Web Design

In yet another transformation of roles I have begun designing for the web. The project of brining the website up-to-speed is going to be enormous, and the current state of the site is so abhorrent that we need a quick-fix before we can begin the comprehensive re-design. Although I was a little uncertain of what the results would be, I volunteered to present a few designs for an interim site. My GIMP skills were a little rusty, but the results have been stunning! In just one week I have produced a new color scheme and navigational framework that have been approved for the site. Working closely with the CEO this week has been grueling, but will be invaluable for the long-term project. The biggest challenge to making this interim site effective, and the comprehensive re-design more manageable will be to imbue the site with a clean, consistent structure. To this end I have been reading Information Architecture best practices, reviewing SEO conventions, and editing (then re-editing) category trees for our content.
With luck my designs will be live on the web by the end of July, and I can pick-up with project management planning and execution of a full corporate website re-design.

Re-Design, Re-Create

I have a newly appointed role as 'Project Manager' after a frenzied planning meeting yesterday afternoon. On the table was the question of Brand Identity, Corporate Vision and Web Design--I brought to the table a neat, clean 'Mind Map' produced with web-based diagramming software from mind42.com of what I understood the CEO's vision to be along with supporting materials. I was organized, and he was impressed.
Now I have been appointed to manage this enormous project that will include an entire Website Re-design (including implementation of an Open Source CMS), Corporate Re-branding, Product Line Re-branding, and a Complete Product Overhaul.
First thing this morning I set about producing an overview that breaks this project down into phases and outlines deliverables at each stage--armed with a juicy del.ico.us arsenal that I have been building since my first day on the job this task was a breeze. I am anxiously awaiting feedback and can't wait to see my efforts set in motion!

Basecamp

The CEO got wind of my suggestion to implement Basecamp as a project management solution for the Marketing Department's NUMEROUS initiatives and he wanted to hear more.
After an impromptu overview consisting only of a log-in to my existing account and a brief tour it was a done deal. The application really sells itself with simplicity of design, ease of use, intuitive interfaces and low price.
Green Light.
Now if only I can manage to lead a successful planning meeting, we should have Basecamp up-and-running by the end of the week!