Home > Blog

Blog

Considering a website redesign?

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Amanda Kokas

RedesignBlogUntitled2

Considering a redesign of your website? What should you do first?

Many times clients come to us and say they would like to redesign their website. When asked basic questions like, what purpose will your website serve? Or what is your budget? Many clients give us a blank stare. Building a website is a complex process that requires research, planning and communication between the client and the design firm.

Here are a few things you can do in preparation for your new site design.

1. Create a budget. Like with any large purchase it is important to know how much money you can and want to spend. All web design firms do not offer the same

2. Find a web design company that you feel comfortable working with.

3. Do some research. What sites have you seen that inspire you? What will your site be used for? What site elements to absolutely need and want?

4. Plan out your content, photos and images. Design companies can design home pages and internal pages all day long, but if you don’t know what you want to say and what images you want to represent your brand then building your website will take longer than you’d like.

Taking the time to consider these steps when looking into a website redesign will save you time in the long run and ensure that the site meets/exceeds your expectations.

Contact us at hello@formcode.com for additional information regarding our services.

Posted in Office Ramblings, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

What’s new at Formcode?

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Amanda Kokas

What'sNew

We’ve been busy over the last few months and we are finally ready to debut some of our new work!  What do you think?

Zerobase specializes in off-grid systems that deliver power to some of the most rugged locations on the planet. They reduce the cost and risk of fossil fuel for government and commercial customers including the U.S. Department of Defense.

zerobase

Clarus Lighting & Controls represents premier lighting and controls manufacturers in Southeast Michigan and Northern Ohio. It is their mission to promote, support, and strengthen our manufacturers with their partners in the marketplace.

clarus

Yanfeng is an Automotive Component Supplier. They are capable of advanced-design, synchronized-design and a full scope of capability from design, validation, processing development, tooling development to production.

yanfeng

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Work of Art

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Amanda Kokas

header_020512

Formcode begins its creative process with a conceptual thought and ends with a visionary solution. Not every individual has the talent to work in a creative field but everyone should be given the opportunity to determine whether their calling lies in the arts. But, with the budgets cuts plaguing education today we are seeing art programs cut from schools across the country.

What does this mean for our countries creative future? Art education has been proven to help with students brain activity, can help with understanding other academic subjects like math and science, nurture innovation, aide in the development of self esteem, communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills. So if this opportunity is taken away from our students, the results could be disastrous for the future of our country.

Organizations like The Work of Art have been established to help to combat these serious issues. A non profit, 501(c)3, founded to address the widespread issue of decreased funding for the arts in education, The Work of Art identifies and distributes grant money to deserving educators for the purpose of reintegrating art education into their classroom curriculum.

The Work of Art is supporting the next generation of creative talent. By introducing art into the classroom, we at Formcode look forward to seeing this talent engage in our field at an earlier age. It is our hope that these students will propel creative outlets forward through their unique points of view, inspiration and innovation.

Join in our support of this great cause. The Work of Art will host its 2nd annual fundraiser on May 16, 2013. Hosted at Scavolini in Birmingham from 6pm to 9pm, enjoy wine and light hors d’oeuvres by Opus One Catering, a silent auction, and meet the teachers that are currently implementing The Work of Art’s grants.

To purchase tickets: http://theworkart2013.eventbrite.com/

For additional information visit The Work of Art’s website at www.theworkart.com.

Posted in Non-Profit Support, Office Ramblings, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Detroit Restaurant Week

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Amanda Kokas

DRW-Home-Image-Slice-Final

It is that time of year again! Beginning on Friday, April 19, 2013 a select group of Detroit Restaurants will begin the spring addition of Detroit Restaurant Week. Diners will be able to order off of a special DRW menu, which boasts 3 courses for $30! Many restaurants will show off their restaurant specialties as other try new menu items.

After carefully reviewing the menus, I might suggest trying Santorini Estiatorio in Greektown, Roast at the Westin Book Cadillac or Iridescence at MotorCity Casino Hotel. Each has a unique menu and promise to provide an exciting dining experience in the D!

Restaurant Week runs from April 19 to April 28, 2013. For more information visit this link.

Posted in News | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Formcode’s Client Quiz

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Evan Briolat

Designer-Client relationships can be joyous or torturous, simple or convoluted, surgical or surgery inducing. You get the picture. The best clients always tend to be the easiest, something any designer will tell you. We’re no different. Take this facetious client quiz and see where you fit in.

1. When writing a request email to your designer you…
a. Disregard the English language and opt for academic acronyms such as “OMG” and “ROFL.”
b. Rattle it off quickly because you’re busy, failing to catch that you didn’t actually type “Good luck!”
c. Compose a thoughtful, well written email explaining exactly what it is you need.

2. When in need of an important answer you…
a. “Pop in” late on a Friday.
b. Call at 3 a.m. (Hint: studies show that designers do sleep)
c. Call during office hours.

3. When requesting a quote from a prospective designer you…
a. Decline to speak until getting a figure.
b. Pose as a fake company and request via email.
c. Explain what you’re looking for in a detailed manner.

4. When explaining what kind of website you want you…
a. Bring printouts of another website and yell, “I WANT THAT ONE!”
b. Say you want the website that’s going to make you the most money.
c. Provide examples of what you’re looking for and ask for feedback.

5. When you want a project revised you…
a. Demand immediate changes with little to no explanation.
b. Act coy and pretend you wanted something else to begin with.
c. Accurately describe the changes and ask if they will result in a fee.

6. When you catch an error on your finalized website you…
a. Call immediately, hurling expletives left and right only to realize you dialed your mother.
b. Call in a very passive-aggressive tone, over-enunciating everything you say and demanding restitution.
c. Call, explain the error and see what can be done about it.

7. When confronted about a payment error you…
a. Declare bankruptcy.
b. Mail another check you “forgot” to sign to buy more time.
c. Ask what the error is and fix it as soon as possible.

8. Your business is…
a. Enron.
b. “An idea for a t-shirt company, but we need you to make the designs, too.”
c. A Fortune 500 company.

Designer’s Response Key

A’s: We know a fabulous therapist in the area.

B’s: Yeeeah, we’re just really busy at the moment and can’t field any new projects.

C’s: We are so glad you got in touch with us. Let’s do business!

Posted in Office Ramblings | Tagged | Leave a comment