I’ve been slightly under the gun for the last few weeks putting together a rush order for the Ecumenical Advocacy Days conference website.
Though it was a hefty workload, given the time constraints, the project was quite enjoyable, particularly because it gave me the chance to catch up with a good friend from my internship with Harvest Farm.
For those interested, the site is entirely valid CSS and XHTML, and reasonably accessible (for a rush job) with the exception of one page (more on that later).
Even better is that it also features my first php script which creates a javascript free alternative for ie6’s lack of support for CSS dropdow menus.
From a design perspective I’m especially struck by how important the homepage image is in setting the mood for the site. It’s as if it stays with you, influencing the interpretation of words and images. Unfortunately I can’t take credit for the images, they were collected from previous conferences, several stock xchng members (used with permission) and a couple by my wife. The layout was kept intentionally simple in order to present the conference information as clearly as possible.
The only points of contention I have with the site are the heavy use of orange, which was not my first choice, but ended up turning out all right in the end, and the frontpage powered registration page. We decided to hang on to the frontpage form as it had been used for the previous 2 conferences and thus would maintain continuity, but what a chore!! I finally discovered why frontpage developed sites are always so limited in their look and feel.
All in all I think the site turned out very well. Overall, and urgency not withstanding, the site came together rather naturally, which is always preferable. Congratulations are particularly in order for the folks at EAD who had the guts to make the calls and keep the project moving.
