Frequently Asked Questions.
If you don't see the answer to your question feel free to contact me.
Do you design new features and web sites in addition to fixing old ones?
Absolutely. We would need to agree on a statement of work and a fee schedule. Make the appropriate comment on my contact form and I'll be happy to discuss.
Do you deal with installed software in addition to web sites and web-based services?
I am completely at home with installed software. I like the richer set of interaction objects that can be used, as well as being able to do something entirely custom if the situation warrants. The standard widgets that HTML gives us can be limiting.
What are your deliverables?
A diagnostic report at minimum and possibly prescription for treatment. If we continue to the treatment phase, my deliverables
can include
Photoshop mockups, detailed behavior specs, finished content, state diagrams,
flow diagrams, and more, depending on the situation and your preferences. Sometimes I deliver small clickable prototypes to express an idea more clearly than it can be on paper. Such prototypes are not suited for deploying on your production site.
Will you audit our web site and tell us what it needs? We have developers who can do the work.
Absolutely. One of my service levels is to audit your site or app and deliver a report on problems with usability, navigation, content, task flow, etc. Included in this service is a 30-minute phone call where you can ask me any questions about my report.
Will you work from our sketches or wireframes?
I am happy to audit sketches. Your product does not have to be working.
Will you "skin" our site or software?
I can revise the visual design as part of fixing the UI on your product or web site, focusing less on aesthetics
than making your information displays readable and usable. I do not provide visual design as a standalone service.
Do you deal with mobile apps?
I am still building my experience in this area. A mobile app is more like installed software than a web site, and I am completely at home with installed software, including the small screen size.
Can we request revisions to the design during the treatment phase?
To keep the redesign on schedule and on budget, I usually provide a single design that satisfies the requirements, solves the problems and works within any technical or logistical constraints. You own the design, so you are free to modify what I provide, either substantially or cosmetically.
Do you deliver finished HTML pages?
I do not. I provide finished Photoshop mockups and a behavior spec when necessary. I can recommend an HTML service if you need one. In the past I have hand-coded tens of thousands of HTML so I understand the issues.
Can you write JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, Python, Perl, ...?
I do not deliver any code. That said, I wrote oceans of code in my early career, including Ada, C, C++, Perl, ActionScript and JavaScript, so I understand what's easy and what's hard for developers to code.
Do you prescribe treatment for Flash-based interfaces?
Absolutely. I have done work in Flash and I currently use Flex for prototyping so I can prescribe treatment that is suitable for Flash developers to undertake.
Do you conduct user interviews or user testing?
To keep the redesign on schedule and on budget, I do not conduct any user testing. You are free to hire a testing consultant to conduct user testing. During the diagnosis phase I can interview some of your users by telephone for an extra fee.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Payment is required in advance for each stage of the project. If you have a PayPal account, that works best. I accept paper checks but work cannot begin until the check has cleared.
Even though a copyright notice is not required, here it is: Copyright © 2010 Leo Rigney.