Beacon Blog
How to Add a Simple Visual Loading Technique
Adding a simple loader message to a content heavy page adds for a better user experience. So for instance, if you have a large data table or directory listing that doesn’t load nicely. This can be updated to a simple loading message until the content has finished loading. Also, adding in a little spinner [...]
CMS: Proprietary or Not?
What's Best for Higher Ed CMS? If you're considering upgrading your school's website, selecting the wrong CMS can have lasting ramifications. And, with so many options out there, it's easy to find yourself overwhelmed. Google "proprietary vs open source CMS," and you'll receive over 50 hits to your search query. Some even come with [...]
Bringing Your Web Design to Life
HTML: The Foundation of Your Website It's common knowledge that, in today's hyper-digital marketplace, your chances for success are limited without a strong website presence. As an experienced marketer, you know reflexively that a well-designed and expertly developed website is an irreplaceable marketing tool that differentiates your brand from your competitors. What makes a [...]
Functional/Audience Design
Audience is Front & Center in Higher Ed Web Design What makes a higher education website effective? The answer can certainly be complicated. Universities, colleges and community colleges are large organizations, with numerous goals, many decision-makers and a diverse set of users. Prioritizing among a multitude of sometimes competing needs can be tough. How [...]
Accessible Menus or Closed Items Using the Input Checkbox Method
When using the checkbox method to open and close an element, you don’t want to hide the input box. Doing that will make it non-accessible. Instead use this method for visual reference, but still allowing a keyboard to access the input checkbox. Input Checkbox CSS: input#IDname { position: absolute; display: inline; height: 0; width: [...]
Visual/Marketing Design
Essential Elements of Website Redesign More than four billion people use the internet regularly, according to the latest statistical estimates. That translates to more than half of the world's population. A lot of eyes on screens, for sure. Which is why it's smart to invest in your digital storefront - your website. But, it [...]