BL FAQ

Questions about web development and project work that clients frequently ask:

Q: What is usability and why do I need it?: Usability refers the ease with which a person can employ a tool or interface to achieve an objective. If your website is elegantly designed, attractive, and functional, it would be said to have exemplary usability. Your site needs usability because:

People are much more likely to return to sites that they find easy to use.
Credibility! If your website is confusing, what does that say to a customer about the relationship they will have with your organization?
Whatever you need your site to do — sell products, communicate,
generate buzz — increased usability means that it will do this better.

Q: What is standards-based development? (And why should I care?): Standards-based development refers to the coding methods used in the design and development of web sites. We develop using open standards approved by the W3C. Standards-based development is important because it ensures that your site conforms to modern, industry best practices. There are more than a few web development firms who churn out sites based on sloppy, software-generated (WYSIWYG) code. This can make your website unnecessarily complicated and often only easily understood by the original web developer.
Standards-based development ensures that any web developer, provided they have ample understanding of HTML, CSS, and a handful of common technologies, will be able to work on your site.* Additional benefits of properly coded websites:

They are easier for search engine robots to spider, so they are often ranked higher by search engines.
They offer superior web accessibility for use by people of all abilities and disabilities (e.g., speech readers).
Better cross browser and legacy browser support means less maintenance and 'hacking' required in the future.

*We hope, of course, that you will call us to work on your site.
But it's nice to have options.

Q: How long will a project take to complete?: Project length is in proportion complexity and desired functionality. We can give you an accurate timeframe when we speak with you and understand your goals.
Q: What is the difference between a blog and a website?: A blog is, by definition, for blogging. The defining characteristics of a blog are its topical focus and inherent feedback mechanisms — the ability for readers to participate by commenting and sharing information. Web sites tend to be richer in fuctionality than blogs. Both a blog and a website can be graphically customized.
Q: Can you make me a blog?: Of course. Choose your weapon: WordPress, Moveable Type, Blogger, etc... We prefer WordPress but will work with other platforms as well.
Q: How do you approach projects?: It starts with a conversation about your goals. We then scope the project and give you an estimate of time and cost. Our approach to project work follows a phased approach that is adapted to project and client needs.
Q: What is the best way to contact Blazing Lucidity?: Get in touch via our Contact form.