbert]

Sev - thank you very much. :)

[Severner]

I have sent a link to download the files through Private Message. (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/private.php?)

As stated in the message if you think anything is wrong, missing or just need assistance please contact me private message.


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[jtolbert]

Sev,

I got the files and provided you with feedback via private message (as you requested). Please review and get back to me when you get a chance.

Thanks! :)

[jtolbert]

Sev,

I left you a couple additional thoughts in another private message. There should be two messages for you now ....

[jtolbert]

I have received the HTML and PSD files needed to complete this project - please release the prize to my selected designer. Thanks, Sev!! :)