Developing an online product is far different than developing a Web site. Somehow in the beginning, I didn’t think that way. I found out very quickly that they do not even compare. Lifecycle, user cases, Web services, and intertwining technologies became all-consuming thoughts. There were about 6 completely different versions of the product before we felt like we got it right, and countless sub-versions.
The SeatServer was developed at DigiKnow, Inc. over the course of a year. Its purpose is to show users their view of the court from different sections of the arena, as well as show locations of amenities, provide directions to the arena and parking, show video of suites, and display game and schedule information. The application is replicable and we should hopefully be popping up elsewhere fairly soon. We were lucky enough to work with the Cleveland Cavaliers - who provided valuable insight from a sports marketing perspective - throughout the development of the product.
In the words of my co-worker Matt Dickman, who headed the product/project, because as a marketing professional he is a little better at explaining things like this:
“The product combines Flash and AJAX technologies to deliver a smooth, realistic experience. The solution shows real video views from each seat section, allows the team to add an up-sell message in each section (e.g.; “Did you know that for $10 more you could sit in the lower bowl?”), incorporates the team schedule and a lot more (check out the interactive 360 video in the seating chart pull down). On top of that, the team can showcase premium seating options and give you personalized directions from your front door all the way to your seat.”
Take a look for yourself here.
Role: art direction, design and programming (Flash, JavaScript and associated toolkits). Agency: DigiKnow, Inc.
The blog section: reviews of music artist Web sites and forthcoming tutorials for bands in need of cheap DIY Web sites.
[UPDATE: Steven Levy wrote an editorial in this week’s Newsweek about a tangential issue, namely how the pricing of music affects buying habits. He quotes an experiment that showed how to increase sales six-fold. Fascinating, counter-intuitive way to make more money and please the consumers.]
Consumers drive every industry, I think it’s safe to say. Therefore […]
My portfolio of work, clients include Warner Brothers Records, NBA, NHL, NFL, Visa, Nestlé and more.
Warner Brothers Music needed a Web site to promote the motion picture soundtrack to Beowulf, but the catch was that it needed to be launched soon after they contacted me. How soon? Three days. I don’t like backing down from challenges, and the opportunity to create a design for the property was an interesting proposal, […]
E-mail me or download my CV. Interested in custom work? Submit an inquiry here.
My route from musician to graphic designer to interactive and new media designer reflects my desire to constantly learn new things. I hold a Master of Arts degree from the School of Visual Communication Design at Kent State University (studying under AIGA Fellow, J. Charles Walker), where I focused on interactive design and motion graphics.
Not being the type of person to follow traditional paths, I started my own design service after graduating. My first task was to update the identity system, print and online collateral for Nosco Pharmaceutical Packaging, a national company whose clients include Alcon and Abbott Laboratories. I also began adding music artists to my client roster by contacting people in my network from my five-year stint in my touring band.
In my current role at DigiKnow, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio, I walk the fine line between designer and programmer by switching between art director, designer, animator, Web developer, and JavaScript/XHTML/CSS/ActionScript programmer.
Need front-end Web design or development work? Need to see proof? Click the link below to download a PDF of my CV with links to my recent work, personal info, contact information, and really self-congratulatory biography.