nuregime™ launches the new site on January 9th, 2009
The new site is more than a redesign of the previous version. In this new version we have changed our focus and goals. Although we still try to keep the design pretty, this time we have focused more on the Client’s usability and service.
We made it simpler, easier to use and at the same time with all the functions needed to provide the clients with a better service.

How did we make it simpler?

First.
With first time visitors in mind. Instead of creating a top navigation with all the main pages, we only made a “3 options” navigation (1. Start your Journey, 2. Take a look at our work and 3. Request a Quote). We figure that people want to know if we can really design first and then see how much would it cost them to get what they want, so making it in 3 simple steps would do the job, there is no way to get lost in content. By the way (on the home page) we didn’t even put the navigation at the top. The first thing the visitor sees is a head statement saying what we do, so a visitor can know in the first 2 seconds what we do.
Second.
For those who happen to have more time. We show right at the front page (if you scroll down) our “Recent Weblog entries” on the left side and on the right side, a little bit about the company including our social networks, recent awards, contact info, all without leaving the page. Of course, when you click on any of the entries you’ll be taken to the Blog and there you can start to have some fun. At the Blog you can read new articles and mark them at your favorite network (buttons provided). You can also comment or send an article to a friend.
Third.
Strictly for Clients.
It is with the client in mind that we have created this new version. Probably the most powerful engine in the whole website is the Project Manager (Fig. 1). We had another PM before. We even used outside services to collaborate with clients, but this is different. With this PM the client becomes part of a whole intranet experience, where he/she can collaborate on their  current projects, read notes,  get Email updates, follow our Tasks, post general questions on forum,  see calendar deadlines, etc… Each project is under a single category and only the client responsible for it can have access to it.
The clients have easy access to the Project Manager. There is a black button at the top right on the front page that says; “Project Manager”. Click on it, Log in and that’s it. No need to go all over the page looking for a little hidden link to Login. This one is loud, it’s big, you can’t miss it.

Fig. 1

Other Features

Update Point System
Another new feature we have created for this version is the Update Point System where clients can place their site’s update orders without requesting a Quote or us making an invoice. All small update orders are now automated, designed in a way where we save time and at the same time pass those savings on to you. Again, requesting an update is now an easier process, just select the type of update you need, enter the number of items and that’s it. That easy.

Other services like a SEO Resources area are available. Clients can also access their invoice system from the site.

Look and Feel
Trying to find a balance between design and usability can be challenging sometimes. How do I make it look good and at the same time keep it simple?
For a while (in other versions) I used light colors, sometimes to the point of not noticing them unless you wanted to. Well. This time (and on purpose) I want the users to notice the design but at the same time I don’t want the design to take away from the functions or the work being showcased, in other words, I don’t want the layout design to distract the visitor from the most important thing which is the work being showcase.  I used more intense colors and some lights on the head statement fonts.

We made 3 separate layouts (or color themes) each them has a name that has to do with the color, 1.Gold, 2.Aqua (green) and 3.Ocean (blue).
The user can change the color of the website by clicking on any of the color tabs on the left site of the navigation. That color can be changed at any page level without leaving that page. So now you can view the site using the color that’s more comfortable to your eyes (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2

In this version, you don’t have to leave the page so the whole process is down to one step. You can navigate the categories by selecting the category tabs at the top and you can just click at any thumbnail and the project will pop up. You can move the window that pops up and you can close it right there and be at the same portfolio page, in one view you have all showcased work in front of you. Simple.

Communicating
At the contact pages we included two forms, one to request a quote and one to just say hi.  The quote form has fewer questions than previous versions ones, so it’s easier and faster to fill out.
We also added a feedback button that will take you to an outside forum where you can make comments; give us opinions, etc…
Also added a live person function where you can chat with me or someone at the office. We will only have this function on at some hours of the day. Visit the site, you might find me there.
Better yet. Visit the site and leave a comment concerning this new version, tell us if you like it, do you find it easy to use, give us an idea on things you would like to see in the future.

There it is. Enjoy it.