Inside The Web Design Studio of Brandon Houston

I had a bit of an inspirational burst yesterday and started putting together a concept for the front page of the TAGit website. I’ve tried to make it as appealing as possible and at the same time keep it as easy to use as possible.

I also spent a bit of time brainstorming the functionality of the site. I have a basic blueprint for the database structure now, as well as some of the main features I want the site to include. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Integration of the Google Map API – This will be the heart of TAGit. The entire site will build around the API, using it as a virtual community builder to tag locations.

2. Live search function using AJAX – Users will see real-time results displayed under the search box as they type rather than having to hit submit and wait for the results. This should speed up the time people spend searching as well as simplify the entire process.

3. Online signup – Users can register an account for business or personal purposes. Business accounts will have access to a full range of submission tools to add their business listing. This will be the same account used to submit free event listings.

4. Recent business listings and upcoming events – On the front page of the website you will be able to see a rundown of the most recent business additions as well as upcoming events. Everything will be linked to the virtual map.

There is plenty more to come but that covers the main parts of the front page. My next step is the virtual map concept page. I should have that ready in another couple of days. Check back soon.

Well, I definitely can’t complain of lack of tasks, that’s for sure. My projects seem to be increasing and it’s getting interesting. For the past little while I’ve been using an open source application called PHPCollab but as of lately I’m finding it takes up too much of my time to keep going to and entering the project information, updates, task changes, etc, etc.

Until I find a new method I’ll continue using the current one. I just wish there was a better way to streamline things. I’m also going to have to contract someone to help me with the work that I have heading my way.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the work! I have one potential project I’m really excited about coming up that I’m just working on a proposal for right now. I can’t give away any of the details but it’s an incredibly cool project and I’m looking forward to the chance to help out with it. I will keep my fingers crossed however until I get the signed contract. They haven’t even seen the proposal yet. I’m hoping to wow them out of their socks! On top of that I have the chance to work on an educational project that I think will really benefit our schools. I’m looking forward to bringing my good friend and great character artist Scott into the picture for this one. His website if anyone is interested is www.fightingwithknives.com. Right now the site is just being developed but some of his work can be seen on it. He’s a fantastic artist and he’s available for hire. I highly recommend him.

This week and next week will also bring about the completion of a couple projects. I finished one for a design firm and I’m nearing completion of the Employment Action Centre and Red Maple Tools websites. The progress can be seen here and here. Be kind with the criticism.

That’s all I’ve got for today. I haven’t had a chance to jump back into TAGit yet, but I have been sketching ideas. Maybe I’ll post some of those later on.

Why is it that my own website is always the one I have the hardest time with? I don’t get it. I’ve decided that the current incarnation of Logix is way outdated. It’s been around for over 3 years now, so I think it’s time to freshen it up a bit. With the start of TAGit and The Real Connection, as well as this blog, I need to provide Logix with a new face. I do know that I will be breaking up Logix into two divisions. Logixstudios.com will be the design and development side of things whereas logixstudios.net will be the hosting side. The reason I want to take things down that path is so I can go a little wilder with the design of the .com side and stay a little more grounded with the business end of the .net side.

Now where to start… I always try to develop a theme. So far I’ve come to the conclusion that I want the design of logixstudios.com to be fun and flashy. Entertaining and witty. Exciting and new. Sounds easy right? Theme, what theme? That’s where I’m stuck. I’ve shuffled through several ideas so far. Cars, I love cars right? Why not made the design car related? Hmm, I don’t know. I really like vintage/retro photography. Why not use something vintagey (is that a word?). Ooh, or how about a bright, flashy, Las Vegas casino theme? How would that fit into a community like Chatham though? Do I even want it to fit into a community like Chatham? I don’t want to limit my scope. How about billiards? No. Foosball? I don’t think so. I’d like to work in some video so maybe do some video-rich site that uses a lot of motion? What kind of setting would I want? Hmm…

As you can see I’m having a tough go at it. It’s all about the brainstorming. It’s a big challenge when I’m a team of one. That’s why I usually drag my girlfriend into the middle of it. Unwillingly I’m sure. Let’s see what she says. I’ll report back on the brainstorm session tomorrow.

Several people have already taken part in this little side-project. The Real Connection is intended to be a live community site for people to make friends and stay connected with each other. If you’re a lonely individual looking for a date then you can turn around right now. That’s not who this site is aimed at. The Real Connection is a friendlier more relaxed atmosphere for the casual surfer to connect with other people and establish friendships. It’s also a great way for current friends to stay in touch with each other.

Built using an opensource community portal application called PHPizabi, it incorporates all the features you’d hope for. It has built in chat rooms, forums, personal profiles that include photos, and more. My purpose was really just for fun. It seemed like an interesting project to try and tackle and a couple of months ago I stumbled upon PHPizabi. I don’t expect much from it other than personal enjoyment. I would like to promote it a bit in my community and see what kind of a response I get.

Right now I have the domain registered at www.therealconnection.com with very limited customization. It’s essentially the “out-of-the-box” install of PHPizabi. It’s incredibly versatile and fairly easy to customize.

We’ll see how far this goes. There’s a new version of PHPizabi coming out that I’m going to upgrade to once it’s released. Stay tuned…

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to go to a website and find out exactly what businesses and events are around your town instead of trying to rely on the results of a search engine? Sometimes it’s just so hard to find what you’re looking for.

And so was born the idea for TAGit. Utilizing the Google Maps API I’m building a website that will allow businesses to place a tag on a map where their location is. They will also be able to post their address, phone number and a small summary.

What was this about events you say? In a similar action, businesses and individuals will be able to post local events and tag them on the map.

I think this could go somewhere. I’ve had a few people express interest in it so I figure why not develop it further. And why not use my own town as the test-bed. I’m still in the brainstorming, head-scratching, sketching phase right now. I’m just trying to lay out a game plan. First I’m going to focus on how I want the site to look. I know all you hardcore project managers out there will be thrashing in your chairs right about now but I find that laying out the look initially is the best way to go. The design is what the user will see and it will dictate the functionality. From there I can begin with the development. So with Photoshop at my side I embark on the great journey that will be TAGit Online. Check back for updates.

You’re either here by accident or you found the link on my company website. Consider this place the more personal side of my business, Logix. I’m using this space to discuss projects I’m currently working on, future ideas, design and development in general, and anything else that might be on my mind at the time.

While I don’t expect a lot of people to follow along with this blog, I thought it would be an interesting way to allow my current and future clients to get to know me a little better. Dig in and see how my brain works. That is why I named it “Inside the Studio”. I think it’s very important to develop a strong trust with clients. It’s that trust that helps to grow relationships.

At the same time I don’t want this to be just about business. I’m going to talk about some of the things that interest me, personal projects I might be working on, design, and personal experiences.

Things will be changing here constantly, so feel free to come back and check it out. I would like to hear comments and open discussion from as many people as possible. If you have an opinion about anything I post, have something you’d like to contribute, or just want to say hello please feel free.