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By UTCbrij on
This CPA site presents a unique, fresh, and edgy approach to website design and development. It includes video capability, image and PDF uploads, client login section, search capability, social media integration, blogging integration, lots of integration and interactivity, an ability to update the site easily with multiple-leveled permissions, and up-to-date SEO and web analytics.
Why Drupal was chosen:
This specific design lunges outside the norm when it comes to web design and functionality. While Drupal's vast library of module integration was a key player in our decision to use this CMS system over others, it was Drupal's ability to conform to the design, rather than the design conforming to the abilities that was the deciding factor. Our extensive and award-winning Flash development history and our need to move away from that with more up-to-date encoding and responsiveness to mobile devices made Drupal the forerunner for the transition. Drupal afforded us more control over the site's design and a deeper integration than most other solutions. Additionally, having developed numerous customized CMS sites, this open source solution to content management is refreshingly easy to work in.
Describe the project (goals, requirements and outcome):
The Challenge:
This Maryland, USA, CPA firm commissioned Hornsby Brand Design for their rebranding efforts, which included a complete overhaul of their website. In our initial discovery process and interviews, we found their materials to be dated both technically as well as visually, with a lack of professionalism, crispness, and clarity. They wanted something modern, technologically driven, prestigious, and spirited to make accounting appear more edgy and "fun."
Their website had to be client-centric with a hierarchy and an intuitive navigational funnel. Additionally, they wanted video capability, image and PDF uploads, client login section, search capability, social media integration, blogging integration, lots of integration and interactivity, an ability to update the site themselves through a sophisticated, easy-to-use backend with multiple-leveled permissions, and, of course, up-to-date SEO and web analytics.
Solution:
We designed and developed their new website using Drupal. We provided CJA with streamlined navigation, all the required bells and whistles and then some, and high-end photography and engaging interactivity, far from a typical accounting website.
The Results:
The impact of the design and usability, though still in its infancy, has been significant.
- This firm is now positioned a leader in the Maryland accounting industry.
- The perception of this firm is much more professional, contemporary, and prestigious.
- The new site has received numerous accolades and has ignited the firm's staff.
Technical specifications
Key modules/theme/distribution used:
Why these modules/theme/distribution were chosen:
Because of the design-specific integration, Javascript and JQuery implementation was a key factor in the development of this site. Built using the base Omega theme and tools, along with the developer tools Drupal offers, we were able to create interactivity in such a way that removes the user from the humdrum and mundane and places him in a visually appealing and engaging experience, something that you don't find with most CPA firms. Examples of this integration include the preloader script, scrollTo script with easing, accordion UI, resizable cross-browser background video, unique navigational menu, a BBC new ticker, as well as other customized scripting.
Team members:
Project team:
Chris Hornsby
Bridget Hornsby
John Murray
Andrew May
Sectors:
Banking and Financial
