Work
I'm a web developer for One Black Bear (previously I was at WAA) and spend my days working on websites, framework (php wax) and CMS (wildfire)
Bloorhomes and SVG
01 Apr 2011
work
A completely new website from one the top home builders in the UK. Using cutting edge SVG technology to make life easier and make the site more appealing.
National Express Buses
20 Oct 2010
work
In previous posts I hinted at a new site that surpasses all of our current sites in pretty much every metric you can think of.
That site is the new national express buses website.
Peer 2 Peer Distribution
29 Jul 2010
work
So after my previous post, I did start (and mostly finished) a python app engine torrent server using memcache. The main thing left to do is sort out the compressed view... I've been very busy (more about that later), details in the post.
Acme Trees
20 Jul 2010
work
Need help with that troublesome Fir? Issues with an overgrown Pine? Then these are the guys that can help
Rayburn
15 Jul 2010
work
A name I remember, as I grew up a few miles away from their head office! Rayburn is a brand name even I know; sellers of range cookers all over the country, but based in my home town of Telford.
Ideas on Asset Distribution
15 Jun 2010
work
With many of our clients we have large numbers of big files (100Mb+) and one problem we always run in to is how do you send this data around everyone that needs?
Even more to the point, how do you make sure everyone gets the right set of files?
Cosworth Impreza
30 May 2010
work
If you've been keeping up on the latest motoring news you will have heard about this already. Although I can't tell you anything about the car (yet), I can tell you it will be making an appearance on the website very soon.
GBR Phoenix Beard
03 May 2010
work
Two local property companies merged (GBR & Phoenix Beard) to form the new GBR Phoenix Beard. We previously built the GBR website, and our spec this time round was to re skin and replace.
Birmingham City of Culture
30 Apr 2010
work
With the success of the first European City of Culture (which was Liverpool) the UK has launched a City of Culture contest of its own. Major cities from around he country will bid for the honour and we're all hoping Birmingham gets the nod. Coincidently, One Black Bear are building the website!
New Subaru UK website
14 Apr 2010
work
You might of noticed that it has been quite a while since I posted anything new in the work section; I haven't been slacking off, honest!
What has been taking up my time in between launching dealer websites has been the work towards the new Subaru UK site, and it is now live!
Something new for Subaru and Isuzu
22 Feb 2010
work
So I've not blogged for a while and this is part of the reason (the other part is I'm lazy).. We've been very busy working on the new website for Subaru UK; once it is live I'll post and update.
Johnny Cash Planner
20 Jan 2010
work
Unsuitable and One Black Bear have got involved in setting up and launching a company to help people better manage their money and educate school kids on money matters, so we hopefully don’t see the financial meltdown again that we’re just going through.
A new website is on the way but in the meantime we’re trying to build up a social side to it.
If you’d like to get involved as a Beta tester once the site goes live, you can sign up here
Piano Debbie
12 Jan 2010
work
A friend of mine is moving back over to Birmingham and setting up to be a piano teacher; so I’ve made a website for it.
Site is set up and running on the quick & simple github pages and I’m slowly adding content as I get it. Hopefully it will help get off the ground.
Google Closure Optimiser
11 Nov 2009
work
After the release of Googles Closure library I decided to quickly put together a site using it; pass in some javascript and out comes your compiled version. Nice and simple
B-Hive - Creative & Marketing Placements
20 Oct 2009
work
At the start of this year a group of like minded people from various companies ‘in the business’ got together and decided to do something about the migration of new talent from the midlands to rival cities such as London & Manchester.
An idea was born. B-Hive.
The B-Hive scheme has been developed to give students from the city’s universities and colleges the opportunity to get a foot on the career ladder by winning paid work placements at some of the region’s leading companies.
We have just relaunched the B-Hive site ready for next years entries, it is now much bigger than before with news sections, advice, and much more.
If you are curious, you can still see the 2009 version here.
Miss Jones
14 Oct 2009
work
This was previously Free to Freelance but has now undergone some design changes and new content.
The new name and font are obvious but there is now a testimonials section along with a more detailed information page.
Switching to italic georgia for headings has given the site that little bit extra visual appeal and looks much closer to the new branding.
If you ever need any creative things (logos, company branding etc) then Miss Jones is the lady you want!
Investors in Excellence
01 Oct 2009
work
Recently launched the new version on this site; with everything from client logins, google maps, payment systems there are plenty of features making this site quite extensive.
IM Group API
29 Sep 2009
work
When One Black Bear took over the Subaru (and later Isuzu) account we went over just how bad their website was... Pretty much every bad practice you can imagine has been used on that site somewhere at some point in time. While this is still the case their is a glimmer of hope; the dealership sites.
IM Group asked us to take a look at the dealer websites and see what kind of package we can put together to replace the Portfolio rubbish they use now.
It's not as glamourous as the main site, but a good, stable client base and an opportunity to show what can be done. I've covered the dealer sites themselves in a separate post; this one is more techy and is focused on the technology that they use; the IM Group API
Dealer Websites
29 Sep 2009
work
When One Black Bear took over the Subaru account it was clear that their web presence was sub standard at best. The main site was a mess, and still is.
Most of their content was in iframes being pulled from somewhere else and every other bad practice that you can think of was pretty much in regular use.
While those issues have not been addressed yet, we now have the opportunity to sort out the dealers websites. Their current package (via Portfolio) is just as bad the main site.
St Phillips Chambers
03 Sep 2009
work
A new website for local chambers, who happen to be one of the countries leading specialists
Isuzu
03 Sep 2009
work
With wining the “digital” work for Isuzu the first thing on the list was a new website… So here it is
Clarke and Strong
16 Aug 2009
work
I see dead people? No, just the Clarke and Strong website (although after all the product entry I’m not far off).
Clarke and Strong are a family run supplier of funeral goods and have been in the business for over 100 years!
The site itself was a rather morbid project to work, but some nice functionality. Body bags on a roll … really? Apparently so
I particularly like live filtering on the product listing pages and of course there are a couple of hidden easter eggs ;)
Footy Mums
06 Jun 2009
work
Mums in football – this is your website (although anyone who wants to make a positive contribution is welcome too). Share your thoughts, ideas, successes and anything else with other footy mums. If you’ve a disappointment or frustration you want to share go right ahead and shout about it here!
Dealer Locator
11 May 2009
work
Having recently completed an upgrade of the Subaru and Isuzu national website Dealer locator I thought I'd tell you a bit about it.
The locators, originally run off Multimap, now use the Google maps system. The project required a fast turnaround and was completed for both brands within two weeks of receiving the brief.
By using Google maps IM Group (Subaru UK and Isuzu UK's parent company) has saved over £20,000 and improved their service to site visitors.
The new system is faster, allowing for live information, filtering of sales, servicing & parts dealers and the re-designed interface makes finding a dealer even simpler.
Tiny JS
23 Apr 2009
work
Some months back I created a very handy little site called tiny js ; it’s all about small but powerful javascript plugins for libraries such as jQuery. I only just noticed that I didn’t blog about it on here, very bad of me!
Last weekend I did a nice update so all projects utilise version control and are based over at github.
Laminate Your Website! Any Website!
01 Apr 2009
work
As it is April Fools day we’ve been working on something special… And here it is
Yes, you to can own a laminated copy of any website you want! Simply fill in the address box and click ‘laminate’. If you want us to print it out and send you over a copy then we can do that for you, at a small cost.
If you’re just being nosey then you can see what other sites have been laminated by going to the portfolio section
If the site is being slow, we’re very sorry, it turns out the site has been feature on tech crunch, the new york times and several others.
Just too add fuel to the fire for today only both my personal site, Tiny JS and One Black Bear are sending all the traffic to Laminatr
Now, what shall I do next year?
Interchangeable Belt
25 Mar 2009
work
Fancy a fashionable belt that you can change on how you feel, what your wearing or the mood your in? Well now you can have one…
I built a simple single page website with lots of imagery and even a how to video filmed by the creator herself.
The site itself uses a little bit of jQuery to do some nice transition effects.
Fleetmilne - Residential Property Experts
20 Jan 2009
work
At the end of last year we took over the Fleet Milne website.
Although there was no visual change the underpinnings were completely re-written onto the phpwax framework & wildfire cms. While we were at it we also re ddi all the html, tidying it up and making it standards compliant.
As part of installing the CMS we developed an import module that utilises the exported data from their internal system. Unfortunately, their internal system only does an FTP export, so the import relies on a successful dump onto our server. From this point we read the csv file and match all records against the photos and move everything over in to our file system. After checking for errors the process finishes and then the new properties are ready to be sent out in emails.
When we took over the site we added an improved newsletter signup, using Campaign Monitor, we segment the data by what they are looking for and send out relevant properties.
EDIT (2009 Jul 20): The site has now had a complete redesign… have a look and see what you think…
Abstract Healthcare
20 Jan 2009
work
Abstract are a integrated healthcare service; which basically means they own and run some NHS facilities. The new site (work done on behalf of TBL Marketing) has large header images to show off the quality of their work and an interesting navigation. At first glance it looks the same, but it really isn’t.
Instead of the primary section links loading in a new page the webpage simply slides to the left or right. This effect is done with a container hiding all the pages and some clever javascript to show the correct chunk. The plugin I created for this page was inspired by the original jQuery.ScrollTo, but instead of having to pass in pixal values etc my plugin takes the strain of the math and you just need to tell it what chunk number to go to.
In a bid to keep it small and simple the options are very limited (as it only does one thing – like all good plugins) so in total the minimised version comes in at under 3k!
Abstract have some extra bits for sub page loading via ajax and nice visual effects on the image galleries.
Is Bigger Better? (imprezas.com)
26 Oct 2008
work
In the words of Jeremy Clarkson “POWER!”.. To celebrate the release of the new S-Series range of Impreza we made a flash microsite showing them off a bit. More torque, more grip, more speed.. All stats and pretty pictures you want can be found at imprezas.com
Free to Freelance
26 Oct 2008
work
A site designed to show case the work and be as mininal as possible. Clean and simple with just black text and a white background in order to keep the focus on the work being shown.
Large images (800 × 600) dominate the website with a cool little jQuery image switcher. Based on PHP-WAX and Wildfire CMS its smart & simple to use.
EDIT (Oct 14 2009): The site has now had a visual update; in return for some carrot cake, see Miss Jones for more info.
EDIT (May 20 2009): Bit of a rebrand, the sites primary domain is now nataliefayejones.co.uk
Lisa Shepherd
18 Oct 2008
work
A new website for the Lisa Shepherd chain of salons.
EDIT (Jan 01 2009): I’ve removed the link to the website as the client has changed the website and it is now of such a low standard I would never want any one to think I made it.
Squeaky Clean (Supreme Hygiene)
15 Oct 2008
work
Just launched a brand spanking new site for all your industrial cleaning needs. An advanced site with some clever jiggery pokery in regards to multi level categories and product tagging. Again, run on PHP-WAX and Wildfire CMS so even if the backend is complex the front is kept nice and simple.
A really nice jQuery switcher on the home page to flick between featured articles and a jQuery based estimation enquiry form ensures this site stands out from its rivals while offering improved usability.
EIC
16 Sep 2008
work
We just launched EICs new website, just in time for the big Energy Event over at the Motorcycle Museum. At the even they also showed off the new branding created by unsuitable (you can see details on this here).
The Shave Doctor
06 Sep 2008
work
One Black Bear have created a new site aimed at wannabe sweeney todds everywhere.
The Shave Doctor is a site offering courses via his shave school and also a host of associated shaving products.
Interested shaving experts in waiting can check availability of course dates and learn the silky smooth skills that have made The Shave Doctor the renowned expert he is today. More and more men are opting for a traditional, cut-throat shave with the warm towels and super close finish you only get with a proper barber shop shave.
Make a sharp beeline for shavedoctor.co.uk and learn the art of a traditional shave.
Mensgroom
13 Aug 2008
work
Having trouble with spots? Dry, flaky skin and an aversion to sunlight? You’re in luck!
We’ve just let loose a top notch ecommerce site for all your male grooming needs! Not only does it stock hundreds of products but it offers a great advice section & video guides.
We decided to try out something new with Mensgroom’s payment system. In our experience most checkout process tend to become clunky and arkward when it comes to address details; adding several new steps and more pages for you to wade though, not very friendly at all!
EDIT (August 25 2009): The number of people actually going to view a product has dropped significantly while bounces on the welcome/splash page has risen to a new high… No shock there then.
EDIT (June 30 2009): So far the people getting though to the real home page from the splash page is less than 50%, not good…
EDIT (March 20 2009): At the clients request the is now a splash page as the first thing on the website; so it no longer looks like a shop… Wait and see how that works out.
MADE Schools
30 Jul 2008
work
MADE is the new name for NAMDS and is a group of 9 schools within the UK that stand for excellence in music and dance (in fact thats what MADE stands for – Music And Dance Excellence). They commissioned One Black Bear to build them a new site, and that’s what we did!
One of the nicest designs I’ve worked on recently, take a look at made-schools.org and see what you think.
Simple Photography (Lucas North)
20 May 2008
work
A simple site to show off all of Lucas North’s photography with a simple contact form. The individual galleries utilise a jQuery plugin to allow smooth image transitions and thumbnailing.
Spence Insurance
06 Jan 2008
work
Another insurance broker that we started way back when (approx. April 2007). This site has been though at least 3 re-designs with each one being signed off, approved, built and then client changing their minds at the last stage!
I only seem to have the original and current designs at hand; not sure where the second version went to but it is some what similar to the current iteration, minus the top navigation bar.
As this was built and populated ages ago this is running an older version of the Wildfire CMS but is a relatively straight forward site, nothing to complicated.
Go have a look at their live site.
(This site was also worked on by Ross Riley, John Walker and Sheldon Els)
EDIT (Oct 10 2009): Wow, I’m shocked that it hasn’t been changed again!
Style Birmingham
06 Dec 2007
work
A recent project for work was a total redesign and rebuild of the Style Birmingham website. The main goal of the style is to show case Birmingham as a stylish venue on par with London and other major cities.
Along with an extensive list of shops inside the Birmingham city centre the site also has a large news section journaling relevant events and blog like features. The blog section (called Style Guru) contains posts from local style icons about the latest trends in the fashion world.
The Shops section breaks down all of the shops into primary categories such as Menswear, Womenswear, etc. From this section you can then view a list of shops.
When viewing the actual shop you get a decent level of information including a google map of where the shop is, some basic copy about the shop, details like phone numbers, websites and opening hours are also included along with what Brands the shop stocks.
Alternatively you can use The Brands section to find the brand your looking for and then view the shops that stock that brand.
The site has a competitions section on the front end and within the CMS. The CMS module allows the admin to create a new competition, specifying questions, start date, end dates and introduction text. As an extra feature the admin can hide the competition feed from the front page and view all entrants.
The gallery section (now renamed events) uses the same slideshow technology as the latest articles on the home page to display the most recent 9 photos. This initial page also shows some descriptive text which is controlled via the CMS. The main gallery page shows all images, paginated with an on click jqmodal box.
The site uses modern web standards together with cutting edge AJAX technics to keep the site smooth and simple.
EDIT (Aug 01 2009): The site has now been redesigned by 383 project, so all of that stuff above no longer exists!
Greenhill Dobbin
28 Nov 2007
work
Another insurance broker website based on one of the more recent iterations on the Wildfire CMS. Fairly standard with the a contact us form and google map.
Telford Shopping Centre (No Longer with WAA)
23 Nov 2007
work
One of the larger sites I made for work was a new version of the Telford Shopping Centre website. It contains many useful tools such as a store directory and an interactive map.
The site contains several AJAX enabled sections to improve the website flow and ease of use. For the most part the site uses the Moo Tools library with certain aspects such as the gallery (now disabled) using the YUI library instead.
The site also has multiple skins which are currently pink for spring, orange for autumn and blue for winter.
As always the site has a google sitemap, dynamic meta tags (utilising some constant values along with chunks of the page copy) and is valid xhtml strict (unless some of the dynamic content breaks it!).
EDIT (Jun 11 2009): It seems the previous incarnation of the site has now also been turned off; along with pretty much all webxpress.com domains.
EDIT (Sept 03 2008): My previous employer (WAA) recently lost the account for Telford Shopping Centre and the site has been completely redesigned – I’m not impressed; compare it to our version and see what you think.
Anthony Collins Extranet
13 Oct 2007
work
For Anthony Collins we created a fully functional extranet to allow them to create a completely unique website for each client. The site is a fairly simple affair with a javascript tree based on a ul with some nice touches like an accordion to show pages with in the section and so on.
In order to make the site customised for each client the entire site content is filtered by which client is logged in. In order to speed up making client ares I developed a templating system with creates a basic set of pages and documents on client creation.
When making the client simply select what type of client it is (local government, housing associations etc) from the template list and the appropriate set of web pages are created for the new client.
Walsall Children's Services Directory
02 Sep 2007
work
A very unique website custom built for Walsall Council. From a content point of view it has over 900 services online at the moment and more coming and users being able to submit new services to the administration team for approval.
When you also factor in the number of outbound links and themed sections then you can imagine just how big this site is. In order for the client to keep all of this under control the entire site is ran via an early version of the Wildfire CMS.
Clarke Dove
19 Aug 2007
work
Another Willis Commercial Network broker. A straight forward CMS site with a contact us page (including a google map).
Powell Insurance Brokers
19 Jul 2007
work
Another broker from the Willis Commercial Network. Fairly standard Wildfire CMS site with a few extras. In this case the quotes shown on the right hand side of the website are randomised and they now have a special events module within the CMS.
On an event page the person can submit their details to confirm that they are coming. All people that have submitted their details are viewable within the CMS and can be exported in the form of a csv.
EDIT (14 Oct 2009): It seems they have been bought out by another insurance group so no longer have a website!
House of Fraser Club
23 May 2007
work
The new membership site for House of Fraser was mostly made by my colleague John Walker, I helped with the original layout and css.
EDIT (Aug 12 2009): Looks like that site has been turned off and now longer in use. Not really a shock as employers at the time (WAA) lost the contract.
Cherry Picked Insurance
06 May 2007
work
The new flagship website for the Willis Commercial Network for the UK. This site has news, services and a comprehensive list of all of its members.
In the development of this website the first postcode search for the PHP-WAX framework was created and used so people can simply enter in their postcode and be shown the six nearest brokers. This functionality was converted into a plug-in for future use.
This site was also the first site to use a member subscription system for notifications and has the prototype models for this which since then has been generalised and integrated into the Wildfire CMS.
I worked on the initial design and phase one with my colleagues Ross Riley and Joe Turner where phase two (the integration of a quoting engine API) is being worked on by John Walker.
EDIT (Sept 10 2009): From what I’ve heard phase two is now actually live! :-o
Foster Leighton
05 Apr 2007
work
As part of the Willis Commercial Network we have created many broker websites and this is another one. The site is a simple Wildfire CMS website with a contact form and google map. On the index page the section marked as Cherry Picked News is a parsed RSS feed from the main Cherry Picked Site.
Spirit Health Clubs
20 Dec 2006
work
After a rush to get it all sorted the new Spirit Health Club website went live. This is running on a highly customised early version of the Wildfire CMS and PHP-WAX framework. The majority of the customisation relates to each club having separate admin logins with the ability to create unique pages, offers and news for their club.
LP Creative Crafts
10 Sep 2006
work
My first venture into the world of e-commerce with RoR. An on going project that regularly changes designs and offers with all of the products and sections controlled via a bespoke admin area.
EDIT (Jan 20 2008): Unfortunately the company that ran this site suffered a tragedy leading to closure and sale; this meant the website was also shut down so I have removed the links.
