Welcome to CoFactors, the research + development crucible for Catalyst Group Design. Here, we expand and codify our observations and experience independent of clientdriven situations. Our position as consultants gives us an exceptionally broad view of the Web and interface design issues + culture. Feel free to link to our blog, send feedback, download white papers or even to read about developments in our own business.

 

Today is May 9, 2008

A BIG Client Shout-Out

We are VERY excited to congratulate our friends at Christie’s on the launch of their new website. Catalyst provided the underlying user interface design for the site as well as the new visual design and HTML templates.

Here’s a snip from the press release:

Michael O’Neal, Christie’s Digital Media Director, says, “With new features designed to enhance clients’ online experience, improve site functionality and deliver superior service, the redesign of christies.com is a significant means for Christie’s to engage our clients throughout their collecting journey with us.

As the art market becomes increasingly globalized with potential buyers that are geographically dispersed, Christie’s is keeping pace with the changing needs of its existing and potential clients by offering new capabilities to enhance the remote auction process.

With increasing customization and transparency, we are positioning christies.com as a must-see destination for collectors. Visitors to the site can now easily explore property at a variety of price points as well as view Featured Auctions.”

Visio Tips — Episode #1, Basic Button

Here’s a video of Mike Parker demonstrating how to make a basic button in Visio. We are considering creating a library of these tips. So, any feedback is most welcome. (Video window appears after the jump; click here to download a .wmv to save the video for your very own) Full Article »

Know Your Audience

This amusing screen shot from our eagle-eyed Usability Analyst David Chang… Beyond the giggle value, this demonstrates the canny strategy of targeting pay-per-click promotions via keywords that, while unrelated to the product or service you are advertising, are very relevant to your target audience. Screenshot here.

Client Shout-Out: Double Shot

Two exciting Catalyst client launches to report:

Latina Magazine

Chloe did a great job creating a hip, sophisticated feel on this content destination for all things Latina.

First 30 Days

“Change” is the word of 2008 (in case you didn’t know). Ariane de Bonvoisin is the founder and Chief Change Optimist at First 30 Days and a true force for positive change.

Highlights from Companypost

Although we’ve fallen a bit behind in our blog posts, our internal company email distribution is as lively as ever. Here’s a peek at what we’ve been sharing with each other:

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Full Article »