[Project Complete] Due Feb 27th - Scuba Trade Show - $450

[bpautsch]

(Admin code added by Palmer - 9GU890722L783515F)

I will complete the questionaire tomorrow morning, but wanted to give you all a heads up. The site you're redesigning is http://www.ourworldunderwater.com. It's a scuba trade show website. The current site was put together very quickly and the new design will look nothing like it. This new site is going to be a lot of fun to put together. We look forward to your designs.

[bpautsch]

See attached EPS Files

[bpautsch]

Company Details

1a) Name of Company
Our World-Underwater (please notice the dash in the name)

1b) Company Tag Line or slogan
None

1c) Do you have a company logo?
Yes, I will upload the EPS version ASAP.

1d) Do you have a corporate visual identity (a customized (non stock) logo and color scheme carried out throughout your office, stationery, business cards, etc.)?
No non-stock logos, but scuba divers and fish make the most sense. Color scheme should be primarily blues and white.

1e) What is the nature of your business? Briefly describe your products or services.
This is THE major Midwest USA scuba show. There are over 200 exhibitor booths and between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors. The show exhibitors consist of scuba equipment manufacturers, travel destinations, dive shops, scuba organizations and scuba magazines. It runs 3 days in February (2007 show was held last week).

1f) Who is your target market? Who are you hoping to reach with your site?
Scuba divers are the primary visitors to the site and we need to entice them to come to the show.
Booth exhibitors need to be considered since they come to the site and will decide to purchase a booth or not.

Website Details

1b) Do you have an existing website? If so, what is the URL?
http://www.ourworldunderwater.com

2b) IMPORTANT: Please list at least 3 URLs (web addresses) of high quality sites that you like the look of (these do not have to be sites who’s business is similar to yours. It aids us in determining what your design style is.) Please consider layout, colors, navigation, graphics, and typography.
1. http://www.scubadiving.com – Scuba Diving Magazine. Nice website. Not great, but nice.
2. http://www.sportdiver.com – Sport Diver Magazine – Too dark for our site, but very professional.
3. http://www.chicagoautoshow.com – Very clean and professional.
4. http://www.miamiboatshow.com – Decent layout…seems a bit busy maybe.
5. http://www.naias.com – Very flashy and exciting.

3b) What colors or color schemes would you like?
Mostly blues and white, but other colors should be lightly incorporated so it’s not just blue and white.

4b) List the Navigation links for your Site.
Since there are so many links, a left navigation makes most sense.
Home
General Information (group): Maps & Driving Directions, Rosemont Area Information, Hotel Information, Hotels - Discount Rates for OW-U, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Tim Early Foundation, Contact Us
Attendees (group): Order Tickets, Weekend at a Glance, Seminars, In-Depth Workshops, Film Festivals, Silent Auction, Photo Competition, Presenter Bios, OW-U Brochure, Manufacturer Clinics, Instructor Training Updates, Book Signing Schedule, Dive Travel Room, Children's Program
Exhibitors (group): Why Exhibit?, Exhibitor Application, Interactive Floor Plan, List of Exhibitors, Become a Sponsor, Shipping Information, Order Booth Extras, Call for Speakers, Past Award Recipients, 2008 OW-U Achievement Recipient

5b) What type of look are you trying to achieve? (e.g. clean, high-tech, conservative, warm, flashy, etc.)
Very friendly and exciting, but must also be very professional.

6b) Please provide the addresses of competitors' sites, if possible.
There are no major competitors as it is the major Midwest scuba show. But we do have to compete with other shows going on:
http://www.beneaththesea.org – Our #1 competitor
http://www.floridadiveshow.com – a competitor
http://www.scubafest.org – another competitor
http://www.dema.org – DEMA is the national scuba show that runs at a different time, but is a competitor
http://www.chicagoautoshow.com – Chicago Auto Show
http://www.supercycleshow.com – Chicago International Motorcycle Public Show
http://www.chicagoboatshow.com – Chicago Boat Show

7b) Do you have any images for use in the design of your site? If not, do you have images, can you offer suggestions of what you type of imagery you feel would be most suitable for your website:
No, but we have an unlimited subscription to http://www.shutterstock.com. Feel free to pull any graphics from these as we can get the high resolution versions for you later (or if you want them for the concept).

Deadlines and Deliverables

1c) What is the deadline for the design of your project?
One week – Feb 21st

2c) What is required breakdown of the files you require our designers to supply you with on finalization of your project?
We require the home page and one content page to be designed and cut up into HTML, CSS and images.

Are there any other comments/specific ideas we should keep in mind while designing your project?
Be sure to design this site as a consumer trade show website, not a scuba vacation location or scuba equipment manufacturer. People coming to the site will need to see it as very professional and know that a lot of time and effort was put into making the show as great as possible. The http://www.miamiboatshow.com website is nice as it has a nice marketing area at the top with the show logo and a large image as the background. Just below that is the left navigation grouped well (but we’d rather not have to click a header to see the sub navigation). We might have to organize the navigation so that there are the 4 main categories and each category has 5-6 main pages each…then these pages would have sub pages. The center area is nice as there are several “calls to action” each with nice imagery. And the sponsors are is a must. They are important and should probably take up the right 20-25%. But please do not design exactly what we’re saying. We want to see your ideas and creativity.

Also, although consumers will attend the show at it’s so close to their homes, it is important that as much information is given to them to encourage this. It is just as important that the site is inviting for exhibitors to want to attend, especially if a corporate decision needs to be made as to "which show".

[Severner]

Hey,

This sounds like a great project, you can expect something from me during the next few days if not sooner.


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[Zoe]

Hi. I Just wanted to let you know I am receiving an error and can't open the eps file--ow-u circle logo - blk.without name.eps

You may need to resave it.

[bpautsch]

Weird...2 of the 3 files cannot be opened. My local versions are no good either. I'll see if I can get new files from the original designer.

[bpautsch]

I got these two from the client. If they're no good, I can call the printer tomorrow morning and get the ones they use.

[Zoe]

Thanks. The first one worked, but the second one didn't. However I now have one with and without the name so that should be sufficient.

[bpautsch]

Great...thanks.

[bpautsch]

I am working with the client to redo the navigation a little. Their current site just has all possible pages on the home page. This needs to be restructured. If I haven't said it already, please implement the following "placeholder" nav:
Home
General Information (group): with 4 sub navs
Attendees (group): with 5 sub navs
Exhibitors (group): with 5 sub navs

This will takes up a good amount of space in the nav, but not too much. I will get the real nav finalized ASAP.

[Severner]

Hey Brian,

I will have my design for you tonight!


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[Severner]

Hey Brian

It's clearly not near finished but I wanted to get your initial thoughts and to see if it's going in the right direction?

I decided it is best viwed in browser too, click here to see. (http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/scuba/)


Thank you.

Warm regards,

Sev (:

[bpautsch]

Severner,

Overall: Nice start. Good mix of blues.

Logo: I'm betting the client will want the logo in black. This logo goes back over 35 years and I don;t think they will want it adjusted at all...but I will find out for sure.

Header: I like it, but don't love it. It looks really busy and kind of dirty. Seems like a lot of distortion. I can appreciate the artisitic flair, but may be too much for the public to view. The orange bar seems a bit awkward though

Navigation: Very simple, very clean, I like it. Also, the two boxes below it are nice.

Content area: Please swap the header ("Event Exhibitions") with the large photo. I think it would look cleaner even though the nav and right side also have headers. Hmmm...maybe not. I'd still like to see what it looks like. Below large picture looks nice...very clean and easy to see.

Right area: Looks good. Very clean and organized.

Footer: I like it. Major nav items only...perfect.

So far, nice start. Mostly the header needs tweaking. I'm interested to see what others do as everyone has different ideas that sometime area world's apart.

Thanks,
Brian

[Severner]

Hey Brian,

Is this a step in the right direction; Click here. (http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/scuba/scubaa.html)


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[bpautsch]

Severner,

I'm awaiting comments from my customer.
I'll get back to you later today.

Thanks,
Brian

[heathersmith]

I'm working on an idea :)

[bpautsch]

Severner,
Comments from client for Message #14:
I really like the header - it doesn't distract and is very clean.
I'm not sure about the graphic under the header with the Diver/mask with all the bubbles. I thought possibly the Chicago Skyline with a superimposed diver going through it. Not sure - will get a couple of opinions on that.
I do like the left navigation - will be very people friendly.
Center content area will be great for specific event happening
The right area is good for the sponsors.

[bpautsch]

Hey...where are the designs at? This was due yesterday. I can hold off for 1 or 2 more days, but I need to make a decision soon.

[Elena]

Hello,
I will post my version during the day.

Thanks,
Elena

[Severner]

Hey Brian,

Here is a change in the design slightly, just to give you another option.

Click here to see. (http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/scuba/scuba2.html)


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[Severner]

Hey Brian,

And another;

[bpautsch]

That's cool...I will forward it onto my customer.

[bpautsch]

Design Outpost - Please extend project to end of day Feb 27th. Two designers are partially done with designs and asked to extend it.

[Zoe]

Thanks, I have been tied up with work the last couple of days and haven't had time to complete my design. Will be working on it this weekend.

[Elena]

Hello Brian,

I can't download our-world 2.eps and ow-u circle logo - blk.eps.
Could you uploud jpg-s, please?
I already have an idea of design and start working on it.

Thanks,
Elena

[bpautsch]

Those two files are coprrupt or something. I think all 3 are the same, so please use the one that opens. Severner used it and it looks good in his design. Sorry about that.

[bpautsch]

Severner - The client said they like the 1st one better. They said the 2nd one is too busy. I'll look it over more and give you more feedback within the next day or two. Thanks!

[Severner]

Hey Brian,

I will work on another design over the weekend too.


Thanks for the quick response,

Sev (:

[abby]

Project Update: The deadline has been extended to Feb 27th.

[Elena]

Here is version from me! :) Tried to make it clean and interesting.

Thank,
Elena

[Zoe]

Hello,

Here is my idea.

[bpautsch]

I will send these to my customer and get feedback asap. Thanks everyone.

[bpautsch]

Reminder: Today is the last day to accept submissions. No exceptions. I will post comments on the newly received designs shortly.

[bpautsch]

Elena - Message #30
Customer thinks design is just OK. The header is nice, but the navigation is not what we asked for...you just took it from the current site. All that's left then is the ads and footer. ad's should probably be in a white background, but footer is really nice.

[bpautsch]

Demex - Message #31
Good start. You took a different approach than others with the top navigation. At first, it was a turn off, but now we kind of like it. Honestly, we're still leaning towards left navigation. We don't like drop down menus that require DHTML or Javascript.

The left ad is a great idea...we picture it on every page so people are always being told when and where the event is. But with the need for left nav, this doesn't work anymore...unless you can find a way.

The top nav is very, very boring. Blue buttons with white text? Not very creative.

The buttons just below the nav are a good idea for quick access to common things...but maybe too big.

The content area is OK...also kind of boring.

The right ads are nice. Clean and don't take up much space.

No footer to comment on. Might be a good idea to add in.

[Elena]

I'm working on changes.

Thanks,
Elena

[Elena]

Here is revisions.

Thanks,
Elena

[bpautsch]

Elena - Message #37
Much better! I'm concerned the customer might think this is too playful for a trade show website, but let me get back to you with their comments. Also, I think the sponsors area is taking up too much real estate. Other than that, the rest looks really good.

[Elena]

Thank you for your quick feedback!

I can make sponsor section thinner but logos would have to be smaller and positioned in one row.

Elena.

[Zoe]

Hello,

Here are my revisions. I will begin working on my idea for the inside page navigation.

[Zoe]

Hello,

Here is my idea for the inside page.

The navigation would go over the top of the image on the left, however it would not go over the scuba diver; as in this example I ran out of room. What I did do however is throw together a "very" rough example of the navigation that you can view.

View Rough Navigation in Action (http://www.demex.com.au/do/owu)


.

[bpautsch]

Thanks everyone for the submissions. I will talk to the client and get back to everyone today or tomorrow. I expect they will want to pick the 2 they like the most and tell both designers what they like/dislike about each in detail. Then the designers can make one last revision and the winner will be chosen.

[Elena]

I've found a few mistakes in my design. I fixed it and edit my post #37.

Sorry for that.

[bpautsch]

The client decided to go with Severner's design. They thought it was the most professional and least busy/distracting. They did like the other designs a lot, but like Severner's was their favorite. Instead of going on and on with multiple designers, they decided to award the winner and get on with the minor tweaks.

Thanks to everyone for their participation. BTW, I will be posting a new logo project early next week and then a template project for that logo right afterwards. Be sure to look for it. ;)

Severner,
I am meeting with the client tonight to discuss each area in detail. For the most part, it's right on. The nav, sponsors area and footer are great (may require no changes). The header is really good, but no great. The content area is really nice, but the client wants the large center image to be more "Midwestern"...maybe a picture of the Chicago skyline? I know, it might clash with the scuba theme, but we have to try it out.
The only other comment is that your design looked great at first. Then the other designers posted theirs and they had sooo much lifeto them with the vibrant colors. But with that excitement of colors came confusion/business. I know the client would like it to be a bit more exciting, but at the same time keep it clean. Something to chew on.
Anyways, I will post more comments this evening after my meeting with them.

Thanks,
Brian

[bpautsch]

One more comment...I know and work with a lot of people in the scuba industry, so be sure to hang onto your designs. I'm quite certain I will be posting new scuba related projects in the near future.

[Severner]

Hey Brian,

Fantastic, I can't wait for the feedback so I can get started on the changes.


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[Zoe]

Nice work Sev. :)

[Severner]

Thanks Zoe, you too, all the designs posted for this project are loverly :D

[bpautsch]

Hey Demex,
The client is two people: the trade show owner and the trade show organizer. You might be happy to know that the owner wanted to go with your design and the organizer wanted Sev's. The owner let the organizer make the decision since the organizer spends 90% of her time on this trade show all year round and the owner is involved in 10 different things. He felt she might have a better understanding of what needed to be created. In any case, great designs and I know we'll be talking again very soon.
Thanks,
Brian

[Zoe]

Thanks Brian. Nice to know. :)

[bpautsch]

Severner,

Here's the customer's comments:

Header: The trade show is in the Midwest, so they would like to see what it would look like with a Chicago skyline picture.
Maybe try to find a skyline where there is a good amount of open sky area for the logo and some text. The logo should stay to the left and they would like the show date and location in the header. There will be a page with the show dates/itinerary and location with maps/directions, so it needs to be in the header just as a reminder. It should not stick out too much and take away from the picture...just need to be there.
Date: February 15-17, 2008
Location: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL

Some nice Chicago skylines:
http://theorniphile.info/chicago_skyline.jpg
http://www.rachelleb.com/images/2006_03_09/sidewalk_skyline.jpg
http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-2224929-blue-chicago.html
http://www.shutterstock.com/cat.mhtml?searchterm=chicago+skyline - I can get these without the watermark

Also, with the header, get rid of the tagline...they don't have one.

Left Nav - looks good. Chance "Help" button to "Contact Us".

Center ad - I need to get you another picture. This area will actually be 5-6 rotating pictures of things to do at the show (book signing, workshops, clinics, etc.)

Right area - Sponsors is perfect. Change partners to testimonials and throw in a fake testimonial with a link to "more".

Footer - make link text 1pt larger. Seems a little small to customer.

This should take care of most of it. I'm not sure the Chicago skyline will work. This is a scuba show, so it makes sense to show a scuba header...but it's a Midwest show and that needs to be shown too. We think the header is the best place for that.

Thanks,
Brian

[bpautsch]

Severner,

Just checking to make sure you got my last message and seeing if you had a time frame as to when we could get the updates.

Thanks,
Brian

[Severner]

Hey Brian,

I will begin working on the changes and will have the revision for you tomorrow.


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[Severner]

Hey Brian,

I might be going crazy here and missed it but which post #number do you what me to work from?


Thanks very much,

Sev (:

[bpautsch]

I didn't see your reply...

I went back to find the deisgn they liked most and then saw Message #20 - http://www.mfowler.co.uk/work/scuba/scuba2.html

I never saw this one...I like it the most.
Please make changes to that one.

It looks like the header was drastically changed (looks better), but is too big. Please shorten it a little and add the Chicago skyline in. I think that swooping white area at the top is nice and clean.

Also, the search bar is a nice addition. Squeeze it shorter a little too and change the date and location to what I wrote in the last message.

Going back to the header. Since the date will now be in the search bar, the header only needs the logo and "Our World-Underwater"...and the Chicago skyline. So shortening it a little will still look good, I think.

[Severner]

Hey Brian,

I also brought the site all the way to the top eliminating a top margin, let me know if you prefer this?

The photo I used can be be found here. (http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-2787510-downtown-chicago-illinois-from-chicago-river-with-bridge-in-foreground.html)

[bpautsch]

Not bad, but the white swoop area has no purpose anymore. Seems out of place now. Try getting rid of it and dropping in a picture with the Chicago skyline (we need the skyscrapers, specifically Sears Tower) and Lake Michigan maybe. I images the lake to the left with the logo and "Our World-Underwater" and the buildings to the right. And maybe don't shade the buildings too much...sites seems too blue. Here's a good phot maybe:

http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-935098-panorama-of-chicago-skyline-on-a-sunny-day.html (flip the image, of course)

or maybe:
http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-364740-highres-panoramic-of-chicago-skyline-as-viewed-from-near-the-aquarium.html

or maybe:
http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-1425626-aerial-view-of-chicago-illinois-looking-north-from-the-sears-tower.html

[Severner]

Hey Brian,

Is there any chance you could get those photos in a higher resolution?

The first one looks best I think?

[bpautsch]

Here you go:
http://66.226.30.128/images/shutterstock_935098.jpg

Large enough?

[Severner]

That's excellent.

How is this?

[bpautsch]

THAT'S AWESOME!!! Very fresh and inviting...adds a little color, but goes great with the blues. I see you placed the logo and name on the water...I think it would look better up a little...centered between the top and the water. Header should be 100% done then.

Everything else looks great. I know the customer was getting a little hung up on the center ad (large image). They keep thinking it's what's always going to be there and I have to remind them that I'll create a few more that will rotate. Please get rid of the building now that we have that in the header...and change the text to:
"Test Drive" Scuba Gear at the Indoor Pool
and use the following image:
http://66.226.30.128/images/shutterstock_2698428.jpg

Can you do one more thing besides adjusting the top logo and text:
Drop in 6 different images in the body area and change the titles. They could be, for example:
- Ticket Information
- Weekend at a Glance
- Workshops and Seminars
- Presenter Bios
- Book Signings
- OW-U Achievement Award

If you need help finding images, let me know. The image is so small I'm guessing it'll be a part of an image cropped. Shutterstock is a great place to find pics (I'm sure you know better places). I just need them to see what it looks like with sort of real content. Leave the "Lorem ipsum" stuff as is, of course.

[Severner]

Here we go.

Let me know what you think?

[bpautsch]

GREAT!!! Two very minor tweaks and I'll send it to the customer for fianl approval.

1. header...the "r" is on the building and looks a little weird. Maybe drop font 1px or 2px?
2. Center graphic: scuba is spelled wrong. They will notice it and complain.

Thanks for working so fast. This has been a very productive day for the design. This is the way I like to work!

[Severner]

Not a problem... me too!

[bpautsch]

Looks great! I will forward it on now and get to you possibly today.

[Severner]

Hey Brian,

I look forward to it... also do you have any idea of what you want as the content page?


Thank you.

Warm regards,

Sev (:

[bpautsch]

The customer loves it. Please cut up the home page.

As for the content page...
All of the pages are really basic, so could you do the Seminars page:
http://www.ourworldunderwater.com/ - then click Seminars on the right
Obviously, don't recreate the entire page. Just take the first two tables and lay them out nicely. Once I see the format you choose, I will know how to apply it to other pages. You don;t have a lot to work with, but I'm sure you'll design something nice.

Thanks,
Brian

[Severner]

Hey Brian,

I'll get my parter right on cutting up the homepage tomorrow. (he's sleeping at the moment)

Fantastic, I'll jump on that content page early tomorrow.

[Severner]

How is this for the content page?

[bpautsch]

Content page looks good to me. Please cut it up.

One question. I'm finally getting around to launching the new iArchitect site you did for me and I noticed a lot of inline styles. Any reason why your partner doesn't put everything in the css? I'd certainly prefer that.

[Severner]

Hey Brian,

I'll send it his way and will hopefully have the files for you tonight.

I am not sure why he does... but I will ask him and will get back to you.

If you prefer it that way... would you like me to have him change it on both this template and the iArchitect template?

[bpautsch]

Definitely put everything in the CSS on this one and all future ones. I will update the iArchitect HTML.

Also, I put all of my designs into a custom CMS I built. I would also appreciate if he can cut it up so the header is a table, the left nav is a table, the center is a table, the right is a table and the footer is a table. In my CMS, these are different content areas and are stored in the database seperately. I already modified the iArchitect HTML...it was prety easy to change around.

[Severner]

Private message (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/private.php?) sent with a link to download your files.

I should have that CSS update for you tomorrow as mentioned in the message.

If you think anything else is wrong or missing just message me.

[bpautsch]

Will I be getting the files today? Looking forward to it.

Also, I just posted a new logo project...for another one of my businesses: http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12921

[Severner]

Hey Brian,

Just sent you a private message with the updated file ;)

I'm afraid when it comes to logo design... I am not very good... so I will leave that to the very talented designers we have who specialize in that area.

[bpautsch]

Files received. Please close project.

[BlueCherryGraphics]

PROJECT UPDATE: This thread has been moved to Templates Archives.