Bespoke/Custom Content Management Systems.
As well as front-end web design, I design CMSs, or web applications, that are specifically made for your site's function – whether that be a job board, social-network or eCommerce shop.
Even if they are fantastic, off-the-shelf (pre-existing) CMSs often come with a lot of 'extra stuff', or bloat, making them confusing to use and needlessly complex. Sometimes the requested main function of a site is so 'out of the box' for a piece of software, to make it function in the way needed it to will lead to larger development costs than something written specifically.
When designing a bespoke CMS, where appropriate:
- I ensure a seamless experience going from the front/presentation-end of your site to the back/administration-end with full styles and branding taken from the front to the back-end.
- The information-architecture will be logical and easy-to-use
- I will use AJAX e.g. to add form fields without a page refresh.
- If the rest of the site has been templated/coded by us we will continue the use of semantic, standards-compliant XHTML/CSS.
Whilst I was chief designer, working at Wessex Networks, I was responsible for the design and production of the XHTML/CSS templates for the following two sites, which show just how simple a CMS can be:
Fleurs is an eCommerce shop selling the Master Florists' flowers and products. Features: the administrator can easily add/edit/delete products; no WYSIWYG editor needed, just specific fields for each individual item of information; the products can have multiple variations with different prices; the products can be added into various sections; integrated into online Payment gateway Protx, with customised payment templates; and designed emails sent to both customer and client – client email designed to be printed off for delivery driver to easily interpret.
The Recruitment Place A recruitment agency job board. Features: the administrator can easily add/edit/delete jobs; jobs can be archived and reactivated at a later date; text-based search; different sectors with descriptions can easily be added; and on the front-end jobs can be browsed by type/sector or location, or jobs can found via a text-based search with multiple limiting factors.
Currently, I am only available to work evenings and weekends.
Complete websites start from £1,200. My standard rates are: £240 per day & £30 per hour.
I also create Graphic & Logo Designs. Please Contact Me for further information. View my Portfolio.