GK Scott is an online retailer of pre-owned luxury Rolex watches that caters to an elite group of people who appreciate the value of the prestigious brand.

PLAN:

To create a web shopping presence that delivers a purchasing experience like no other online watch retailer. The main focus is to showcase all timepieces in a polished and refined setting while ensuring the shopping cart portion is user friendly.

DESIGN:

A smart and distinguished design is created by the Orange County web design team around the beauty of the Rolex watches contrasted against an elegantly soft black background. Large photographic images are used as design elements to showcase an artistic display of the watches in unique settings on the home page. Shades of grey tones paired with a complimentary orange color taken from the logo are used throughout the website to help offset the starkness and add some dimension to the overall look. Sub-pages are designed with simplification and structured for quick reference, easy readability, and overall ease of navigation. Considering the abundance of information to be included on the website, information is organized and contained within rectangular graphic elements and a 2-column page layout is used.

A content management system is added onto the back end of the ecommerce web site development to allow the client to update the product content and images in real time. The simplicity of the navigation is intended for ease of use and a better web shopping experience.

The product detail pages are created with a Flash animation component featuring image zoom, three different angle views, and a pop-up window to view the additional papers, which are the certificate and box. The zoom feature utilizes 2 sized images in layers, with the ‘zoom window’ to view the larger image having the zoomed in effect.

Within the ‘Customization Center’ section, the special configuration detail allows users to design their own desired watch based on the components presented to them. These pages are developed by the Orange County website design team using Flash animation and JavaScript with layers. Each watch starts with a basic foundation. Users then have the ability to upgrade various items on the watch, which in this case include dials, bezels and bands. When the various components are selected, the watch image updates with the new features. In addition, each piece selected or deselected will automatically update the content information box on the right side of their selection, and includes the current cost of the watch using JavaScript. Users also have the ability to save the configuration and view them at a later date to make the purchase.

A fully customized web shopping cart was developed using ASP language. This allows for greater flexibility during the transaction process. During this process, users must enter their personal information before check out, serving as a way to retain the customer’s information in the case of an abandoned shopping cart or if they choose to pay via PayPal, which will direct them away from the website. Once the shipping method is determined via the shipping gateway, the website obtains the authorization from the payment gateway. A confirmation email is sent out to the customer, as well as the owners of the company.

PRODUCTION:

Because the web development is complex and contains an abundance of components, strategic planning and creative solutions were necessary in order to accommodate the client’s needs as well as maintain the functionality of the website. This was accomplished through setting up various meetings with the client to discuss specific tasks, meticulously detail the workload, track the project closely, coordinate the production of materials, supervise the design/programming team, delegate tasks, and evaluate proposals to keep within budget.

Keeping the design cost down was also a huge concern, because complex projects often incur details that slip through cracks and raise costs tremendously. This was overcome by keeping a close eye on the details of the job, and ensuring the best possible methods were used to accomplish the objectives.

The website design and development took 5 months to complete on the test server, however an additional 4 weeks was needed to transfer all files and databases over to the client’s server. Large numbers of watch photographs and the different views had to be taken and uploaded. This resulted in an extended time frame. Once the transfer took place, various code needed to be adjusted according to the new server specifications. Typically with large websites, the database has to be reconfigured with new connections if they are moved to another server. A testing phase was then implemented for two weeks to find any bugs or errors within the website before a beta version was launched. Further testing was ultimately carried out by a handful of people using different browsers on different platforms. This process last about a few weeks and support is continued until the website is launched for the public.

LISTEN:

Memories of a Soldier was conceived by an entrepreneur and humanitarian who is convicted to see that no man, woman or child’s life should be forgotten. The purpose of this social networking website is to share stories, participate in site forums and discussions, and to create memories and tributes in honor of family members, friends and heroes who are currently serving, veterans, or fallen soldiers who have dutifully served the nation.

PLAN:

Los Angeles website design company Urban Geko created an online community resource for all the families, friends and members of the armed services. A content management system was created for the administrators to update images and content in real time.

DESIGN:

The California website design was inspired by the colors of the United States flag. The site was created as an inspiration and tribute; therefore the colors are vibrant in conjunction with military images. A clean and basic 3-column page layout was used for ease of reference and navigation. Scrolling rotating images on the home page add interest and interactivity.

A search feature is added on the home page allowing users to immediately access a fellow member or memory of a serviceman or woman. The results of the search entitle the users to a small thumbnail sized image with basic information of the person until they have signed in as a member. This is intended to increase membership by routing all users through a membership portal, thus increasing the website’s popularity.

On a member’s landing page, users are given full range to edit their personal information, upload or change their photos, add friends, and maintain or add memories. Included is an email feature, allowing members to contact each other directly within the website. An email notification is then sent to the user’s outside personal email account each time they receive a message.

On the landing page for a particular soldier’s memory, a detailed description of the member’s military information as well as personal information is included. A JavaScript feature showcases an image gallery of the member or deceased rotating in the light box. All members can post comments about the deceased, however the author has the ability to delete any rude or derogatory comments.

A forum-based communication model was chosen by the Los Angeles website designers over a blog-style interface in order to maintain the feeling of a community. Members can post comments using the forum categories as a resource to each other.

A small shopping cart linked to PayPal is integrated to give users the opportunity to donate to the community and fund the cause of this website.

The website development was completed in 4 months, however an additional 4 weeks was needed to transfer all the files and databases to the client’s server. Once the transfer was completed, various code had to be adjusted according to the new server specifications. Typically with large websites, the database has to be reconfigured with new connections if they are moved to another server. A testing phase was implemented for two weeks to find any bugs or errors within the site. A beta version was then launched for further testing by a handful of Los Angeles website design people using various browsers on different platforms. This process lasted a few weeks and the support continued until it launched to the public.

PRODUCTION:

Since the site functionality is large and complex, accommodation of the numerous variables, strategic planning and creative solutions was necessary to create a strong, stable community website. Various meetings were set up with the administrator in order to go over their specific requests and meticulously comb through the details. The project is tracked closely ensuring both the design and functionality of the site are showcased and implemented correctly. Research is done on other community sites to obtain the latest methods of techniques and technology used, so that they can be evaluated closely and implemented if deemed beneficial.

LISTEN:

Floor2Ceiling is a high-end floor and wall coverings retailer in Los Angeles County, California.

PLAN:

F2C is looking for a clean and contemporary SEO website design to showcase their gallery of products. F2C emphasized the need for a beautiful display of their gallery collection to exhibit photos of the tiles and wall products they offer alongside the accompanying product information.

DESIGN:

A simplistic page layout style paired with the colors of black, gray and earth tones were used to give somewhat an urban and contemporary feel to the web design develpment. A Flash animation showcasing a prestigious gallery collection of completed assignments rotates throughout on the home page. Minimal text accompanied by the focus on the gallery of images displayed completes the website.

F2C has a large assortment of tiles and wall products and therefore, all content is logically organized for easy and effective navigation. A drop down menu style is selected to display all products and their respective product categories.

After thoughtful analysis, it was decided by the California website design team that a script called AJAX would be best for showcasing the gallery. AJAX is used to enlarge and center the tile and wall product photos when clicked. By using this style of web design, the rest of the browser window dims making a page reload unnecessary. Each photo is tagged with the necessary product information and viewers can scroll through products by rolling over the left and right side of the enlarged photos for easy navigation.

LISTEN:

C. Walters Intercoastal Corporation (CWIC) is an official licensee of Body Glove and Disney Consumer Products, and the proprietor of the Fluid Water Sports brand. Since 1996, CWIC has developed quality aquatic equipment and water toy products, which has established the company through worldwide distribution.

PLAN:

To upgrade their existing 35-page website aesthetics, showcase their catalog of products, and have a more community-based marketing web presence. The goal of the first phase of the web design development is to introduce the company’s range of catalog of products through a brochure style website and create a more fun, interactive lifestyle through their content and imagery.

DESIGN:

A fun, bold, lively design playing on an aquarium theme was created by the California web design team at Urban Geko for the website’s user interface. Large splashes of colorful photos paired with water filled backgrounds set the stage for entering the site. The home page exudes energy as the Flash animation player slides through fun-filled images of water activities and sports, and brings the entire website to life.

A community web page called “Our Aquarium” was added to promote education, activity, and the company’s product line. The page design features videos, JavaScript games, photographs, relevant industry articles, a blog, and a sign up form for the company newsletter. Supplemental links to other community sites that the company is involved in were also included.

The product section is categorized based on CWIC’s printed material; however, it was redesigned by the California website design team to make the categories more user friendly. Phase two of the project involved adding a shopping cart feature to the site. Keeping this in mind, the product detail page was designed in a manner that allowed prices and the “add to cart” button to be added easily when needed.

A content management system was designed and put in place on the website’s back end for user updates.

LISTEN:

Kinvara is an Orange County, California day spa specializing in medical aesthetics including injection products, laser treatments, and peels. Besides facials and massages, Kinvara also offers wellness packages, like acupuncture, to enhance their customer’s overall wellbeing.

PLAN:

The website development firm Urban Geko’s plan was to design a clean, relaxing, refreshing, spa-like, brochure-style SEO website design that gives a general overview on the services offered. This was accomplished by using a static top banner area with navigation and a simple 2-column layout below.

DESIGN:

The website development revolves around curved graphic elements encompassing soft photographic images. The images portray the relaxing feeling one gets when visiting the spa, in addition to providing visual cues of the types of services offered. Shades of green and bronze tones from the logo were used on a sterile, white background. To contrast the softness of the website and provide a more medical feel, simple clean lines were used to define the text-based navigation.

A rotating flash animation player was included on the website’s upper banner to give a stronger interactive feeling. The type is formatted using cascading style sheets with titles, subtitles, bulleted areas and regular body text. All website content is formatted for quick and easy viewing, while still providing search engine optimization techniques.

LISTEN:

Tony LaHood is an award-winning voice-over artist who has a distinctive, polished voice that makes any company’s message clear and memorable.

PLAN:

The los angeles website design company Urban Geko’s plan was to design an artistic, brochure type website that showcases the artist’s voice commercials. The website is designed to be a simple marketing calling card, while being artistically engaging.

DESIGN:

A clean and contemporary design style is used to maintain the focus on the artist. Each of the pages were designed with large headers and zoomed in images to achieve an artistic edge. The home page was created with 3 different Flash animation components: one for the button navigation, one for the header image, and the last for the artist’s introduction copy.

The main web page development navigation uses a unique Flash animation component: 4 column objects with associated icons for each page. On mouse-over objects, the icons are moved down by a motion tween for smoothness, while the background color fills to 100% opacity. When the mouse is moved off of the button, the object retracts back to the normal state.

The audio samples page feature simplistic, custom-designed audio controls to compliment the aesthetics of the website design. Instead of simply linking audio files, this design is a much cleaner solution.

The contact page enables a visitor to contact the artist directly, either by a form or a link straight to the personal email. Information variables are passed through the server side pages of the form and emailed directly to the client.

LISTEN:

Digital Smart Homes provides high-end home theatre systems, audio and video components, and installation consulting services for home entertainment needs.

PLAN:

To design a sleek, sharp, and modern brochure-style website that appeals to the upscale, design savvy, discerning customer. A Flash animation website with interactive media menu navigation was chosen by the Orange County website design team to bring pizzazz and excitement to the products and services offered by Digital Smart Homes.

DESIGN:

Helping to set the modern stage, this multimedia website loads with impressive Flash animation while subtle digitized sound bites play in the background. Sleek architectural lines frame the polished sample showroom model, while minimal text is used. Sharp shades of grey tones were paired with red highlighted type accents, creating a modern contrast against the gallery photos.

The sleek, 4-panel horizontal layout gives a modern appearance. On mouse-over, sound attributes are added to the main interactive navigation menu using JavaScript to give an extra bit of vitality, while the navigation flows smoothly both vertically and horizontally within its predefined space.

When clicked, the “Idea Gallery” animates as curtains being drawn away, revealing an amazing collection of sample home theatre systems.