Overview
My name is Rich DeLong, founder of designtelic. For 22 years I’ve skulked the halls of advertising agencies, art studios, interactive shops, and client boardrooms alike - to the extent some associates would categorize my job as a sort of über-consultant. With a background in brand design, integrated marketing, interaction design and software development, I can help you mix up the right strategic ingredients to create a well-rounded experience - both for your user and your organization.
Given your interactive objective, I'll tailor an approach that begins with thoughtful consideration then application of designtelic services such as:
Information Architecture
Ah, here’s the deep science within digital intelligence. A discipline in its own right, Information Architecture is the planning before the design that allows (and ensures) a user can find the right information. By researching the ethnographics of each “type” of person who might interact with your digital medium, I’ll help you determine what content is most valuable. I’ll then not only map out the most usable paths for retrieving it, but design the best visual orientation in which it can be organized.
Interface Design
An integral part of web design, interface design is often overlooked because its goal is so straightforward: allow a user to accomplish a purpose. But simple as it sounds, an interface that is confusing, not efficient or intuitive, is first to create a negative experience for a user. Designtelic works first to understand your users’ purpose. Is their online interaction replacing a process that used to be done on paper? Is it an extension of what they already know? Or is it completely brand new? By sensibly mapping a process or function to the digital domain, users gain a subconscious understanding of the intelligent company you are.
Web Design
The “Adam” of interactive design, web pages are still the central component of digital communications - and they still require straightforward thought. That means understanding that a “web page” may be something far beyond a stepping stone through a corporate web site. It might be part of an online service or a landing page driven by a specific marketing vehicle. Whatever it is, its design should reflect its individual purpose. It must have the right information, reflect your organization’s brand, accomplish its purpose (like completing a transaction, educating a user, or building a relationship), and do it within the context of all communications that lead to it. (whew!)
Information Design
Sometimes nothing tells a story better than the basic facts themselves. But there’s no saying the basic facts can’t be attractive, too. The key is finding your user’s personal point of relativity. With highly recognized illustration and diagramming skills, designtelic can “translate” mundane information (be it numbers, concepts or statistics) into an explanation that fits a user’s current realm of understanding. The result is an effective, meaningful piece of communication.
Illustration
When it comes to illustration, I can draw with the best of them. But state fair blue ribbons aside, illustration adds more to your communications than artistic interest. Images created with "design intelligence" in mind - from navigation icons to 3d product diagrams - can provide instantaneous explanation, be more efficient than long text, and support your overall brand image.
Identity Design
Although “identity design” can be considered a stand-alone service, designtelic ensures your brand’s look and feel is conveyed through any digital solution. A background of creating logos and their ensuing brand image guidelines and standards has given me a thorough understanding of an identity’s needs - whether I have created it or not.
