Client Survey

General information:
www.electricvehiclesusa.com

Current site:
No existing sites.  There are general sites about electric cars + specific car manufacturers
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/evtech.shtml
http://www.zapworld.com/
http://evworld.com/index.cfm
http://green.autoblog.com/category/coda-automotive/

http://m.codaautomotive.com/
http://www.aptera.com/

Reason for creating EV USA site is to have a single site that informs, provides resources and awareness to all thing related to EVs.

Audience:
Typical site visitor would be anyone interested in buying an electrical and economical vehicle.  They would be online anywhere from one to seven times a week.
age: 20-70 years old
occupation: all
income: 20,000 to 100,000 yr
purchase habit: moderate
The primary “action” the site visitor would take is to become a member or participate in the forum.  They may ask make inquiries and ask current EV drivers the benefits and disadvantages of driving an EV.  They may search for specific information about a current model or feature by specifying their search within the site.  The primary reason why the target audience would choose the EV USA site is because there is no other site like it.  It is one convenient site that acts a single source for EVs; allowing consumers to find out about all the current manufacturers.  It will also be a site to educate visitors on the developments and future of EVs.  Along with the importance of being aware of the current environmental issues such as global warming, pollution, and dependence on oil.  Predicted usage of visitors: 1000 daily.

Perception:
Site description: Clean, forward-thinking, futuristic, environmentally conscious.  Offline the company would be perceptive the same manner.  EV USA site differentiates itself from other competitors because the company’s goal is to seek an alternative source for fueling cars.  To have consumers re-consider purchasing a gas-guzzling mode of transportation.  I take the time to consider making a change for economical, environmental, and ecological reasons.

Content:
navigations: HOME. CARS. FORUM. CONTACT
sub-navigations: Perks. Principals. Myths         Locations. Models.  Auto Shows
Register. Active Topics. Innovations.
Technology:
There will be videos and maybe some Flash on the site.  Visitors will be able to login into a customized account.

Marketing/Updating:
Most people will find out about the site by advertisements about EVs.  It will also be advertised on eco-awareness site such as http://www.emagazine.com/view/
http://www.futurefriendly.com http://www.wiserearth.org/
Marketing plans include advertising in print, media, and web.  The site will be updated on a daily basis with current news and related topics.  The CARS page will be updated on a monthly to quarterly basis with the current models and trends.  The FORUM page will be updated daily with news, related topics, and discussions.

Car Diagnostic App

This iphone app will update your phone with any repairs, defects, or malfunctions within your electric vehicle.  Vehicles are currently installed with a system that notifies the driver by a light on the dashboard labeled CHECK ENGINE.  This system would be more sophisticated and intelligent by notifying the electric car driver precisely troubleshooting the concern.  This allows EV driver to eliminate an unreliable mechanic that may overestimate or misdiagnosis their car.  Ideally the EV would be installed with a system that notifies the driver right away, but this iphone app could be linked with a remote phones, allowing others (like a relative or significant other) to be notified as well.  This could include notifications about cash accidents, vehicle theft, or  flat tires.  This device would be most popular amongst parents with teenage drivers, drivers who do not know much about car repair, or any individuals concerned about safety.

extra credit -navigational menu

http://www.everythingaboutweb.com/grdes67/extra_creditSuh/

Midterm-electric vehicles

http://www.everythingaboutweb.com/grdes67/midterm_suh

Electric Vehicles analysis

I have chosen to create a site for electric cars.  The goal of the site is to offer a single source for consumers to explore, shop, and research all topics regarding electric cars.  The site is sponsered by Global Green, therefore; the site also focuses on the importance going green.
Features
~available electric cars
~where to find an electric car
~benefits of driving an electric car
~price comparison
~environmental issues

After surveying many sites I found it difficult to find a site that offers a current list of electric cars available in the U.S.  http://fueleconomy.gov/
is a government site that is run by the Environmental Protection Agency that promotes protecting the environment through the use of alternative vehicles such as hybrids, electric, ethanol, hydrogen, natural gas, plug-ins, and biodiesel cars.  In order to find a list of electric cars the user must filter and research many sites since most sites are specified by each car manufacturer.

Possible competitors:
http://www.zapworld.com/
http://www.greencar.com/

Most of these sites are informative, but overwhelming and visually cluttered.  Except for the Coda Automotive http://www.codaautomotive.com/.  The site is very well-designed, appealing, and offers a vast source of information.

I have analyzed the best features of each site and incorporated into my site.

box model

Exercise 1: 2-column extended with graphic/ faux column

Exercise 2: 3-column liquid layout

Exercise 3: 3-column extended with graphic/ faux column

sub category

[home page]

[level 1: home>film]

[level 2: home>film>Tim Burton]

[level 3: home>flim>Tim Burton>featured film]

Web design blog

This blog demonstrates step-by-step on how to create an external style sheet.  Basic and easy to follow.

http://abduzeedo.com/tutorial-obamas-background-css-part-2

2 column structure

Separation of CSS and HTML!  I understood the concept of creating an external style sheet; however, when I began this assignment I was so quick to return to my old habits of creating a single html file.  Previously, I relied heavily on the preview button to verify the appearance of the structure and content.  However, creating a separate CSS file I focused on the CSS properties and html code; giving me direct authority over the outcome.

Elbow Park‘s 2-column structure was the bases for my inspiration.  I initially followed the basic 2 column formula and embellished the content.

Elbow Park Site

wireframe

Monday May Design: homepage

Monday May Design: Who We Are

Creating a wireframe for Monday May Design, I was focused on designing a clean and stylistic format.  Initially, it was a challenge to plan out the format without having a concrete, tangible photo or image.  However, it allowed me to focus on the overall layout and functionality rather than letting the images or photo dominate my design choices.