See the site in action here.

Content

In concert with the client’s goals, we separated the site’s content into two main categories; static and dynamic. While some information on the site didn’t have to be changed often (static), Dr. Chou wanted an area where she could continually update (dynamic) and discuss her professional thoughts on Periodontics. She also wanted to be able to upload studies of cases which would display detailed before & after shots of procedures she has performed, alongside textual descriptions. Because of these needs, we created the Journal and Case Studies categories, both of which can be easily updated by the client herself. The Journal contains up-to-date posts by Dr. Chou, while Case Studies displays a slide show of captioned images (warning! these are pics of actual medical procedures, with blood…and stuff…).

Design

While a website of this kind is, in essence, an online advertisement or brochure, we approached the design of this site slightly differently to others, wanting to inspire confidence and not be overbearing with graphics or colour. This was in line with the client’s vision for a site which would advertise her skills and services, but would not cheapen her profession by becoming like a billboard. Because of this, we felt that the stoic professionalism of say, a medical journal, was a perfect fit for the project. This was achieved by using grey tones, a touch of blue, clearly legible serif and sans serif fonts, and top notch photography.

Power to the client

As with most of our projects, we developed the site with an open source development solution, in this case the one and only Wordpress. This enables Dr. Chou to use the exceptional back end interface to make changes to her site, whenever she likes. As usual, we delivered the site with a step-by-step guide and manual so that she will be able to reference this if she needs to. Even though we’re only a phone call away, it’s always nice to have something in your hands to read, isn’t it?

Having worked for an eCommerce company in Tokyo, I understand how frustrating it can be for sellers to get online. All you want is a simple, low maintenance-cost solution that lets you sell your stuff and doesn’t rip you off. Well, how does free sound for upkeep costs?

I first found out about Magento while it was still in Beta back in early 2008. Even then it looked really promising, but I wasn’t prepared to delve into its core until I could actually use it professionally. Having seen it emerge out of the Beta stage some time later, I was delighted when Stephen and Katrina from Ubergoodness approached us with the desire to create an online grocery and health food store. They (like many others) had a bad experience with a paid eCommerce solution and really wanted to get a fresh start. I sat down with them and talked them through the benefits of choosing Magento and they were very interested, but what really made their jaws drop was when they realized they’d be getting all this functionality for free. That’s right, the Magento platform itself is totally free. Remember OSCommerce and its horrible 1996 style markup? Well you can forget it now because with its highly customizable front and back ends, excellent templating via XML and in-built content management system, Magento truly blows it, and many other paid shopping carts, right out of the water.

After we completed the custom design and development of the store, Stephen and Katrina were able to easily upload all their products and run it themselves with only basic HTML knowledge. The only ongoing costs they pay are for hosting, and Ubergoodness chugs along as smooth as a serving of warm organic butter. Sounds nice right?