About the Internet, this Site and Communication

The internet is perhaps the most useful tool to arise from the recent availability of global communications networks and personal computers.

The ability to access information from virtually any telephone, anywhere, and at any time is a reality for millions of people. But with this reality comes a decision for those who create content for the internet: how do we communicate in this new medium?

At this site, and in others we have created, the answer is: It depends.

It depends upon how communication should be defined for each client. As a visual consultancy, we expect that people interested in us want to see what our work looks like. (more pictures with a more visual language than a company interested in providing equipment specifications, for example)

But the demand for pictures should not tax the patience of our viewers. Everywhere on this site, graphics are designed to load quickly, to work as expected, and to look good on a majority of computers. No flashy software tricks, no special plug-ins or tricky programming to crash your computer here. All you need is a relatively recent browser (Netscape, Explorer) and graphics on.

At the Children's Home of Detroit, Riverside Custom Design+Remodeling, and Jeff Garland Photography sites, a unique approach complements existing marketing while using the attributes of the web to full advantage. The balance of graphics and text, the use of links to other relevant sites, the colors, editorial style and content are all important and thoughtfully planned decisions.

Every project brings unique opportunities and constraints, so a one-size-fits-all web site package is a disservice to both the client and the audience. Communication, not just decoration, is what we are about. Regardless of the medium, effective communication is the most important principle.

Making it all work together, with clarity and craft, will be the subject of the next Views column. Keep in touch.