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I’ve neglected to update the site for quite awhile, but since my last post I’ve been working on a number of projects including the redesign of chamilia.com.

The new Chamilia site offers an updated brand presence and easy filters to help users browse the 500+ beads available (which is not a small task.) We also implemented Google Analytics to track user behavior and offer insights into the popularity of bead styles, colors, etc. This “browsing” data combined with other sales data will help Chamilia evolve their bead collection toward their customers’ interests…which is the ultimate goal, isn’t it?

Since the initial redesign we’ve continued to expand the site including country specific sites for the UK and Germany that have localized content and languages (more are on the way).

My Roles: Site Structure, Interaction & Visual Design, Web Metrics, Project Management & Image Production

Project partners: Lisa Pope (Strategy), Analog Interactive (Programming)

Recently I worked with Starkey to launch their first e-commerce site for ListenHear, a Starkey brand that sells custom headphone/headset products. The solution was designed using a phased approach to content and functionality with the current implementation representing phase 1.

Using Shopify.com we were able to develop a full functioning e-commerce site within weeks, minimizing Starkey’s initial investment and on going monthly costs. The platform has some limitations, but overall it’s a powerful way to create an online store quickly with full order processing/tracking, configurable tax calculations, and  SEO/SEM features built in.

My contributions to the project included the visual design, info architecture, and implementation. And like always, your feedback and comments are welcome.

I just realized it’s been more than just a few days since I last wrote a posting…the new year has come and gone…and almost all of winter. But I’ve been keeping busy with projects, continuing to enhance the Starkey websites, but nothing I can share yet. I’m also working with Carol.com, but there is nothing I can share yet there either.

But I can share a volunteer project I just completed for the Iowa City Youth Hockey Association. Both of our sons play hockey here in Iowa City so my wife and I have gotten involved to help grow the program. The site is very basic for now, but we will be adding lots of new content over the summer as we prepare for the fall season.

Hopefully I’ll write another post by then.

One of the clients I’ve been doing a lot of work with over the past year is Starkey Laboratories, and last Monday we launched a new consumer site. Here is their official announcement:

We’re very excited to officially unveil the all new Starkey.com website for the U.S. It has been completely redesigned to make it easy for site visitors to learn about the effects of hearing loss and the benefits of hearing aids.

The Starkey.com site was created with current as well as prospective hearing aid users in mind. In addition to clear, intuitive navigation, the site features a rich media video experience where a number of people share personal stories about hearing loss. Many of the faces are celebrities you may recognize such as Marlee Matlin, Arnold Palmer, Norm Crosby, Leslie Nielsen and Peter Marshall. The site also provides a very fast and easy dealer locator to drive inquires to the hearing health professionals who are authorized to fit Starkey products.

I worked as part of a collaborative team of independent consultants and internal resources. I was involved in defining the ux strategy and lead the information architecture, design, and metrics for the site (as well as implementing a flash based video player with closed captioning). Earlier this year we also launched Starkeypro.com which is a site for hearing professionals which includes very detailed technical product data and account management.

So have a look and tell me what you think! (Feel free to ask me any hearing aid questions as well)