Facebook’s announcement in April of their new Open Graph made waves across the web.  Its release has introduced a new level of social integration and personalization readily available to all website publishers.  If you are in charge of the strategy and/or user experience for your organization’s website, Facebook’s new social plugins are new tools for the toolbox you’ll want to become familiar with.  In this post, I’ll outline some strategic ways to bring your website and your Facebook audience together. Read more…

Interactive Industry News & Events, Social Media, User Interface Design, Web Strategy Consulting Facebook, interaction design, Social Media, User Interface Design, Web Development

2010 is shaping up to have a number of tight political races.  The Wisconsin Governor’s race will likely be one of them.  A very important component of any political campaign these days is how well the web is utilized.

In this post, I take a look at the websites of each of the three candidates, Scott Walker, Mark Neumann, and Tom Barrett, and evaluate them based on their homepage performance, promoting email signups, usage of video, and available supporter tools and resources.

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Expert Review, Interactive Industry News & Events, Internet Marketing, Social Media Competitive Analysis, Internet Marketing, Mark Neumann, Political Website, Scott Walker, Social Media, Tom Barrett, User Interface Design, Wisconsin Governor's Race

By now, you’ve probably seen all the top-rated ads either during the game itself or afterward online and picked your favorites.  Most of the ads had some sort of mention of their web address, but not all of those sites greeted you with anything special upon arrival.  Here are four that went the extra mile to create experiences to make the most out of their massive Super Bowl ad expenditure.

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Expert Review, Flash, Interactive Industry News & Events, Internet Marketing, Social Media, User Interface Design, Web Analytics Flash, Internet Marketing, Social Media, Super Bowl, User Interface Design, Web Analytics, Web Graphic Design

With all that can be learned from clickstream web analytics tools such as Google Analytics, Yahoo! Web Analytics, and Omniture Site Catalyst, it’s important to remember those tools reveal the “what” of your site visitor sessions, but not much about the “why.” Did your visitors see the pages they wanted to see? Were they able to complete their tasks? Is a high page-per-visit rate a result of an engaged visit, or visitors unsuccessfully browsing through pages not finding what they’re looking for? Voice of customer tools are an important component to any website and web analytics initiative and can provide valuable “Aha!” moments.

In this post we’ll take a look at some of the most popular tools and the best ways to utilize them.

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Internet Marketing, Social Media, User Interface Design, Web Analytics, Web Development Polls, Surveys, User Interface Design, Voice of Customer, Web Analytics

Website testing and optimization involves the utilization of software to compare the performance of two or more versions of a page or process to determine which version is the most effective in driving desired user behavior.  Tools such as Google Website Optimizer and more robust options geared toward the sophisticated enterprise such as SiteSpect, are available to automate (as much as possible) the process of conducting A/B or multivariate online tests.

Web analytics expert, Eric T. Peterson of Web Analytics Demystified and website optimization software creator, SiteSpect, recently teamed up to release a white paper entitled, “Successful Web Site Testing Practices.”  This must-read document provides a road map for setting up and leading a web testing team within an organization and leveraging it to yield definitive and dramatic results.  Below is our take on some of the highlights of their recommendations.  However, we strongly recommend you read the document in its entirety and take full advantage of case studies, testimonials, and direct examples including a sample test plan approval form (highly useful)! Read more…

Interactive Industry News & Events, Internet Marketing, User Interface Design, Web Analytics, Web Project Management, Web Strategy Consulting Google Website Optimizer, User Interface Design, Web Analytics, Web Project Management, Website Testing

THE CHALLENGE
Assist a top-notch interactive agency with redefining the information architecture and user experience of a major global corporation’s flagship website, integrating the content and functions of multiple external sites, and designing over 400 screens within an aggressive timeframe. Read more…

Molstad Consulting Case Studies Expert Review, Information Architecture, Molstad Consulting News, Prototypes, User Interface Design, Web Analytics, Web Project Management, Wireframes

Microsoft just can’t seem to win these days.  Their huge roll out for 2009 complete with expensive television ads is an effort (Bing) designed to compete with Google’s oldest product.  Shortly thereafter, Google responds with a tool that may revolutionize business e-communication as we know it. Read more…

Interactive Industry News & Events, Social Media, User Interface Design, Web Project Management Google Wave, Social Media, User Interface Design, Web Project Management

Information architects (IAs) and interaction designers have many tools at their disposal, but pull one of them out of the toolbox most often.  Microsoft Visio has been the been the IA’s nail gun since the profession’s early days, however this tool was never designed specifically for interaction design and instead is an all-purpose diagraming tool.

Visio has served us well for many years, however, we here at Molstad Consulting have recently made the switch to Axure RP Pro, a tool that is rapidly gaining momentum within the user experience design community.

The first and most notable benefit is that Axure was built by user experience designers for user experience designers.  Elements are measured in pixels allowing an IA to know exactly how much space is available resulting in wireframes a developer can really use.  Lack of pixel measurement was always a severe shortcoming in Visio, so we’re particularly pleased about this feature.  Also, default spacing can be set to a certain number of pixels (10 by default) so shapes can be dragged and snapped to these ruler marks, giving everything natural spacing which can be exactly replicated when the site goes to development.

Lacking in the early days of Axure, widget libraries are now readily available and extensive.  Frequently used web modules such as calender pickers, carousel photo galleries, form elements, buttons and tabs, even iPhone user interface elements, can be downloaded for free and easily dragged into your prototypes.

Another game-changer is the ability to export prototypes in HTML format.  These can then be zipped up and either emailed or uploaded for review.  Depending on the prototype’s level of detail, the result can be a fully navigable website complete with drop down menus, active form fields, and even dynamic error messages (through the use of dynamic panels).  These exports can be used for stakeholder review or even for in-depth user testing exercises.  You are also not limited by height so prototypes can naturally scroll to reveal all included elements and content just like a web page. 
Try one out yourself.

Masters can be created for repeating elements such as global navigations, footer navigations or any other module that’s used in a variety of places on the website.  Through creative use of backgrounds in Visio, this was achievable, but the position of the module would be have to be the same throughout the prototypes.  In Axure, you can place these modules anywhere you want, yet still make global updates to the module in one place.

Often times, prototypes need to be annotated to explain operations behind the scenes or to give more details for development teams.  Axure has built this right into the tool.  Simply click an element and a form appears allowing for entries such as specifications, status, benefit, risk, assigned to, and more.  Once exported, a small graphic appears over the element.  When that is clicked, a popup window opens revealing the annotations.

In the interests of building a user community, a lively discussion forum demonstrates the breadth of the user base and keeps everyone connected, sharing ideas.

It’s great to see tools specifically designed for web prototyping reaching maturity.  Consider this tool for your in-house user experience staff.  Even if you don’t have information architects or interaction designers on staff, those in charge of communicating requirements to your external agency can use Axure to relate ideas and concepts quickly and cleanly.  With every one literally on the same web page, the development phase will sail along.

Information Architecture, User Interface Design, Web Development Axure, Information Architecture, interaction design, Prototypes, User Interface Design, Wireframes

The Challenge
Lead the effort to overhaul the web presence for a major Milwaukee law firm with nearly 200 attorneys. Bring a fresh approach to the firms content and the site’s information architecture, and ensure the proper migration of thousands of publications, press releases and news features as well as extensive practice area content and attorney biographical information.

The Solutions
Godfrey and Kahn has been providing expert law services to major businesses and industries for over 50 years with offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton, Green Bay and Waukesha, Wis.; Washington, DC; and Shanghai, PRC. Over that time, their ranks have swelled along with their web content.

Molstad Consulting was brought in by regular partner, CI Design to design and define all information architectures and content requirements and act as liaison to Godfrey & Kahn and the firm’s external development resource. Initial meetings with Godfrey & Kahn focused on key audiences and user tasks as well as project logistics to ensure the varied and occasionally daunting committee structure within the firm didn’t slow the process down. An information architecture was designed to streamline access to key content as well as focus on the benefits of a career with the firm.

From there, interface specifications and wireframes served to bridge the gap between the new information architecture and legacy systems and content. Functions to be re-thought and adapted included a full content management system, robust attorney search, overall site search, practice area content database, career opportunity system, and an extensive news and publications resource area. Molstad Consulting worked closely with the development team mapping new pages and sections to key functions and enhancing overall usability.

The Careers section of the site features a unique brand designed to demonstrate a focus on the needs of this crucial audience. A custom Flash animation showcasing the profiles of successful attorneys and staff members was combined with a new web video and social media delivery system. All this was coordinated around a CI Design photo shoot for nearly 200 attorneys across multiple offices as well as multiple video production sessions.

Once key screen templates were confirmed, all content to be created, collected, and repurposed was outlined and Molstad Consulting led weekly status review meetings tracking each element and resolving issues through to launch.

Next Steps
Godfrey & Kahn enjoyed an enthusiastic response to the new site both internally and from its clients. Molstad Consulting and CI Design continue to collaborate to increase and enhance Godfrey & Kahn’s overall business intelligence and marketing ROI via a targeted web analytics methodology.

Flash, Information Architecture, Molstad Consulting Case Studies, User Interface Design, Web Development, Web Graphic Design, Web Project Management, Web Strategy Consulting Flash, Information Architecture, User Interface Design, Video, Web Project Management

The Challenge
Guide and lead the definition, launch, and expansion of an extraordinary organization’s new web presence.

The Solutions
Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin provides immersive, experiential learning opportunites and entertainment for many thousands of visitors each year. Offering such attractions as a fresh and saltwater aquarium, the S/V Denis Sullivan, and elaborate exhibits dedicated to science, technology, water stewardship, and overall education, Discovery World is a truly unique destination with something for everyone.

Molstad Consulting worked closely with Discovery World senior management, art directors, developers, and content experts to define a new information architecture and overall website framework that would serve to increase public understanding and drive visitor action in a measurable and scalable way. The massive effort was broken into multiple phases with a focus on quick wins and revenue-driving features. Prototypes of interfaces and key templates were created to serve as context for decisions and blueprints for developers.

The site features detailed content supported by targeted imagery, Flash animations and video specifically tailored for each of the primary audiences. In addition, the development of a state-of-the-art ecommerce/order management system was managed utilizing agile methodology resulting in the ability for users to purchase tickets and buy/renew memberships online. The vast and diverse selection of Discovery World programs and published and managed via a customized, integrated blogging system. In addition to streamlined content management for the staff, site visitors can also take advantage of social media feature, search, tagging and bookmarking of content.

A web analytics methodology has been established which has measurably improved business intelligence and increased conversions. Business goals have been mapped to key audiences, and in turn, to specific metrics. Molstad Consulting regularly monitors site performance, summarizes insights gained from optimized analytics tools, and assists senior staff in prioritizing web initiatives. Email marketing campaigns are also regularly reviewed ensuring their alignment with the website and organizational marketing goals.

Discovery World now enjoys greater visibility than ever before into their site usage and marketing performance due to targeted web analytics and modernized site structure/coding standards.

All communication, tasks, and schedules were (and continue to be) orchestrated via Basecamp and Molstad Consulting’s proprietary methods for online/remote collaboration.

The Results
Discovery World now has a web presence that provides them the page real estate, scalable information architecture, design cohesion, and marketing intelligence befitting a highly visible and ever-evolving organization. The site serves as the foundation of all internet marketing efforts. Insights gained from web analytics has removed the guesswork from web initiative prioritization and keeps web team members focused on key audiences and visitor tasks.

Ecommerce, Flash, Information Architecture, Molstad Consulting Case Studies, User Interface Design, Web Analytics, Web Project Management, Web Strategy Consulting Basecamp, Ecommerce, Flash, Information Architecture, Market Research, Online Collaboration, User Interface Design, Web Project Management