Merge

CSS3 is the latest and greatest style language on the horizon of the web, and it has designers buzzing about its future potential. Simply put, CSS3 will make the web a more beautifully simple place in the not-to-distant future. But, while those who make the interwebz are excited about and experimenting with the possibilities, what does this mean for the users (namely clients) and why should you care?

CSS3 in a nutshell

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Why is photography important in web design?

Great photography can greatly improve the look and feel of your website, enforce your brand image, and add a level of trust and professionalism to your website that text alone cannot.

So, does that mean that I can plop any old photos onto my website and be good to go?  Well reader, I'm glad you asked.  With everyday access to digital cameras, many people take this task into their own hands. This can lead to less than desirable results, and can even demean your design.

Take our client, OOBE, for example.  OOBE has a great photographer and makes excellent use of photos throughout their website. These photos instill their professionalism, their expertise of uniforms design, and showcase the impressive quality of their products.  Now, imagine if OOBE had sent a random Joe Schmoe out to Great Wolf Lodge to make their rounds with a point and shoot?  You might end up with a result similar to the example below (take note of the photo on the right):

Lets compare and contrast: On the right you see this likable employee reading to a group of children in his snazzy uniform.  But it's a pretty plain photo, especially for OOBE's website design.  It doesn't do much to enhance the look and feel, nor does it help to get their message across (not to mention the poor indoor lighting, which is an important issue).  Using professional photography for your website's photos is a definite, and worthwhile

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What does a web development firm have in common with a car manufacturer?  Better yet, what can they learn from one? This is what I, a woman with no interest in cars whatsoever, wondered when Adam asked me to schedule a BMW factory tour for Merge's monthly Lunch and Learn session. Nevertheless I booked us a tour and passed on the request for the team to be on the lookout for efficiency and innovation.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the BMW US factory, it's located in Spartanburg, SC.  The plant is over 4 million sq feet and employs 5,000 people to produce the X5 and X6 (and soon the X3) sports cars.  The campus generates its own power on-site, offers fully equipped medical facilities including an on-site pharmacy and provides 24-hour security and firefighting personnel.

Upon entering the factory we were in immediate agreeance that the first thing Merge should take away from this experience were the robots.  The giant robots assembling the car bodies were so agile and quick- it didn't seem possible that they should be moving in that impressive fashion.  We could definitely use some of those guys to dish out the sodas, coffee, and Mast General candy around the office. Maybe they could take over the developing while we're playing a game of Mario Kart?  But in all seriousness and with robots aside, the BMW plant oozes with excellence, efficiency, and innovation.

Most of the cars produced at the plant are custom made. Those who purchase BMW cars know they are purchasing an excellent quality, high performing, beautifully designed vehicle that can be tailored to their needs.  Merge has the same philosophy- we provide high performance websites, quality support, and a goal or

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