Postcard Design Center

This first draft has been submitted for review:

Original Version

Generally speaking the look and feel are much nicer. But not much has really changed in terms of placement. I have submitted design to the programmer and he has made the following comments:

“1. Buttons “Start Over”, “Email a Friend” etc. are removed … I did not even find hyperlinks to them. This functionality is not necessary any more ?

2. Tabs at the top “Home”, “Pricing” etc. look logical.

3. “Change Layout” hyperlink is removed … How to change layouts ?

4. Buttons for dark and light color look much better than hyperlinks.

5. I do no like the new rulers. Writing numbers vertically like that from my point of view is not a good idea. I think the present rulers are better.

6. A lot of space is taken for the new Search box. Though it is good to have a search box.

7. Bottom navigation is logical.

Honestly speaking the design could give different look and feel to the user. But I do not think it is really much more user-friendly than the previous one. All the main text editing elements are at the same places.

Generally page looks better than before. But not final. I think it still could be improved.

All this is my personal opinion only, of course.”

I agree with all points made and have composed a modified version of the same concept that I think better utilizes available space in top fold. The logic with this new version is to allow for a better user experience.

Revised Version

Summary of what I am proposing:

1. Adding functions to the top 4 graphics, change layout, email a friend, add stock logo and start over.
2. Remove stock logo link from current location
3. Advertising and searchbox now at the bottom
4. Stock Backgrounds will need a scrollbar or frame
5. Although there is no graphic present we will need a graphic prompt for user to “Update Proof” when required. The current sytem uses a red arrow that in on a trigger. If there is a better idea on how to prompt user I am opened for suggestions.

That’s about it for now my overall opinion is good and I like the design tallent of the graphic developer, thanks

Rob

Tags: colours, send postcard, graphic design marketing, postcard marketing, graphic design advertising

I am a pretty easy going person and always find time to chuckle everyday. I have had my nose to the grindstone most of my life. I just love to push the limits…it keeps me motivated. In 1989 when I started this printing and graphics related business the world was allot smaller. Today, everyone is in my backyard and lives in my neighborhood. So I wanted to share with my neighbors some of my experiences that I have ventured through.
1. In 1985- Was one of the first companies to get a fax machine in our neighborhood. The printing company I worked for at time was an industry leader and (if you could imagine) a fax machine was unheard of and unaffordable for most.
2. In 1989- I was no longer satisfied with my job, put in my notice and started this business Reprotech Printing and Digital media Services.
3. In 1999- WePrintColour joined the online business world

Over the next decade we worked diligently developing software that that helps people create their own designs online for printing purposes. We supply free graphic design tools for users to freely use. They can design from our existing postcard  templates, complete their project and get it printed or get a professional digital file (vector based). The digital file is typically used for there own purposes, such as a local printer, magazine ads or stationery, etc.

One day, I got to thinking!! I want my work to be better, more accurate and easy to do. One of the areas that we develop constantly is what can really be achieved online!!
I mean achieved by anyone. If you’re not a graphic designer, no need to worried we’ll help you with intuitive design tools and tasteful business backgrounds. That brings me to what I started talking about…I got to thinking what if I could make an administrators tool that gave administrators the ability to set up there own templates and assign appropriate layouts to them for their visitors? It came to me that we can build websites with this tool. The website quality I am talking about is not your average, run of the mill website; I am talking about a real website that is uniquely created for you. Wait a minute that doesn’t sound like anything new!

What is so special about that?

Good question! Here’s my long winded answer. Have you ever really looked at websites with the critical eye of functionality combined with aesthetics? Moreover, if you are an experienced webmaster it is always a strategic process to maintain as much visitor interest as possible, have great functionality while keeping a clean looking webpage. It is indeed a challenge that requires an acquired learning for. This concept is not for everyone, it is targeted for graphics related companies. What is unique about this is that you actually build your website from the back to the front.

What do you need to get started?

1) Read about the features
2) Try it out
Once you understand how it works it may offer some insights to you. The system works differently than other systems because of its intended use; outputting quality. Another project that is currently in the works is dashboard design. We basically worked to get the code fully functional first now we are introducing multiple dashboards for those that want to purchase a turn-key graphic design studio for their website. The system can be purchased and downloaded or we will provide installation on your server.

The real power to this tool is not what it does for the visitor but what it does for administrators that will guide the visitor through a delightful, personalized process.

For more info feel free to comment on this post or get in touch with us

Tags: postcard templates, software development, graphic graphic design software, graphic design job, ecard software, application software

We need a New Dashboard (Skin) for our Online Postcard Design Studio

Please leave a comment if you would like to bid on this project

Objective: To create a more user friendly interface from existing functions as outlined below. Shown below is an overview of how the current system is working. I have a programmer that I am currently working with.

We are looking for ideas and a concept for a new dashboard look to increase user friendliness. Our intention is to find comfort with a company that can simply make dashboard or skin concepts for this and other similar projects. Once approvals are in place all we require is the graphic design for use on the web. The concept we are looking for should simply be as clean and crisp as possible keeping in mind fast load time. The information below has been collected to help designers become familiar with funtionality
www Access Page
Click Here to Enter

Development Access Page - (used for developing applications)
Click Here to Enter

Click done and continue at the bottom and you enter advanced tools

Note: Your Name: Your Title: Telephone: Fax: Address Line 1: Address Line 2: Address Line 3: Email: are disabled when users enters panel initially.

3) Help- This will link (html) to a help page which we will create one panel is completed

4) Contact Ushtml link to contact us page

5) Add Custom Background- User can upload their own background from their computer by using this feature by following these instructions

·The image must be a “png” image.· The image dimensions for a horizontal card design should be 550 X 393.

· The image dimensions for a vertical card design should be 393 X 550.

· The total upload size of the image must be less than 10Mb

NO .MPEGS, .MP3 OR .EXE Files accepted.

6) Apply transparency- User can apply a percentage transparency to any background by selecting a color then selecting percentage darker or lighter

7) Add a Stock Logo- User makes selection of logo by clicking link, a new window opens, logo category choice is mage, logo choice is made then user clicks update Proof . If logo is not desired user can reset and update to remove. Stock logo choices from these categories include:

• Education Schools
• Electronics
• Energy
• Fantasy
• Fitness
• Flags
• Gardening
• Government
• Health Medical
• Holiday
• Household
• Interior
• International
• Kids Stuff
• Landscape
• Logo Elements
• Maps
• Meteor
• Military
• Money
• Music Motivate
• Music
• Neighborhood
• Occupations
• Outdoor
• People
• Plants
• Police
• Public
• Real Estate
• Religion
• Road Signs
• Seasons Weather
• Space Science
• Special Occasions
• Sports
• Symbols
• Technology
• Time
• Tools
• Transportation
• Travel
• Trees
• Western
• Zodiac

8) Add a Custom Logo- User can add their own logo by clicking link, a new window opens then user can upload a logo from their computer by following these instructions

· The image must be a “gif” image.

· The image dimensions cannot be larger than 200 x 200

· The total upload size of the image must be less than 10Mb.

9) Align Logo- User can align logo in 9 different grid positions by clicking desired position in graphic then clicks update proof.

10) Set transparent- Adds a transparent filter to the logo. This often helps with undesirable white space surrounding logos with curves. Checkbox above executes this.

11) Stock Backgrounds- User makes selection by choosing a category:

Boating

Stock Backgrounds and images
Once user sees a background template that is desired user clicks image, window closes and clicks update proof. Note: user can now play with background transparency effects to create further uniqueness by applying color and percentage lighter or darker.12) Update Proof- This is a function that is used the execute changes. It must be clicked after changes have been selected. When the function is required by the user a blinking arrow appears to prompt

13) Select Text Line to Edit- To begin moving text around you must first select the line you want to edit. By default “Company Name” loads. User selects the line they want to edit then they can use any of the tools shown. Tools available include numbers 13 to 23 shown on this page.14) Change Layout User can choose from stock text layouts provided by clicking the link, a new windows opens, selection is made, window closes and “update proof”. Currently there are 5 horizontal and 6 vertical layouts.

15) Choose Text Effects- Pull down menu allows user to select any line they want to edit. Options available are:

• Company Name- Select to edit
• Slogan- Select to edit
• Name- Select to edit
• Title- Select to edit
• Address- Select to edit
• Phone- Select to edit
• Fax- Select to edit
• Web- Select to edit
• Email- Select to edit
• All- Selects all text on page allowing for a font size change to be applied to all text
• All Color- Selects all text on page allowing for a single color to be applied to all text
• All Font- Selects all text on page allowing for a single font to be applied to all text
  

16) Custom Line Placement- When custom text placement is needed this allows for movement side-to-side (X position)

17) Select from light text colors- A new window will open displaying available light colors. User makes a choice, window closes and updates proof. These colors are given names e.g. “Dk. Blue. Color Chip 2623”. The number assigned is logically named after the true pantone color. This is a great option to use when attempting to color match backgrounds *to find out more about the pantone color matching system just search the internet.

18) Select from dark text colors- A new window will open displaying available dark colors. User makes a choice, window closes and updates proof. These colors are given names e.g. “Dk. Blue. Color Chip 2623”. The number assigned is logically named after the true pantone color. This is a great option to use when attempting to color match backgrounds *to find out more about the pantone color matching system just search the internet.

19) Visible Color choice- Once color of choice is made user can see a color visual chip here.

20) Manual Color selector- If user wants to apply colors to text by using pull down menus instead of windows

21) Select Font Size- User can choose what size they want.
0

• 2
• 4
• 6
• 8
• 20
• 22
• 24
• 26

22) Select font- User can choose what font style they want by clicking link, a new window opens, user selects from visual font choice, window closes and update proof.

23) Custom Y text position Tool- If user wants custom positioning of any on the text fields up and down or horizontally by choosing what line. The desired placement is determined by the visible rulers present.

24) Text fields for user to make changes- If user want to make any typographical changes it is done here by entering data and updating proof.

25) Text field disable boxes- By default the postcard design system disables the following fields when entering advanced mode:

• Name- Select to edit
• Title- Select to edit
• Address- Select to edit
• Phone- Select to edit
• Fax- Select to edit
• Email- Select to edit
  To enable any of these fields user unchecks the box and updates proof

26) Start Over- IF users want to reset layout but retain data user can click. When user clicks “Your card design has been restored to system defaults but we have kept your data. Click here if you want data reset.” If user wants to reset data user can apply “click here” link

27) Update proof- 2^nd location (first location #12) of same button for added user convenience.

28) Save Card and Continue- When you are satisfied with front design of postcard this will take you to a preview page providing options
STEP 2- Choose one of the following options:

1. Go back and modify this card- Make changes you may have missed.

2. Design another business card. - Create more cards in the same session.

3. Design the BACK SIDE of this Postcard- User can design the back of postcard using the same tools with slightly modified functions. Modifications include allowing user to choose from stock templates. For an outline of what is being done on the back side module (currently in progress) sees this page http://www.weprintcolour.com/postcard-talk/?p=6.

4. I am done; I wish to get postcards printed. - User can preview finish product, select printing options as shown - 1, 2, and 3. Once completed user clicks “Go to next step”. Final checkout page allows user to review order specifications and make payment. Payment options include:

· CLICK HERE For Secure order form

· 2 Call us directly at 905 452-3504, we accept:

· 3 PayPal- ADD TO CART NOW

5. I am done, I wish download the professional file only- User can order a professional, vector based digital file to be used by a local printer of their choice. The choices available for digital files are:

Our Basic Professional Design- Package Includes Design of:

Custom personalization of postcard front and/ or backside template in your choice of vector format.

Silver Design Package- Our Silver Professional Design Package Includes Design of:

Custom personalization of Postcard, Business Card, letterhead and envelope

Extreme Design Package- Our Extreme Professional Design Package Includes Design of: Custom personalization of Book sleeve, Brochure, Business Card, CD Label, Compliment, Envelope, Fax Cover, Label, Letterhead, Postcard, Video Label, Website.
User makes choice and follows easy checkout as outlined in step 4 above
* Due to Infringing Usages of Pantone’s proprietary rights, is why we have named our colors as such. As a printing company we use the pantone matching guide to keep colors consistent as its intented use. The only reason our lab technicians have named our colors as such “Dk. Blue. Color Chip 2623” is to let clients know what a likely pantone color may look in its html format. These colors are an estimation based on our pantone matching guide as purchase from pantone. We do not guarantee its accuracy on the web but can assure all clients that you purchase a printed product, we print with pantone printing color standards.

Tags: postcard software, graphic designer graphic design resumes, software programs, postcards software, postcard templates, graphic designer

STEP 1
Gd Libraries- GD is an open source code library for the dynamic creation of images by programmers. If you are using Cpanel it is very simple to activate this server function. If you are on a shared server just contact your host and ask them to activate this for you. If you are on a dedicated server you will need to login to the root of your machine. Using Cpanel.

STEP 1
freetype 2-
To be Continued…

Today I thought I would have a look at the development of the web-based postcard design software. I must say that the upgrades to this system re working very well. Everyday new day changes are being planned and implemented. So far we have been able to work on several areas that are still being beta tested:

1. Start over Button- Now has 2 modes of start over. The first one is intended to restore system defaults while retain client data. I have tested it a couple of times and get an error

“Warning: imagecreatefrompng() [function.imagecreatefrompng]: ‘../bus_card_backgrounds/real_estate/’ is not a valid PNG file in /home/robert12/public_html/panelV2/V2_buildcard.php on line 98”

The second click will reset your data and appears to function well.

2. Many of the postcard template designs include a decorative border. When placing objects such as text or logos they often overlay the border.

SHOWS OBJECT LAYOUT PROBLEM

Would like to propose that we create a “invisible global safety zone” whereby a user cannot place text and logo objects in this area. When alignment tools are used they will align to the safety zone and not the card size

With Invisible Safety Zone

3. Email a Friend- Now functions perfectly and presents minimal security risk

4. The images that are being created are PNG images they take a long time to load compared to .gif or jpeg. We need to insert the script (gif or jpg write) as it was initially

5. When using “Change Layout” they do not preview the correct choice once selected

That is about all I can see with the work done on the postcard maker for the front side. I am currently working on the postcard maker for the backside and should have the scope finalized for the programmer tomorrow.

R

Tags: postcard software, paper based, postcard template, business management, graphic design, postcard printing software

Designing the backside of your postcard- User
1) By clicking item 3 you can design the backside of your postcard.

2) When clicked you’ll see this screen where you are offered 3 choices, Choose from standard templates, choose from our own postcard back templates or simply upload your own.

These are the 3 different windows that will pop up when you use the links that the 3 silhouette figures are pointing to.

Label 1- Is executed by clicking. The wndow will close and you must click update proof

Label 2- Are postcard designed printing on the reverse side. It is executed by clicking. The wndow will close and you must click update proof.

Label 3- UPLOAD YOUR OWN CUSTOM BACKGROUND

Backgrounds must meet the following requirements :

The image must be a “png” image.

The image dimensions for a horizontal card design should be 550 X 393.

The image dimensions for a vertical card design should be 393 X 550.

The total upload size of the image must be less than 10Mb

NO .MPEGS, .MP3 OR .EXE Files accepted.
10 Mb limit.

You must click update proof.

3) Once you make your choice click “update proof”.
4) Your data will appear merged into your layout.
5) Now you can edit the placement of text by using the standard layouts or move the text around by using the text tools at the bottom.
Designing the backside of your postcard- Programmer
1) By clicking item 3 you can design the backside of your postcard- OK
2) When clicked you’ll see this screen where you are offered 3 choices, Choose from standard templates, choose from our own postcard back templates or simply upload your own. - Needs proper coding to provide full functions.
3) Once you make your choice click “update proof”. - You will also notice that “Add Stock Postcard Back I Add Your Own Background” links disappear after user makes choice. This should not happen; they should remain visible throughout design session.
4) User data will appear merged into the layout. The layouts do not perform as they do on the front design module, they are very unstable. So we will adapt the code from front module code
5) Now you can edit the placement of text by using the standard layouts or move the text around by using the text tools at the bottom. Same as front module

Notes- Jan 4, 2007

The one new function that needs to be introduced into the back designs is the ability for the user to insert a text block.

For interest sake take a look at Google images

You can see a pattern of styles. They seem to always include area for text, co.name, slogan, address, tell, fax etc. Sometimes they include lightly tinted lines to guide in writing. We have created a set of horizontal and vertical postcard back designs that encompass many of these characteristics.

Other noteworthy points: I am not sure on the best way to handle session data? Perhaps there are some good suggestions in the eye of a programmer. The backside was put together from existing files only to illustrate the basic requirements. Programmer can decide on the best way to properly code this, either by using existing codes and adapting or by writing new ones. Any of the work that I have done I have used a file called “V2_sside_bcard_adv_for_back.php”

Tags: postcard software management, order postcards system software, wholesale postcard designing web based training, styled templates, art postcards project design, postcard design software tools, business ideas, ready-made themes, mailing cards software development

Upgrading the Postcard design module- Dec 2006

The way it works:

• start at home http://www.weprintcolour.com/
• choose category on left
• select thumbnail of choice
• fill in user data and click ‘enter my data’
• you get simple mode preview, user can only update text in this mode
• click advanced mode
• design front using tools
• click save card and continue5 choices:
  1. Go back and modify this card (OK)
  2. Design another postcard. (OK)
  3. Add additional names to the card already designed.(OK)4. Design the BACK SIDE of this postcard. (Needs work)

  5. I am done . I wish to check out now (Needs work)

• After exercising option click save card and continue and follow through checkout.

This software is being developed here at www.weprintcolour.com.

Once programming updates have been completed and beta tested they will be installed on WePrintColour.com.

We want to adapt it to postcards (slightly larger size). Most of the system seems to have migrated nicely. The following problems/ errors have been detected and we need the assistance of a programmer for this.

1. Include file Form doesn’t post to itself. See example here Page also shows error in IE ‘validate is undefined’. There are two buttons at the bottom: a) Update proof- should update user changes input in text fields- doesn’t work. b) Done and Continue- Currently goes to correct page, despite errors
2. Advanced mode panel first preview- We only want to use these fields for initial page view of front design:Company NameSlogan

   website

   Examples are shown as you enter the panel, the way we would like to see first preview. So we need the variables removed from the front design but they should be available for the back design when user reaches that point. The position of the text is currently determined through ‘layouts’ folder eg ‘filename.inc.php’.

3. Once user is in advanced mode click ‘save card and continue’. Then you will see these options:
   1. Go back and modify this card (OK)
   2. Design another postcard. (OK)
   3. Add additional names to the card already designed.(OK)4. Design the BACK SIDE of this postcard. (NEEDS WORK) 5. I am done. I wish to check out now. (NEEDS WORK)
4. Design the Backside– All programming should be based on 5 (391px) X 7 (550 px)” in size. Will show 10 template examples that will be chosen using the same coding that exists with backgrounds (java).The text that is needed for the backside will be part of a php query string plus we need to allow for custom text message placement (shown in samples). When ordering the backside the user will also have the option to opt in on a 10% discount by allow us to imprint our tag line. Coding will also be needed to execute this and follow through checkout. On the backgrounds for post card backs I would like to make a few common background transparency presets that can be applied to change the hue of color. This function is currently working while designing the front. We need to make a set of presets from this…reddish, bluish, greenish, yellowish, grayish and clear (white). You will also note that postcards typically have tinted lines as a guide for hand written messages. I would like to be able to offer this with an added function, ‘view lines’ button
5. I am done. I wish to check out now. needs to be properly seemed through system. Fully coded form found here
6. Admin area needs to be active. All files are present in ‘admin’ folder but I can’t seem to access them. Basically I would like the same functions as are currently available in the working version.

   When we finish the layout should look like this

   FIRST (Right after you click 4. Design the BACK SIDE of this postcard.)

   

   SECOND (After user chooses type of back style)

A few comments…

All files to be used are in ‘panelV2′ folder. ‘backdesignpanel’ filename ‘screen-back.php’ or ’side-funtions.htm’ are the graphic files we have made for this project accept pricing module ‘buscards_complete2.php’ found in root and is completely coded and ready to go.

UPDATE PROOF

You’ll notice when you use the system, whenever you wish to make changes you have to click ‘update proof’. Is there anyway to improve on time via using some kind of caching?
What I mean is every little change requires that you update proof (takes time)…it would be nice if the user could do many changes at once then update.

TEXT COLORS

When you change the color of text it is difficult to see because the color chips in the pull down don’t change to the chosen color. I would like to see the proper choice display in pull down as soon as the user has chosen it.

Well that’s about it for now.

R