[Project Complete] Cleaning Business Software Prod Graphics and Web Template - $800

[SamHow]

Admin code added by Abby - 10W64084E3984404H


Hi, thank you for your interest.

See this message on a webpage
http://www.cleanchief.com/example/index.html

See all images I currently use displayed on one web page.
http://www.cleanchief.com/example/allImages.html

Current Webpage Template
http://www.cleanchief.com/example/current.html

What I need:

I am developing a computer program to help Contract Cleaning companies manage their business.

These are usually small low-tech companies that manage cleaners who do regular cleaning in office buildings, residential homes, building sites etc.

I would like a new webpage template and some new graphics for my windows application.

I have two sets of requirements.


1 A new template for my website front page.

My Current Webpage Template
http://www.cleanchief.com/example/current.html

PSD only required, I will convert to HTML myself and use as a template for other pages on the website. I would like the PSD fully layered so I can easily edit it myself. Also I would prefer if the image was designed with webification (if there is such a word :) ) in mind, so that it's not going to be extremely hard for me to convert it from PSD to HTML.

- I would like to retain the idea of customer endorsements with pictures, as is currently shown down the right hand side of my current webpage

- I would like to retain a latest news section.

- Please retain all the menu options (‘Learn More’ through to ‘Contact Us’)

- Please provide a ‘Buy Now’ and ‘Try Now’ button.

- I do not want to have to purchase any fonts, if possible.


2 New graphics for my application Application

(See the current Graphics I use at :
http://www.cleanchief.com/example/allImages.html)

2.1 Please provide new images for the 5 main buttons that appear in the application. I need a depressed and undepressed version of each, currently I use a blue border to indicate undepressed and an orange border to indicate depressed. The images on each of the five buttons should relate to the name of the button. For example on the customers button I currently have a picture of people, on the suppliers button a picture of a delivery truck etc.

2.2 A new Banner logo, that appears on the front page of the application. The application name ‘CleanChief’ and the slogan ‘The easy management…’ should remain.

2.3 A new splash screen to be displayed when the application is launching The application name ‘CleanChief’ and the slogan ‘The easy management…’ should remain.
(See the current Splash Screen I use on this page :
http://www.cleanchief.com/example/allImages.html)

2.4 A new desktop icon for the application. This can be delivered as a small image file rather than an icon file, but I will be creating a version of the icon at sizes :
48 × 48 pixels
32 × 32 pixels
16 × 16 pixels
So the image should look good at those sizes.
(See the current Application Icon I use on this page :
http://www.cleanchief.com/example/allImages.html)


Things I am looking for:

A simple but professional look for the webpage.
A consistent style for the webpage and the application.
The webpage template is to be aimed at hard working cleaners who started up their own business and now manage other cleaners, these people are not necessarily strongly internet and computer savvy. The website template should make it clear what the software does; help cleaning companies manage information on their assets, staff, customers and inventory.
The website template should not use flash.


Web sites I like:

www.fogbugz.com
http://www.towersoft.com/global
http://www.hubspot.com/
http://www.pointstone.com/
http://www.fogcreek.com/citydesk/


Thank you in advance for your efforts.

SamHow



I have completed the standard information template below, most of the information is just a repeat of what is above.

Company Details

1a) Name of Company

CleanChief

1b)Company Tag Line or slogan:

The easy management solution for cleaning organisations

1c) Do you have a company logo?

see http://www.cleanchief.com/example/allImages.html and
http://www.cleanchief.com/example/current.html

1e) What is the nature of your business?: Briefly describe your products or services:

I am developing a computer program to help Contract Cleaning companies manage their business. These are usually small low-tech companies that manage cleaners who do regular cleaning in office buildings, residential homes, building sites etc.

1b) Do you have an existing website? If so, what is the URL?

http://www.cleanchief.com/example/current.html

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.

www.fogbugz.com
http://www.towersoft.com/global
http://www.hubspot.com/
http://www.pointstone.com/
http://www.fogcreek.com/citydesk/

3b) What colors or color schemes would you like?

Light colors. white and light blue perhaps.

4b) List the Navigation links for your Site:

see http://www.cleanchief.com/example/current.html

5b) What type of look are you trying to achieve? (e.g. clean, high-tech, conservative, warm, flashy, etc.)

Clean, friendly and trustworthy.

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:

Any of the images at http://www.cleanchief.com/example/allImages.html are available, and can be provided in higher quality image files.

Deadlines and Deliverables

1c) What is the deadline for the design of your project?

April 7th

2c) What is required breakdown of the files you require our designers to supply you with on finalization of your project?

I would like all images and the webpage template provided as a PSD image file. I will convert the website to HTML.

Are there any other comments/specific ideas we should keep in mind while designing your project?

I am open to discussion on all points. I envision future graphic work being required in the future that will, if all goes well, follow the
look and feel that is developed for this task.

[SamHow]

Are any designers interested in working on this project ?

Cheers
SamHow

[SamHow]

Hi,

Any suggestions about why there is a lack of interest in this job would be appreciated.

Would spliting the Web template and the other graphic requirements up help ?

Cheers
Samhow

[will]

Hi, I will post an entry between monday and tuesday if it is ok with you :D

[will]

Well, the idea came before I could think of going to sleep :P

http://www.willdesigns.com.ar/software_idea1.png

[SamHow]

Hi Will,

Thanks for your efforts.

I like the template. I like the colors, fonts and menus.

I think it could do with some cleaning specific graphics added, to mark the webpage as cleaning related even before any text is read. It currently looks a bit too much like a standard web template.

I look forward to seeing your next submission.

Cheers
SamHow

[will]

What about this :D ?

http://www.willdesigns.com.ar/software_idea2.png

[SamHow]

Thanks Will.

I think the cleaning images don't reflect the management aspect of cleaning companies enough. I realise there is a bit of a contradiction here but my market is managers and small business owners rather than the cleaners themselves.

Ideas that come to my mind:

- The cleanchief 'The Easy Management Solut...' logo on the side of a mini-van.
- Combining the image of a computer screen with something cleaning related.

Basically I want to make the images on the page relate to cleaning but not appear condescending to the audience who think of themselves as managers and business people.

Are you intending to have a go at the other part of the requirements, the program buttons and other images ?

I have extended the deadline by a week.

Cheers
SamHow

[Lori]

Hi Sam,

I have changed your thread title to reflect your extended deadline :)

[will]

Hi, Sam, I will work on the changes today. Sure I will do also the images as soon as we are done with the main page, if it is ok with you :D

[will]

Another shot :D
http://www.willdesigns.com.ar/software_idea3.png

[Aliska]

Hello
I will provide you with my concept during next 36 hours.

[SamHow]

Thanks Aliska, I look forward to seeing your concept.
SamHow

[SamHow]

Will,

Thanks for this futher development.

I think the layout, structure and color scheme of the template is fine.

The CleanChief text logo in the top left and two added images don't grab me however.

I think if the logo had some sort of icon/image in it that might improve it.

For the logo and the two added images perhaps the use of icon like drawings might work better. I am thinking of the sort of icons seen at : http://www.iconarchive.com/ Not photo-realistic, more cartoony.

However, I am open to any different directions or ideas you can come up with.

Cheers
SamHow

[will]

Hi, Sam, I will work on the images but on the logo even if I do my best I don't know if I will reach what a logo designer might do since I am only a web designer. As a suggestion may I say that you will have a great logo if you post it as a contest for the logo section of design outpost.

I will come back with the changes soon,

[SamHow]

Thanks Will.

[Zoe]

Hi Sam,

I am currently working on a design.

Thanks

Zoe

[Zoe]

Hello Sam,

Here is the idea I am working on. I look forward to your feedback.

Thanks

Zoe

-------------------

[Aliska]

Hello
Please check my idea.

[Aliska]

Hello
And another concept from me. Please let me know if you like any of them.

[crimsondesigner]

Here is my concept. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

[SamHow]

Hi Zoe,

Thanks for your interest.

A few points on your concept:

I like the blue green pastal colors and the wavy line in the header.

I like the three toned testimonial boxes.

However I am not keen on the image of the woman with the brush, I think I would like to get away from photo-realistic images entirely. I think potential customers might be put-off if a photo image doesn't relate to them. For example if a potential customer does cleaning for building sites or carparks they wont neccesarily identify with the 'cleaning lady' image.

Also I am not keen on the font of the "CleanChief The easy manage.." logo at the top. It looks a little unsophiscated. I would imagine that this logo would be used in other places, the application itself for example, so it is important.

I also think the menu bar across the top with 'Learn More' 'Screenshots' etc should have the buttons more clearly
displayed as buttons, with borders.

The shrink wrapped software box is a great idea.

Cheers
SamHow

[SamHow]

Hi Aliska,

Thanks for your efforts.

I am not very keen on the V1 template. I really like your the other design however, my favorite being:
http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=79634 (cleanchief 1)

This is the one with the three multi-colored block at the bottom being full rather than headers, and the
darker shading on the right hand side.

Three things I think would improve this template are:

- Changing the CleanChief logo, people might read it as "Lean Chief".
- Making the white text in the colored boxes easier to read, I'm not sure how this would be done).
- Making the water drop image something more cleaning/cleaning software/cleaning management related, this
is pretty hard I think as no one has come up with an image that nails it.

I really like this template.

Cheers
SamHow

[SamHow]

Hi Crimsondesigner,

Thanks for your interest.

I am not too keen on the template as it stands.

I feel that the CleanChief logo at the top is too simplistic and is lost in the brown
header bar.

I would prefer to see more color on the template, the top menu/logo bar being a good example.

I am also not keen on the white gap between the two brown "jaws". I think I would prefer
some bordering or structure added there.

I appreciate your effort so far and if you would like to submit another idea I look
forward to seeing it.

Cheers
SamHow

[SamHow]

To all designers,

Thanks all for your efforts.

I think finding an appropriate graphic for the template is proving to be a challenge.

This is probably driven from my contradictory requirements :) (The best kind :))

I would like some images on the template which tell people this website is related to cleaning/cleaning management/small business without the images relating only to a small segment of my market. For example a 'cleaning lady' image wont resonate with small businesses that do building site cleans.

I think I would like to get away from photo-realistic images entirely and instead have a symbol/icon style image.

Please feel free to ask me questions if I am not being clear.

Cheers
SamHow

[SamHow]

Hi Will,

Your latest template is definately one of my favorites. Are you intending to make any futher alterations to it ?

Cheers
SamHow

[Zoe]

Hello SamHow,

Thank you for the feedback. I will see what I can do for the logo, however unfortuantely I don't think many of us web site designers are logo designers - so if you are looking for a new logo to be used throughout you may have better luck in the logo section of DO.

I will however, see what I can do. :)

Thanks

Zoe

[Zoe]

Hello Sam,

I haven't implemented my new idea for the logo throughout, yet I wanted to see if it was a step in the right direction.

Thanks

Zoe

------------------------

[Fabian]

image removed

[Fabian]

image removed

[SamHow]

Zoe,

Yes I think the laptop and spray gun is a step in the right direction and the new font for the 'CleanChief the e...' is also a big improvement

Cheers
SamHow

[Carl]

A different take...

[SamHow]

Hi Carl,

I really like the template! The flat screen monitor showing the application with the logo on it is excellent.

I think adding a line under the menu row of text ('Learn More' 'FAQ' etc) or vertical lines between the menu items would improve it, something to make clear it's a menu of buttons not just text.

Also If you could move the 'Latest News' block to be above the Testamonial area and the text block 'Run a wide variety.. etc down below the computer screen (where the Latest news text currently is) that would also improve it, as the more detailed text can be down low on the page but the news and testamonials should be visible in the first view, before scrolling.

Thanks for your efforts, this design is definately heading in the right direction. Can you please provide an alternate layout(s), as described above and/or as you think works.

Cheers
SamHow

[clink]

I should be able to enter this project in time. Kind Regards.

[will]

Hi, Sam, I'll be posting the changes on monday afternoon :D

[will]

Hi, Sam, I know the logo might not be what you are expected but on my defense I will repeat that I am not a logo designer :D

Take care,

http://www.willdesigns.com.ar/software_idea4.png

[Carl]

Updated with requested revisions...

[clink]

I'll have my design ready tomorrow hopefully. :)

[clink]

Hi, here is my design. I tried to go for a professional look that would draw users further into the site and encourage purchases. Feedback appreciated :)

[Zoe]

Hello Sam,

Here is my updated design.

Thanks

Zoe

----------------------

[SamHow]

Thanks for your update Will.
Cheers
SamHow

[SamHow]

Hi Carl,

Thanks for the updates. I think the template makes it very clear what CleanChief is about.

One thing I note is that there is a lack of structure, meaning boxes and lines, around the text in the lower half of the page.

I imagine it would be a minor change to add some lines and headings to the text blocks ? However the template as it stands, is a strong contendor.

Cheers
SamHow

[SamHow]

Hi Aliska,

Thanks for the updates.

I think you have produced a slick and stylish template.

My only thought is that it still doesn't make it clear enough that the webpage relates to cleaning software. Perhaps the addition of a computer screen containing a screenshot would rectify this ?

However as the template stands, it is a strong contendor.

Cheers
SamHow

[SamHow]

Hi clink,

I think you have definately achieved your goal of a professional look.

I like the compartmentalising of the page.

I think the template could be improved if :

- The logo and logo text at the top were bigger.

- The LCD screen was bigger and faced much more towards the viewer (possibly completely front on to the viewer) and

- I think the page is a little dark, it makes the text harder to read.

If the 'news' section was totally removed (It could be below the testimonials if the user scrolls down) allowing the 'Orange Buttons/LCD' section to span across the whole width of the page. This would make the page look less busy and crowded with text.

I really like the logo and think this template is a strong contender.

Cheers
SamHow

[SamHow]

Hi Zoe,

Thanks for your latest version. I really like the template and it's a strong contender.

I like it's simplicity of layout and the sense of 'trustworthiness' it engenders really appeals to me.

Cheers
SamHow

[SamHow]

I would like to thank all designers for their efforts to this point.

There are a number of templates that really appeal to me and I will have a tough choice come the 14th.

Cheers
SamHow

[clink]

Thanks for the feedback :) I'll be posting revisions soon!

[Zoe]

Thank you for the feedback. :)

[SamHow]

Hi Aliska,

Thank for the update. I still think it doesn't jump out at the viewer that this website is about a computer software for cleaning companies.

Swapping the positioning of the LCD screen and the CD disc and then placing the screenshot of the application into the screen would help with this. Or simply putting the application screenshot in the LCD screen.

It's up to you whether you would like to make this change of leave it as a modification we could make if you were selected.

Cheers

[Lori]

Hi Sam,

You have some very nice designs here, and I am sure your decision will not be an easy one.

With that said, I need to let you know that all of the designers on our team are independent of each other, all competing with their original ideas to give you a great design.

The use of a CD in the design has been introduced by one designer, and therefore, should not be used by another. It is part of our rule system here that everyone bring forth original ideas in their designs.

Therefore, Aliska will be unable to use the CD in her design during the competition.

Thanks in advance for your understanding.

[SamHow]

No Worries Lori.

I hope Aliska is able to remove the CD and retain her design in the competition.

I do indeed have a difficult decision :)

[clink]

Hi SamHow :)

I've made some revisions to the template, which I feel hopefully make it much lighter and cleaner, as well as focusing the user on trying/buying the product. I also reduced the testimonials to one, which I feel gets rid of clutter and ultimately has more impact on the user. I also think that your suggestion of a larger logo works quite well. :)

Let me know what you think, many thanks.

[SamHow]

Thanks to everyone for their efforts, I have been pleased with the standard of submissions and was left with a tough choice.

I have decided to go with clink's final design, post number 52.

Clink: I will post reivision details soon.

Cheers
SamHow

[clink]

Thanks for choosing my design! I look forward to completing the revisions for you.

Regards.

[Zoe]

Congratulations Sam and Clink. :)

[clink]

Thanks Zoe! :)

[SamHow]

Hi Clink,

The changes I would like you to make to the template include :

- The cleanchief text logo in the top left corner made even bigger.

- The 'The simple management solution..' text in the top right corner made larger and written on a single line.

- I would prefer a bigger monitor image as i think every bit of extra space will make the application screenshot less blury and more attractive.

There is also the second part of the original requirements. The images (splashscreen, icons etc) for the application itself.

I'm not sure if this is allowed but I have been thinking that I could drop that second set of requirements in exchange for recieving the template in HTML instead of PSD. What do you think ?

Cheers
SamHow

[clink]

I'll try and start on the revisions asap. As for the template in HTML I'm not sure if I could produce that in time as my coder is currently away. Apologies for this... Do you still want the splashscreen/icons in this case? I would be more than happy to design them for you.

Regards.

[SamHow]

No Worries Clink.

Yes the spashscreen and icons would be great.

Thanks.

[clink]

I should have something to show you today. Thanks for your patience :)

[clink]

Here is the revised homepage design. :)

[clink]

And the user inferface design. (Icon and Loading Page are coming soon...)

[clink]

Here is my icon concept:

[clink]

feedback appreciated :)

[SamHow]

Hi clink,

Thanks for the revisions. The Web template, splash screen and icons are great. The application icon's aren't to my taste but I think I will have to either start a project just for new icons or source some elsewhere.

My only remaining request would be for roll-over images for the following areas :

- The white text menu items.
- The two orange buttons.
- The bullet pointed text points.
- The titles of the four boxes at the bottom of the page.

What i mean is provide an image of a different color to display when the user moves the mouse over a button or a text link.

Cheers
Sam How

[clink]

Here is the design with rollovers in use. It obviously looks a bit strange to see all of the rollovers in use, as clearly only one would be as shown at a time in the actual website, however, hopefully you get the idea. I hope that it is to your liking. :)

PS: In the photoshop document I have just created a seperate layer for rollovers/non-rollovers so you can easily switch between the two. I have also included rollovers for all the other menu tabs etc that are not shown as rolled-over here.

[SamHow]

Excellent,

Thanks for your efforts. I am happy to call this job closed now, and recieve the psd file.

Cheers
SamHow

[BlueCherryGraphics]

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

[clink]

Files sent :)

[SamHow]

Files recieved.
Happy with result.
Cheers
SamHow