Web design FAQ

Website development. Questions & answers

Getting your company on the internet

The following FAQ deal specifically with web design, developing a website and working with The Logo Factory® to develop your new internet presence. If you have any additional questions regarding TLF, our design services, or our pricing, you can contact us via chat, telephone or e-mail and we’ll be glad to assist you. To open the FAQ you’re interested in, simply click on the [+ -] characters beside it. The FAQ can be closed in the same manner.

Q: Do I need to hire a web design firm? [+ -]

A: Obviously, we would like to earn your web design contract, but to answer honestly, and in the purest form, no, you do not ‘need’ to hire a web designer. With the proliferation of web design software, the accessibility of web hosting companies, almost anyone should be able to cobble together a rudimentary web site, complete with working links and basic text. If however, you want a web site that is graphically enriched, optimized for rapid download, and search engine friendly, we strongly recommend that you think about hiring a web design firm. If not The Logo Factory, then a professional with demonstrable design and technical skills. After all, this web site will become your digital storefront, seen by more potential clients than ANY other form of marketing or advertising and should reflect your professionalism and attention to detail.

Q: I’ve seen companies or individuals that advertise web design for as little as $100.00 a page. Why should I hire The Logo Factory? [+ -]

A: Again, in the purest sense, you don’t have to. Many bargain priced design companies will create a functional web site that will suit the modest expectations of some clients. However, it is a matter of ‘you get what you pay for’. The Logo Factory has recognized, award-winning designers on-staff, who will spend the large amount of time required to ‘design’ your site, in accordance with your corporate identity, philosophy and goals. Our experience in graphic design, corporate identity and electronic presence as it relates to the Internet is unparalleled, having been involved in the industry since 1996. Our designers are in-house, with all the communication tools you’ll need to stay in touch throughout the project, organized through our client support department so that your web site development remains on track. And finally, our web designers are seasoned and experienced professionals not staff members who just happen to know a little HTML and PHP.

Q: What do I receive once my web design project is completed? [+ -]

A: That depends on the number of add-on features and gizmos you have selected for your particular project. At the very least, you will receive a working ‘shell’ of your web site, complete with hyper linked home (splash) page, internal pages and site areas. This will include all the final graphics, scripting and navigation system. If you (or a member of your staff) are a do-it-yourselfer, then this shell is ready for the addition of your content.

You will also receive all the master graphics that were created in the design of your site. The process involved in creating web graphics is destructive by nature (master graphics are saved as HTML friendly graphics – images are sliced, colors are removed to adhere to a web safe palette, etc) and any future editing will require the use of the pristine master graphics. This allows you to utilize in-house personal (or other service providers) for future edits that may require the use of the master graphics.

Q: Can I edit or add content to my shell? [+ -]

A: Yes. You can add content to the live area of your site. This can be edited and added to at any time. With a little know how, you can also change links and URLs. Changing the graphic components embedded into your web shell will be more difficult, requiring the use of sophisticated web design, image manipulation and vector drawing software. For that reason, we ship your master graphics as part of your web CD. These materials can be edited by any graphic professional and re-scripted into your HTML pages. We store all your web design material indefinitely, so our designers can edit, update or add to your site at any time, should you so wish.

Q: What software do I need to edit my site once it’s complete? [+ -]

A: None. All our sites are set up using a web based CMS (Content Management System). All you’ll need is a web-browser. If you wish to process and add graphics, you’ll need access to desktop design programs like Photoshop and/or Illustrator. We can also direct you to some free online alternatives.

Q: If I choose not get involved in the addition of my own content, can The Logo Factory perform this service? [+ -]

A: Yes. We can add all your live content, including images, text and graphics. Due to the additional time required in adding live content to your site shell, additional production charges are required. Also, due to the complexity and infinite variables in adding content to a site shell, each project is quoted on an individual basis and is subject to retainer and balance fees (see our fee structures). Content addition is left as an option so that clients are not automatically billed our studio fees for content addition unless you choose to utilize our designers for that purpose.

Q: How long does the process take? [+ -]

A: Your graphics, skins and static page comps are generally ready for viewing within a week of project submission. The amount of time required for revisions, edits and HTML scripting can vary, depending on complexity, Gizmos, client availability, etc. Try to budget a minimum of 4 weeks for the completion of any web site design.

Q: What do I need to supply? [+ -]

A: If your site is utilizing photography that is specific to your site, you’ll need to send us the material – either as digital format, or images that we can scan. The same holds true for illustrations, graphics, and/or illustrations. If you wish TLF designers to create any of this material, we’ll need the raw data and /or instructions. You’ll need to supply us a simple site plan; i.e. page titles, site areas, and a basic overview of what you want your site to accomplish. We’ll need the correctly formatted version of your logo, as well as any supplier logos that you wish to utilize on your site. This information is usually collected through our project submission forms, as well as in PHASE 1 consultations regarding the project.

Q: How does your design system work? [+ -]

A: We utilize a PHASED production system, which allows our designers to offer as much flexibility in the design process, while avoiding unnecessary time and production charges. There are 5 distinct phases involved in our web design process:

PHASE 1 – Technical consultation, site overview, design Nuts and Bolts, Design flavor and overview.

PHASE 2 – Site hierarchy, navigation flow chart, unique content plan, standard notice assistance.

PHASE 3 – Pre-assembly design, Buttons, background skin design, rollovers, logo(s) conversion, Graphics and illustration, static comp pages, navigation system comp

PHASE 4 – Graphic slicing, image optimization, CSS scripting, beta testing

PHASE 5 – Site launch, shipping of all materials via CD

Any additional Gizmos or add-on services will be implemented during the appropriate PHASES throughout the design process.

Q: Are there any hidden or extra charges? [+ -]

A: The Logo Factory projects never have any ‘hidden’ charges. Any extra billable work is never commenced without prior consultation with the client. There may be extra charges involved in your project, but these usually involve Gizmos, add-on work and follow-up services such as Search Engine and Integrated marketing material. Additional edits and/or revisions to elements in your site that are requested after that element’s sign-off PHASE may result in extra charges. However, these are discussed with the client, in advance, before any work is commenced. Our PHASED design system also helps you avoid extra charges by step-by-step design procedures that allow for the maximum of client input, without unnecessary production time.

Q: Why do I have to pay extra charges for revisions requested after sign-off phases?[+ -]

A: While we attempt to be as flexible as possible in honoring clients revision and edit requests, if revisions are requested after certain phases, the time involved in implementing these changes is considerable, and often involves several time consuming steps. Changing a background skin after PHASE 4, would involve changing the skin, re-optimizing and slicing the graphics involved, re-scripting any related menus and rollovers, and the creation of brand new HTML pages. However, a background skin can be edited, or a new one created in PHASE 3 without any required steps, and the resultant additional charges.

Q: How do I pay? [+ -]

A: We bill all our site shells using our modular pricing structure, which allows you to budget for the project, as well as carefully monitoring the charges being incurred. A retainer is required to open the project, a mid-term retainer is required after PHASE 3, and any balances are due before shipping of your material via CD, or uploading of your HTML and graphics to your server (PHASE 5). We accept payment via our online credit card payment system, or via company check or money order. Any Gizmos and/or add-on design materials are billed as separate projects using a pay-as-you-go billing system. Any additional materials or Gizmos must be paid in full before any finalized material can be shipped or uploaded.

Q: How do I view my work-in –progress? [+ -]

A: Once development of your web site has begun, you will be issued a set of access codes that will allow you to login to your Factory Floor private client area on our web site. You can view artwork throughout all the production phases, request revisions and ultimately beta test your site for navigation and functionality. Your client area also features your client control panel, where you can order Gizmos, add-on services and monitor your account.

Q: Most of your emphasis seems to be on site design. Won’t a lot of images decrease my site’s download speed? [+ -]

A: Images can affect a site’s download speed if not prepared correctly. By slicing graphics (creating a group of smaller images that when assembled together make a larger, complete image) allows us to accelerate the download speed of a graphically intensive web site. We can optimize (remove unnecessary colors) from the individual image slices, which greatly reduces the overall image file size. Slicing also allows us to utilize caching in order to give the impression of a rapidly loading site. By utilizing these, and other, speed-optimizing techniques, TLF designers can have free reign with your site, while minimizing and negative speed impact.

Q: What image formats does The Logo Factory utilize? [+ -]

A: We utilize either .pngs, gifs or.jpgs, depending on the color requirements of an image. Certain images can be optimized using a web-safe palette (216 colors) while other true color matching requires the higher amount of colors available in .jpgs.

Q: Can The Logo Factory host my site? [+ -]

A: No. We are specialized web designers, and while we can host your site on our servers temporarily, we cannot offer the 24-7 dedicated technical support that is required for any permanent hosting. Offering hosting services at the present time would be a disservice to our clients. We do, however, have recommended web hosts who have passed a fairly vigorous screening process (namely, hosting our sites for an extended period) and we can set your site up there. Of course, you can also set up your own hosting account with any provider you choose.

Q: What is screen resolution? [+ -]

A: Screen resolution is the number of pixels that make up the full image area of your monitor, measured horizontally and vertically. This is important when designing the live area of any web page. Monitor resolution can vary, with the most common being 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768. Knowing this allows us to design a site that is optimized for the widest selection of platforms, resolutions and monitor set-ups.

Q: What screen resolution does The Logo Factory design for? [+ -]

A: Our sites are usually optimized for 980 x 600 monitors (the most common) but will preview perfectly on all screen resolutions.

Q: What is Flash? [+ -]

A: Flash is a proprietary file format from Adobe that allows designers to create web animations and interactive web sites, unheard of just a few years ago. Flash can employ complex movies, interactive buttons and sound effects for a web presentation, and Flash’s file compression ensures that these movies and demos can be downloaded quickly. The operation of any Flash task requires a plug-in player to be installed in your browser, but over 95% of browsers are Flash compliant, and any visitors to your site can also download the plug-in within minutes. Flash is considered the industry standard in web animation, but requires fairly skilled designers to create an effective presentation. A word of caution regarding Flash – used incorrectly Flash can hinder the delivery of your site’s message (i.e. superfluous Flash movies that take a sizable amount of time to download, without adding to the overall presentation of site content – unflatteringly referred to as ‘Flashterbation’) and should be added only after careful planning.

Q: Can The Logo Factory add Flash to my site? [+ -]

A: Absolutely. Our designers can create complex animated presentations, demos and accents. Another popular use of Flash is the creation of a ‘spinning logo’ – a tightly rendered movie that features an animated version of your corporate logo. If we designed your logo, we will have access to the raw source files, and as such can create your spinning logo, quickly and economically. These ‘spinning logo’ movies can also be converted to Mac and PC compatible screensavers, and these screensavers can be sent to clients, or made available for download from your site. Keep in mind that Flash animations are part of our Gizmos category, and as such, are subject to additional production charges.