Atlantic Business Technologies, Inc.

Category: Strategy & Design

  • Taxonomies: A Trilogy – The What, the Why, and the Will

    This blog is part 1 of a trilogy on Taxonomies. Read part 2 on Common Taxonomy Mistakes or part 3 on How to Evaluate and Test Taxonomies if you want to skip ahead.

    What the hell are taxonomies? How do taxonomies work? Why are taxonomies important to effective web design?

    This post will tackle these questions and more as an introduction to taxonomies. In two follow up posts, we will cover:

    • Common misconceptions about taxonomies as well as best practices.
    • Techniques to test taxonomies to ensure they’re working and how to fix them if they are not.

    Let’s begin with where the word “taxonomy” came from.

    Origins of the Term Taxonomy

    The first use of the word taxonomy dates back to ancient Greece, by none other than Aristotle. He developed the concept as a way to classify organisms. This later evolved and became known as scientific classification.

    In taxonomy’s scientific classification system, each species has a set of specific categorizations. Each category is unique to only one specie. In other words, each organism has a unique combination of many things that identify it. These include:

    • Domain
    • Kingdom
    • Phylum
    • Class
    • Order
    • Family
    • Genus

    Modern taxonomy definitions apply the same concept of classification to different fields. For example, the Drupal definition explains taxonomy as a way of classifying content. This is the most common in the marketing space, as marketers generally don’t deal with species. But, this definition can be too broad at times as there are many ways of classifying content. The process can encompass everything, from hierarchical relationships to faceted classifications. We’ll be focusing on how marketers and web designers use taxonomies. This will allow us to better understand their nature and purpose.

    How to Properly Use a Taxonomy

    One of the main purposes of a taxonomy is to dictate a website’s navigation. While the taxonomy is not the only tool for laying out the navigation, it is an essential aspect. Think of navigation as a map. A taxonomy serves as the instructions and signs that guide you to your destination. As with routes on a map, there can be many different ways to navigate a site and reach the same destination. There could also only be one way. Let’s take a look at two examples of taxonomies and how they impact your user experience.

    Hierarchical Classification System

    Sometimes there is a single route to get from point A to point B on a website. (In our map metaphor, these routes are our back-country roads.) A hierarchical classification system is a perfect example. With this type of taxonomy, there is usually a single way to navigate to a specific page/content. For example, a site containing a food menu dividing up the items by Meats, Fruits, and Vegetables. This is a hierarchical classification system.

    Each food item falls under a specific category. This is the same as the scientific classification hierarchy. A cabbage can’t be a meat. An apple can’t be a vegetable. A hierarchical classification system such as this,works well for simpler sites. But, what if you need to accommodate a more complex user journey? You will need a more flexible type of taxonomy.

    Faceted Classification System

    Another taxonomy example is a faceted classification. This taxonomy can direct you to the same content through different paths. It organizes content on many dimensions or facets. A facet is “any of the definable aspects that make up a subject or an object.” Unlike Aristotle’s classification taxonomy, a faceted classification does not have to be hierarchical. A good example of a faceted classification system is Zappos’ shoe filtering scheme.

    In this case, there are plenty of navigation routes (read: filters) to get to the same shoe. For example, a user can find a pair of size 8 Nike running shoes on the Zappos site by any descriptive search. The user could search for a size 8 under the size filter or Nike under the brand filter. They could even search for Sneakers and Athletic Shoes under the Category filter. All three filters will bring up the same Nike size 8 running shoes. Yet, each search will be different. Not all size 8 shoes are Nike and not all Nike shoes are sneakers and athletic shoes.

    Taxonomies Help Users Find What They Want

    Adding proper taxonomies to your site’s content provides an effective UX. Your users follow digital signposts to find what they are looking for. Without the proper structure from taxonomies, your site navigation can be a pain. This can lead to the loss of users.

    There are more types of classifications out there. But the two examples above provide a good understanding of how taxonomies work in web design. Get ready for the second part of this trilogy! We’ll discuss common taxonomy misconceptions and best practices.
     
    Any questions? We’ve got your back.

     

  • How to Use the Secret, Overlooked Power of Radio Buttons

    For those in the know, the difference between check boxes and radio buttons seem obvious. Check boxes are for a variety of selections. Radio buttons are for agreed upon exclusive options. It is usually easy to select the proper web form element, but it can get tricky in some situations.

    Old Car Radio
    Car radio buttons used to have depressible buttons for presets.

    History of the Radio Button

    Let’s review how radio buttons came to be.

    Once upon a time, graphical user interface elements were being developed. During this time of innovation, metaphors were often used for icons and actions. For example, an icon with scissors was for the Cut action and a home icon was for a Homepage. Tim Berners-Lee and Dan Connolly were the first to define radio buttons, as well as checkboxes. At the time, car radios most often had buttons for presets, where a person could only press one button down at a time.

    Young web designers may not recognize the metaphor. Most modern car radios have preset buttons that do not depress. Some people think that the term came from “radius” or “radial”. Ah, youth. The good news is that most end users do not need to be familiar with the term “radio button”. Yet, there are plenty of endangered metaphors. Remember the floppy disk icon for Save?

    3 User Experience Tips

    Designing web forms here at Atlantic BT is our jam. Most of the time, it’s pretty easy for us to determine which form element to use. But, here are some situations that have made us think.

    Radio Buttons or Drop-Down

    For a list of reciprocal and exclusive items, should you use radio buttons or a drop-down? Answer: It depends. Use radio buttons when the options underneath are not obvious. This allows users to see every option at the same time. If users understand the options underneath a drop-down, then they work very well.

    For example, selecting a country requires a long list to choose from. A drop-down used in this example makes sense because the user can navigate through it with ease. The user will have natural expectations from other web experiences with the drop-down. They will assume the countries will be in alphabetical order. If the website base is from the United States, users will expect that it will most likely be the first list option.

    Navigational Form Elements

    Which form element do you use when the user is making a choice that will determine the next web page they see? Radio buttons may seem like the obvious choice. Yet, users will not expect radio buttons to perform an action (e.g. launch a new web page). So, regular buttons with proper labels are actually the best choice.

    Default Radio Buttons

    Do you have one radio button in a group selected by default? This is an interesting one. In a 2004 Alertbox, Nielsen recommended to always have a radio button selected by default. There are two benefits to not having a radio button selected:

    • It won’t introduce any bias if you are doing a survey.
    • Users will have to pay attention to the question (if required).
    The drawback of not selecting an option by default is that it may take more time for a user to fill out a form. Select a radio button by default if there are frequent responses to a question and/or a lot of user inquires.

    There are so many other unique situations to list here. Contact us to collaborate on more strategic web projects.

  • Website Discovery Strategy That Will Lead You to Success

     
    You’re working with a web design partner, developing a corporate website or application. The research phase has been completed. Cheers! Both teams understand:
    • Your company goals.
    • The features you’re interested in.
    • Your application’s users.

    What’s next?

    It’s tempting to want to jump in and start working on homepage designs. Web design is exciting and sexy—I’m always blown away by the creativity of our designers. But both visual and technical design needs a foundation. The strategy is key. It ensures that your design is functioning at its best. Would you ask an interior designer to plan their work without seeing concept drawings of a house? That should only be the basis of a terrible reality show. These specific design ideas and plans are what we talk about with strategy.

    This website design didn’t come from a vacuum. The designers relied on concepts developed during the site strategy phase.

    Let’s keep going with the corporate website example mentioned above. It will likely need a Content Management System (CMS) to edit or add new web pages. WordPress is a popular and powerful CMS. Yet, if you have complicated and unique needs, WordPress may not be the right platform.

    Writing the content is another concern. Have you only written content for print marketing or articles? If you haven’t written content for the web before, get ready. Web content writing may be different than what you’re used to. A content strategist can help provide guidelines (or write it for you!).

    Are you planning to have a single page to list and describe all your services? Your users (and your SEO) may be better served if each service has its own page. All these concerns show why this strategy phase is so important to the success of your project.

    Rounding Out Website Discovery

    The strategy phase is part of Discovery, the first “D” of our 5D process for projects. The discovery team has worked with you to verify what, why and for whom. With strategy, we focus on the how. There are three notable aspects of strategy in this last half of the phase:

    • Technical (the development process)
    • Content (how to word your message)
    • Information architecture (how is the content organized)

    Visual designers will be a part of this process. But you won’t see the majority of their eye-catching work until these strategies are in place.

    We use a website discovery workflows to provide overall project direction and clear steps for each part of the process.
    The strategy half of the Website Discovery Workflow.

    What should you do now?  A well-structured discovery process is flexible. Here at Atlantic BT, we will only use methods that will add value and understanding to your project. For example, a content strategy may be unnecessary in a data-heavy custom application. Remember, new information could always change that direction.

    Data Architecture

    What is Data Architecture? It’s the development of the basic information structures needed to build a website or app. This usually includes identifying three things:
    • Content types for CMS
    • Data Schema for an application
    • Taxonomies
    This architecture starting point is for technical specifications. Now you know what type of content is available to use. This knowledge is exactly what Information Architecture and Visual Design needs.

    Information Architecture

    Information Architecture (IA) is all about organization. It brings clarity and cohesion to the content within the site or system. IA is often used to define site structure. It’s the technical organization of information. This helps inform the navigational structure. It also directly impacts total site usability and makes finding information easier.

    Content Strategy

    Content Strategy helps our clients decide how they will present their brand to the world. It creates a data-driven and creative outline for communicating services and products. The data-driven side relies on analytics and other findings from our Discovery. The creative side maps out possibilities for our clients’ web presence. Strategists and designers collaborate on messaging. As a result, our clients receive a customized and reliable plan for their content. In conclusion, the organization, publication, and promotion of their content will strengthen their brand’s reputation.

    User Workflow Research

    the User Workflow Research phase of web design is exactly what it sounds like. It consists of mapping a user’s process flow for using a site or system. Then it compares this map against the ideal business process flow. A gap analysis provides areas of focus by revealing missed opportunities for engagement. The research can also provide more insight into ‘how’ users interact with the site or system. Yet, its highest value comes from understanding what the majority of users ‘want.’ As a result, a site’s design can give users the UX they desire.

    Requirements Matrix

    All stakeholders and team members must be on the same page for the project to be successful. They must have a shared and clear understanding of the project’s goals. For a technology project, the process will include defining key features the site will provide. Most of all, it’s essential to understand how those features will be developed, impacting the technical specifications. A requirements matrix will also inform visual web designers on features to include in mockups.

    Concept Board

    A concept board is a type of collage consisting of images, text, and samples of objects in a composition. It’s inspired by a set topic or can be any material chosen from across the project. We use them to share visual and thematic ideas based on a project topic. Concept boards can also show how a legacy site or application differs from modern examples.

    The mood board allows designers to share visual notes on the look and feel of your website or application.
    The concept board allows designers to share visual notes on the look and feel of your website or application.

    Discovered and Ready For Design

    The next step in the web development process is Design. This is where all the details get ironed out. We put in place:

    • What information is on each page
    • How pages and page elements look
    • Where data goes when someone clicks a button
    Now that you’ve completed the Discovery Research and Strategy, your web project is set up for success as it moves forward. You are in a great place for the Design, Development, and Deployment processes.
     
    Ready to take the leap and get started with your next web design project? Contact Atlantic BT today to schedule a free consultation!
     

  • How to Work With More Than One Web Development Company

    For large, complex web development projects – such as those for universities and government institutions – establishing a new online presence is an intense undertaking. It’s not as simple as hiring a single provider and letting them get to work. You might need the assistance of multiple development teams, particularly if one has expertise with a particular software package or programming methodology.

    Bringing two or more web development companies in to work together can be vital to achieving the right outcome. Here at Atlantic BT, we regularly partner with colleagues in our field to develop complex websites and platforms.  We’ve proudly maintained working relationships with the good folks at Red Hat and Constellation, to name a few. Here are a few tips you can use to keep multiple vendors moving forward in sync. 

    Make Your Needs and Expectations Clear

    All of your web development vendors should participate in the discovery process together.  Collectively, you can agree on necessary benchmarks for success. You’ll want everyone involved to know what you’re trying to achieve and which priorities carry the most weight.

    It’s a good idea to have key goals and deadlines written and signed into agreement. This provides clarity.  The clearer the expectations, the more likely you and your vendors are to achieve your goals.

    Keep the Lines of Communication Open

    Teams work best together when everyone communicates

    Each of your web development teams will likely be handling different aspects of the project. Therefore, they need to be “in the loop” with one another during the design, revision, and testing phase. Any design changes can necessitate adjustments for other teams to make in related areas of the website.

    If you don’t have an open line of communication between both of your web development partners, you could find yourself facing duplicated work and unnecessary costs or delays.

    Figure Out Where Skills Overlap

    Even if your web development partners have different specialties, it’s likely that there will be some overlap between their skills and roles. For example, both may be proficient with developing user interfaces, or setting up data entry automation.

    To avoid conflict, or duplicated roles, it’s best to map out various stages of the project in advance. It also helps to anticipate points where multiple people might be working on the same solutions. You can then delegate specific pieces in a way that makes sense.

    Make a Plan for Key Decisions to be Made

    Work your way to the top with those who share your goals Even among collaborative vendors, there are going to be differences in opinion and style. Large, involved projects need to have a plan in place for any potential decision making. 

    In other words, your creative partner should know who to contact when a big decision needs to be made. You should also make it clear to your internal staff how these types of situations are going to be resolved and documented.

    Have a Need for Institutional Web Design and Development?

    Do you have a need for website that’s a bit more complex than that of the average small business or nonprofit? Atlantic BT can help you plan, manage, and execute institutional web design at any scale. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We can help move your project from concept to launch.

     

  • Know the Big Three Points in a Website Life Cycle

    In many ways, a website is like any other tool you invest in. When purchasing a new truck or building for your organization, you would understand that it would require upkeep. There is maintenance involved and repairs to take care of. Eventually, your purchase will have run its course and need to be replaced.  

    When it comes to websites, this is easily overlooked. Unfortunately, business owners, executives, and institutional directors often lose sight of this fact. That’s because websites don’t show their age the same way a physical asset would. Nonetheless, they do go through distinct lifecycles you can’t ignore.

    This process should affect your business planning. Let’s look briefly at the three major points in a website’s life cycle…

    1. Website Development and Launch

    A new website should obviously have all the latest features and tools. It should be designed to be fast, clean, and outlined for a flawless user experience.

    However, despite being new, it can still use monitoring and improvement. It’s crucial that you and your web development team keep a close eye on the analytics to ensure performance is as strong as expected. This will also help you see whether real-life users are able to find or take advantage of key features.

    2. Website Maturity and Revision

    Once a website has gone live and is stable and effective, you may think all the hard work is done. That’s rarely the case for very long.

    It’s important to keep adding new content and updating pages to ensure a mature website doesn’t get stale. Additionly, web developers and executives alike need to keep a close eye on competitors, platform providers (like Google, Facebook, Magento, etc.) and even online marketing best practices to ensure the organization doesn’t fall behind. For example, Atlantic BT worked with Propper to re-design their eCommerce platform using Magento 1. While monitoring the results of the re-design, our developers realized that the growth of the site required another upgrade to Magento 2. 

    A website can remain in the mature, productive stage for at least several years, but only through small improvements and additions.

    3. Website Upgrade and Replacement

    Even a well-designed website will eventually stop being an effective tool for the organization it serves. Technology consistently evolves, leaving unattended websites dated. Changes in user habits, such as the current surge of mobile users, also hinder site performance. Lagging technical or content updates can compound over time. There could also be changes in the company. 

    Whatever the specific cause, or combination of causes, it is eventually smarter and more cost-effective to build a new web presence from the ground up than it is to try to salvage old apps and pages. At this point, the cycle starts all over again.

    Managing the Website Life Cycle

    Understanding these points in the website life cycle enables you to make the best decisions for your business. You will know when and where to invest in site maintenance. You’ll even be ready to make the cost-effective decision to upgrade or replace your site at the right time. These choices are not always easy. However, they have big implications for your future.  

    Where is your website at in its life cycle? What are you doing to prepare for the future?

  • Employing New Technology for an Innovative Health Clinic

    Atlantic BT is proud to announce a new partnership with Wake Forest Baptist Health and Allegacy Federal Credit Union for their joint endeavor, WellQ.

    Allegacy Wake Forest Baptist Health WellQ

    WellQ is a first of its kind health clinic and credit union. The clinic provides on-site medical services for minor illnesses. It also provides financial planning and education. Other services offered for individuals include:

    • Wellness checks 
    • Health and financial workshops
    • Personal and medical budgeting tools
    • Monitoring of chronic conditions 

    This is just the beginning. Companies can also employ WellQ for employee use.  

    WFBH and Allegacy created WellQ to enhance the physical and financial health of its members. They saw a correlation between personal well-being and stress caused by both financial and health issues. And so, WFBH and Allegacy decided to combine forces to alleviate that type of anxiety. Allegacy President and CEO, Cathy J. Pace, says, “Healthcare expense can be one of the top costs for families and a WellQ membership can be a vital part of financial planning for those who need an affordable, convenient place to go for minor illnesses, as well as valuable financial education and planning assistance.” The WellQ project needed a team player who wouldn’t shy away from challenges and new ideas. Atlantic BT jumped on board.  

    Creating New Services From Scratch

    WellQ

    The partnership between the three companies had a positive and productive start. A well-communicated kick off session resulted in a strong vision for moving forward. Every step and goal was clear to all involved. The long term objectives of the WFBH/Allegacy team were inspiring. Atlantic BT began to develop software that would lay the groundwork for WellQ’s inaugural website. The aim was to create a strong foundation for the initial establishment of WellQ, as well as the big plans in store for the future. 

    Modern Technology For a Strong Future

    WellQ offered a particular and unique set of services. ABT utilized Angular and other new technology to provide the most up to date platform and site abilities. This custom healthcare software allows users to sign up for a membership. Then they can log in and manage their membership through a dashboard. All options and plans are kept and organized efficiently in one place. WellQ employees are also able to utilize the software to track clinic visits and member needs. Json Web Tokens (JWT) work to securely manage user information. JWTs verify a member and authenticate shared data between that member and WellQ. All personal health and financial records remain safe and tamper-free. Angular offers modern, clean code that allows the WellQ site to be more than a simple, static page. The site includes interactive, app-like features to enhance the UX. As ABT .NET Developer Dan Sweet says: 

    “It’s a rare opportunity to develop a website for a brand new company. ABT worked in tandem with the physical building of the new office, bringing life to the idea both on- and offline. Being the first means less to emulate and an increased number of risks involved to see if this brand new idea would work. The WellQ process remained flexible for all teams on board to accommodate changes and adjusted needs as the project evolved. This flexibility allowed for stronger work to be produced in a supportive team environment.”

    WellQ – Powered by Dedication and Partnership

    The result was the building of something wholly original. Atlantic BT will continue to be on deck as WellQ grows. We will adapt the dashboard software to accommodate new services. Customer feedback inspire UX design and WellQ’s marketing presence. With ten production departments, ABT is uniquely situated to provide a wealth of knowledge across the internet spectrum. Daniel Hooks, Director of Project Management said it best. “You have to care. That is part of the value that ABT provides. We’re personally invested in the success of every project we work on.”

    WFBH, Allegacy, and Atlantic BT are all dedicated to serving their communities. Providing opportunities for others to receive the care they need is important. Helping others be aware of how their health can affect their financial future (and vice versa) is empowering for all involved. ABT is proud to move forward with this partnership. We will continue to create exemplary work that strengthens clients and consumers alike.  

    Interested in partnering with Atlantic BT? Contact us here.