Client Response to Brief

From Meda360 Spec

November 30, 2006

I reviewed the material on the departmental web site and generally it looks very good. Without getting into the more technical aspects here are a few comments, questions and concerns I have. I'll take them in the order they were presented on the web site you sent me to so this in no way implies importance or priority--just some comments and questions.

1. In terms of criteria for success, will the class build in the mechanism that will allow us to monitor this after they have gone. I realize there is no way they can be held accountable for the success or failure (except for those few souls who are not seniors) but it might be helpful if they could include, in the project, the necessary programming that will allow us to check back next year to see what has worked and what hasn't and understand what, if anything, we need to correct.

2. The overall look of the page.
   I like the one-page premise they are using, the fact that, at least in the beginning, the visitor is not going to another page but merely moving around one large page. It gives a nice sense of unity, doesn't overly segment the department.
   In terms of the general appearance of the page I think there is some question of just how "unfinished" we want it to look. The sketchbook idea is nice but it should be second-level, refined "sketches" not exploratory doodling. There is also a general design imbalance in the look of the page. It is top heavy (the top elements are much heavier, compact) and the large open space in the middle is distracting. When you look at the center of the page your see just a few gray wrinkles.

   
   
3. As far as content is concerned, I think the class needs to meet directly with the faculty to explain what they want from us in terms of alumni, program info, bio. info, co-curricular material, etc.-- just for clarification sake. One of the problems I see up front is that the first deadline for content is Feb. 5, a week after the start of the Spring class. Either someone from the class needs to meet with the faculty (individually or as a group) during winter III and iron out any possible questions or you might need to consider moving the deadline back. I am afraid you might not get the material you expect on the 5th without a little advanced discussion.
   In general I think they have made good progress. I am sure you have been working on the logistics of getting the needed material (videos, info., etc.) and I am sure I will have more opportunity, as the "client" to provide input as the site materializes on the screen. I look forward to viewing the teaser.

Dave Cassady

PS Tell the class I have been impressed with their professionalism and the presentation in the meetings I have had with them. I am excited about the possible results of the project.