Designing web sites involves organization of content as well as application of brand messaging. Action taken on a corporate web site is almost entirely a result of how a newcomer interprets visual information the moment they arrive. If the web site does not immediately speak to them and their needs, they move on (quickly!).

But what about designing user interfaces (UIs) for web applications? These UIs are successful when they seamlessly guide users through information, resulting in some kind of input or transaction. As a result, the focus when designing web applications is more on the logical organization of content and the graphical cues that help users perform a task. Graphics such as buttons and icons are used to help present what users can do with the information and define interaction, while color, texture and more subtle graphic applications help organize different elements on a page as well as add a level of, what we like to call "environmental comfort."

As with any experience, a web-based application, such as an online store or a timesheet, will influence a user's perception of a corporate brand. Brand perception is effected directly through the use of a brand language and imagery, and indirectly through the presentation of content and usability of an interface resulting in a positive user experience.

Three recent web application UI designs are presented below along with other recent projects.

Emportal is a start-up developing the next generation HR application for Fortune 500 companies. This online application facilitates the collection, storage, and organization of HR-related information into one tool for both management and employee level users. We used AJAX to add functionality to the design by allowing users to further manipulate the interface, and focus on the information they wanted. This technology also helps make the user experience more like that of application by allowing the user to manipulate information without "refreshing" the web page.

OmniVision (OVT) continues to earn its rank at the top of the image sensor industry. Two recent projects we completed for OVT are listed below. Other recent projects not featured include trade-show booth graphics, product briefs, brochures, advertisements, and a corporate folder.

automotive brochure
This 4-color, saddle-stitched, 20-page booklet is the first of many other product categories to go into publication for OVT. This booklet is currently being translated into 6 different languages to be distributed throughout the world.

home page feature animations
OVT's landing page provides quick links and information about their latest technological breakthroughs and products. We designed and produced a FLASH animation with space for 3 products at one time. Each panel maximizes when "rolled" and takes users to a detail page when clicked. Click the graphic to the right to try out the interactivity.

Phase 2 of our brand revitalization for HR Options involved an update to their web site and online application. The "HRO webstation" allows their clients' employees and management to input, analyze, and keep track of timesheets and expenses.

One of HR Options' goals in this effort is efficiency; the more their clients use this online tool, the more they can cut back on time-intensive and wasteful paper forms and procedures. Developing an environment that was easy and enjoyable to navigate was paramount in achieving this goal, and that is what guided us throughout our process.

Two-time Emmy Award-winning director Jan Nickman has a rich history of delivering innovative leading edge entertainment. His latest production released under the Third Planet Pictures moniker takes viewers on an unparalleled odyssey into the wondrous landscapes of the American Southwest through the languages of film, music and dance.

The accompanying original music score of Grammy-nominated recording artist David Lanz was also released as a separate 8-panel Digipack audio CD. The packaging for both of these extraordinary works of art is a reflection of their magical content, featuring deep rich earthly textures and iconic representations of the land that inspired these masterpieces.

Align technology is successfully ridding the world of the "Austin Powers" grin. They design, manufacture and market Invisalign®, the world's leading invisible orthodontic product. They also offer a variety of ancillary, fulfillment and marketing items to their customers to help market their Invisalign products. The user interface we developed for their online store facilitates practitioners in purchasing supplies (both dental and promotional) and gathering information about the company's products. MUELLER was involved early in the process with Align, developing wire-frames, and ultimately producing multiple dynamic DHTML templates used to develop the entire shopping environment. The new online store surpassed expectations with 1,000+ orders processed in the first week alone with no advertising.

KNN provides strategic capital solutions to public and non-profit agencies to benefit California's communities. We began their brand revitalization with a complete review and discovery process including a comprehensive survey of their clients. The information uncovered during this phase was critical in developing a strategic corporate identity, web site and collateral system for KNN. Our Web site solution features a sophisticated content management system and a complete overhaul of content, imagery and interactivity.

Additional work completed for KNN during this phase of their brand revitalization included a PowerPoint template, newsletter template, article template, and trade-show booth design.

Web 2.0 is the 21st century's answer to content generation. Not only is user-developed content more dynamic and inclusive; for many, it is more trustworthy and valuable. In the fall of this year, this community-based resource for finding and getting advice from local professionals will go live. MUELLER worked with Advice Network to develop their identity and apply it to a Web environment that would attract and inspire communities to make Advice Network their own.

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