Design Tips, Tricks and Advice

So you need a new website design and don't have the slightest idea where to start the process. We can help! Below are a few things to think about before you dial our number. No, you're not doing our work for us – by using the steps below, you will give us a solid jumping off point allowing us to get it right the first time, saving time, money and in the end... getting your website launched faster.

1. Tell us what you like. Do some web research. Look at different websites (including your competitors) and tell us what design elements you like in regards to design, navigation, function, colors and style. ie: Do you like the navigation menus across the top or down the side?

2. Tell us what you don't like. If you already have a website, tell us what you don't like about it and what's currently not working for your company.

3. Function over design. Think about the navigation of your website. It needs to be easy to use so a potential customer can find what they are looking for in a few clicks – not search through endless pulldown menus.

4. CMS. Will you need a content management system for your website where you can update the website content on your own or will you want us to handle that?

5. Website Content. Have at least a rough outline of the content you want on your website. Think about your current customers and customers you want to attract – how will your website help them?

Now you know where to start. So, get to work and give Door No. 3 Design a call – and you better believe we'll be asking you these questions!

We'll give you the bad news first. PowerPoint presentations are commonly unpleasant to look at… at least from a designer's point of view. And now for the good news: yours doesn't have to be! The following are a few simple tips to think about before you take the spotlight.

1. Don't use a built-in theme. Most people have seen the templates that PowerPoint has to offer at one point or another. If your customers or clients recognize your template it will look like you didn't put much effort into your presentation's appearance, which could cause them to question the importance of the content presented to them.

2. The importance of color. Using a bold color palette enhances your presentation's readability. Keep your background color dark and your fonts light. It's easier for the audience to read especially if you are presenting in a big room. If your background color and font color are too similar or if the two colors vibrate next to each other, readability will be difficult for your audience. If you aren't familiar with the use of color, you can find free tools online such as Color Scheme Designer for assistance.

3. Choose the right fonts. Readability also depends on font choice. Serif fonts like Times are harder to read than sans serif fonts like Arial. It's not boring to use a common font... it's smart! Here's why – PowerPoint doesn't embed fonts. If you use an uncommon font and load your presentation on any other computer, it will probably default to something terrible like Times New Roman. If you are presenting off-site, bring the font with you and install it on the computer you are presenting from.

4. Use quality photography. Photos can make or break you. A high quality photo will enhance your presentation and make it interesting to look at. A low quality photo will do the complete opposite. No photo is better than a bad photo. If your photo has a wide variety of colors, it will have an effect on the font, color and position of your text.

Stay tuned for Part Two of the Presentation series where we will address some of the above topics in more detail and provide tips that focus on the presenter. Have a presentation question? Give Door No. 3 Design a call – the answer is probably simpler than you think!