SimcoMedia Professional Web Design » Portfolio

The Kitchen Outlet X-Cart Update

SimcoMedia Design — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:59:36 +0000

We recently completed the update of the X-Cart for The Kitchen Outlet in order to bring it up to the current version (4.3.2) from its previous 4.1.9 setup. The ultimate goal is to bring it fully current to 4.4.0 version once the Xcart developers have created a database upgrade/patch file for the conversion.One of the challenges in upgrading is the steps needed to work through the various branches of Xcart’s versions. The process always starts with a backup of the current live cart. Then, a backup of the database that will serve two purposes: 1) to use in the upgrading process, and 2) as a backup if something goes astray.

First, we had to upgrade/patch the 4.1.9 to 4.1.12. From there we could upgrade from 4.1.12 to 4.2.x using the Xcart upgrade packages available in the license area. Once that was completed we then make a backup of the upgraded 4.2.x database to keep safe since we are now going to be applying SQL updates/patches to the new test cart (version 4.2.x). Once this step has been completed successfully we should be at the 4.3.2 version. It is now at the point we can fully address the modification of the skin.

In this case we chose to work with the Vivid Dreams / Lotus skin since it was closest to the color scheme the client wanted. There are a number of images that need to be recreated and there’s two CSS files that need to be altered in order to facilitate the customizations. The client wanted a fairly simple and clean look. Therefore minimal graphics were used in the creation.

Overall the client’s site will now have more functionality than before, easier updating to the latest version, and complance with the various modules.

Screenshot

Sullivan Criminal Defense Attorney Website Redesign

SimcoMedia Design — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:13:57 +0000

We have just finished the updates and makover for Mark J. Sullivan, Attorney at Law located in Palm Springs, CA. The project was intended to remove outdated content, update the design to a more modern look, and provide a smoother visitor experience.The original site was done a few years ago and, as is typical, became dated. The objectives were to remove staff and associates no longer affiliated with the organization, optimize the site for SEO, and introduce the use of AJAX for the display of articles and information.

The site architecture was also renovated from the old table method to a modern CSS based layout. This reduced page load times dramatically and allowed for the implementation of several areas where content could be summoned dynamically via AJAX and the JQuery library.

Project Highlights

Conversion to CSS layout
Integration of JQuery library
Use of AJAX for content managment
Redesign

Screenshots

Here are the before and after screenshots showing the transition:

Mark J. Sullivan Website Redesign by SimcoMedia - New Design

Mark J. Sullivan Website Redesign by SimcoMedia - Previous

Integrity Automotive Redesign

SimcoMedia Design — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 20:21:28 +0000

We are pleased to have completed the redesign of one of our previous client’s website, Integrity Automotive Maintenance and Repair. The original design was based upon a print and ad campaign and, although quite successful, was not capable of expansion without major issues arising. This new design features CMS capabilities, the heavy use of JQuery for effects and functionality and a design relevant to their new advertising scheme.Some of the primary tasks for the redesign revolved around the site’s ability to showcase current special offers and condense much of the content into simple tabbed based interfaces. Much of this was accomplished using the powerful JQuery library.

Here is a partial list of many of the new innovations and changes involved:

New design based upon the SmartCar ad campaign
Utilize actual signage for identification purposes
Create and integrate random testimonials to display in left column
Create slideshow for featured specials
Create tabbed interface for basic service information
Utilize AJAX for summoning content on various pages and elements
Establish a remote CMS system for editing specific content areas of the site’s pages
Linked the site to various social networks (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
Updated an internal newsletter subscription system to enable creation and integration of surveys

The new design uses variations of the color scheme evident on the SmartCar loaner fleet’s custom paint jobs. This client has 4 of these cars provided to customers free of charge who need to leave their autos for extended periods of time while it’s being repaired or serviced. They make a great advertisement and are coordinated with the new website design. Below is a screenshot of the new home page:

Integrity Automotive Maintenace and Repair Website Redesign

Wick Rice Cabinetry Redesign

SimcoMedia Design — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:21:41 +0000

We’ve had the privilege of working on the redesign of the website for a custom cabinet manufacturer located in Hawaii. Even though the website was relatively new the original design was lacking the style and elegance needed to showcase their exquisite cabinetry. This prompted us to come up with a color scheme and style that would catch the visitor’s attention and hopefully make a positive impression.Using JQuery as the backbone, we established an AJAX driven template concept that allows the somewhat limited content to load quickly and easily. Both a ‘tabbed’ menu and text-based footer menu were created using the smooth fade in and out actions of JQuery. The end result is a fast loading and visually attractive interface for easy navigation.

Additionally, we utilized the JQuery based FancyBox plugin for the display of their cabinet photo gallery. This allowed for thumbnail viewing as well as slideshow interactivity. It loads quickly and is a great way to integrate a photo gallery for easy viewing.

Here are some screenshots of the before and after:

Before Redesign by SimcoMedia

Home Page After Redesign by SimcoMedia

Gallery Page After Redesign by SimcoMedia

Probes Online Xcart Redesign

SimcoMedia Design — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 20:31:29 +0000

We recently completed a modest redesign of an existing Xcart store in order to enhance the overall look. The previous design was a bit unclear as to the nature of the products being sold. By creating a more concise header image and modifying the titles the site is more clear on the main point of the site.This cart is heavily modified to provide quotes only. Therefore, the actual cart and checkout functions do not apply. The modifications allow for visitors to search for specific models of ultra-sound transducers then submit a request for price quotes on each one selected. Based upon this we needed to make certain that none of the changes we initiated would interfere with that particular functionality.

The version of Xcart in use also dictated how we could make the improvements. The version is 4.1.x which is entirely table based and less flexible to design changes than the newer 4.3.x version which utilizes primarily CSS for layout control. We pondered doing an upgrade to the latest version but, after careful consideration, declined to do so since there’s a danger the custom functionality of the cart would be overwritten.

Screenshots

Probes Online Custom Redesign By SimcoMedia

Pavia Systems Redesign

SimcoMedia Design — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:08:07 +0000

We have had the privilege of working on the redesign of a local company that specializes in online training for specific areas of road construction. The project included many enhancements to their existing site including the addition of several new sections and pages.The main focus of this project was to create a more user friendly experience for the potential clients as well as for employers who need to have employees trained and certified for specific job duties. The actual site does include a shopping cart system for registrants but that aspect was not part of our project. Our focus was strictly on the front end only.

Project Specifications

Extensive use of CSS for restructuring the page layouts
Javascript for controlling certain windows for displaying media
A search engine integrated into the site utilizing MySQL/PHP
CSS dropdown navigation
Multiple header images

Project Screenshots

Below are some screenshots of the before and after for your viewing.

Pavia Systems Home Page Before Redesign

Pavia Systems Home Page After Redesign

Pavia Systems Product Page Before Redesign

Pavia Systems Product Page After Redesign

The T

Little Pawz Pet Sitting

SimcoMedia Design — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:43:25 +0000

I’ve just begun working on a new project for a pet sitting service in Texas. The game plans is to provide a simple but informative website pertaining to the advantages of using a pet sitter as opposed to boarding pets in a kennel, plus promote their services to their regional area.

Because it’s a pet related site we decided to make the style fun and colorful. The project is done entirely in CSS with potential use for some Javascript/Ajax and some PHP to parse the scheduling forms data.

We will also be optimizing the site for search engine friendliness with the goal being first page results on Google for searches related to pet sitting in their local cities and surrounding areas.

Below is a full screenshot of the home page mockup.

Little Pawz Pet Sitting Custom Design by SimcoMedia

Shopper Press – WordPress eCommerce Plugin

SimcoMedia Design — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:29:20 +0000

Shopper Press is a quick, easy and full featured way to turn your WordPress into a robust storefront complete with product management and automated payments via Paypal and others. This amazing plugin transforms your site into a multi-purpose store and blog combined. If you have products to sell, a catalog to display or digital downloads to offer then Shopper Press could be your ticket to online sales!

ShopperPress WordPress Plugin

View The Demo

ShopperPress Demo

Painterman Redesign

SimcoMedia Design — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:54:26 +0000

Having already done an X-Cart setup for the sister site, www.painterguides.com, there was an urgent need to recreate the client’s main site that pertained to his primary business, professional home painting. This project posed many challenges since the previous host had unfortunately and inadvertently damaged many of the pages and functionality of the site’s pages. Therefore, we had to reconstruct it from images. All the galleries and lightbox effects had to be regenerated from scratch.The site is comprised mostly of images showcasing before and after, tips and how to’s, a list of services, some downloadable PDF files for references, customer testimonials and contact information.

The entire layout is done in CSS and the use of Jquery and lightbox effects. The color scheme and graphics were the original concept provided by the client including the logo. SimcoMedia now provides the hosting.

Screenshots

Here are some screenshots of the site.

Painterman custom web design by SimcoMedia

MistKing Custom Xcart Design

SimcoMedia Design — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:47:05 +0000

We have just finished the creation and integration of a custom skin for a recently upgraded Xcart for MistKing.com. The project involved creating a clean design based on the color scheme of the logo and prepare it for use with the latest version of X-cart Gold, 4.3, which uses predominantly CSS as its template core.

Some of the challenges included the need to modify multiple CSS files since one was used as the “Main CSS” and another used for specific elements of the core skin that was chosen to customize. This turned out to be the Light & Lucid default theme since it gave us the two-column look the client was looking for. Despite its simplistic look, this skin proved challenging in getting the elements to properly align in the various browsers. However, after MUCH tinkering, we were able to successfully integrate the design into the cart.

Here’s a screeshot of the home page:

MistKing Misting Systems custom design by SimcoMedia