Headstand Media is a Chicago Web 2.0 Design and New Media Development company. Founder Randal Birkey began designing for the web in 1996. Our team has a combined experience of over 35 years in the web design and development business.
As an experienced, cross-discipline creative and technical team, we provide:
- Web interface & user experience design
- Search engine optimization services including organic and Pay Per Click
- Interactive Flash design and content development
- Web content creation and development
- Web and viral marketing strategy consulting
- Legacy systems integration
- E-commerce and online catalogs
- Content Management Systems: WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and others
- Custom web programming in all Microsoft and open source technologies including:
- Open Source: Java, Javascript, .JSP, AJAX, CSS and .PHP
- Microsoft: .ASP, ASP.NET, Visual Basic, C++
- Custom database development in Microsoft Access, SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle and other ODBC compliant databases
- Recommend, configure and manage web and email hosting services and solutions through competitive and specialized third party Internet Service Providers
Chicago Web Design Projects by Headstand Media
- Sunshine Gospel Ministries
- Different Cremation Urn
- Marula Website Home Page Flash Design
- American Mobile Shredding
- Willowcreek Association
- Thiemeworks
Other Creative Services
- Technical Vector Illustration
- Architectural Illustration
- Digital Illustration Design
- Custom Illustration
- Map Illustration
- Product Illustration
- Logo and Brand Identity Design
- Print Design and Production
- Graphic Design
Client Experience
Our client experience ranges from small businesses and non-profit organizations to Fortune 500 companies. We specialize in helping our customers, large and small, to effectively establish and implement their web strategy in an increasingly “web 2.0″ world.
Our Process
Headstand Media generally uses the following project process, with the flexibility to customize the process when necessary to better meet our customer needs:
Initial Discovery Phase
Headstand Media will meet with the client to assess needs, discuss options, and make decisions on final project scope parameters. We will do necessary research and then write and deliver a Project Scope Document. A final revised project estimate based upon the project scope document will also be included.
When search engine optimization is included within the project scope, we will also perform the initial keyword research and include our findings and recommendations in the project scope document.
When a company logo or brand identity is required, we start with that design process. When the logo or identity already exists, we start the design process based upon the existing brand and logo standards.
Preliminary Web Design
If the final project scope and budget is accepted, Headstand Media will prepare a range of potential web interface designs based upon site content organization, target audiences and feature sets. These are presented online for client review.
Final Web Design
Based upon client feedback, Headstand Media will refine one of the selected directions, again presented online for client review and approval. If Flash design is determined to be part of the project scope, we would include storyboards or descriptions of our recommendations.
Production
Headstand Media will implement the approved final web design and site structure, either as a stand alone static site, or within an approved Content Management System (CMS). This may include moving existing content into the new Content Management System, or handling new content within the defined scope of the project document. It may also include final production and integration of all Flash animation or Flash design elements.
Training
Headstand Media staff provides hands-on training to the client of any approved Content Management System. We have facilities for doing this at our offices, or we do it on site. Headstand Media provides our clients with access to the development site for integration of written copy and images using the Content Management System. Many times the client saves money by inputting site content through a Content Management System.
Content Development
Headstand Media may also develop and implement any new content that is agreed upon within the scope of the project such as: Flash animations and interactivity, illustrations, photos, graphics, audio, video, etc.
Third-Party Integration
We routinely integrate a wide range of third-party features that may be included in the project scope such as: RSS feeds from other sites, podcasting or integration with iTunes, calendars, Facebook and MySpace API’s, etc.
Testing and Launch
Headstand Media provides both pre and post launch testing and debugging to ensure the website meets operational and performance parameters as set for the in the project scope document.