2009.12.01 15:24:56

Susan Jackman

There are many cons to outsourcing work to India, and similar countries, as I'm sure my readers are well aware but I thought I'd take a moment to share with you my experience.  I don't like to blog about negative experiences but each and everyday I am bombarded by emails from companies located in India asking me to outsource work to them and it's time to take a public stance on this issue. The following is why I will never willingly use an over-seas outsourcing company if I have a choice.

This is a very touchy subject and while I may potentially scare away some of my readers or clients with this topic, I’m okay with that because I am standing up for what I believe in and I only wish to further foster relationships built on mutual understanding and shared values.

My last post entitled the biggest challenges a virtual team must face is a good place to start when discussing the negative impacts of outsourcing.  I will start with that and then share my own personal experience.  It is important for you to realize that my opinion on this topic is not just based on research but actual experiences as well.

What we are about | Susan Jackman | Improving Our Service | Case Study | Methodology | Web Development | Collaboration | Web-based Communication | Buyer beware | Outsourcing | Controversy

2009.12.01 14:26:27

Susan Jackman

About 6 months ago I wrote a post on the biggest challenges that a design team must face.  I do not feel that I gave this subject matter enough attention and would like to expand on this issue more.

I wrote that there are two big challenges faced by all teams. In-effective utilization or organization of timelines and poor communication.  These two issues work hand in hand against each other.  These issues are based on my experiences working on an international level and online with virtual teams, but are also relevant for a design team that works in different rooms, floors, offices, and if any members are offsite completely. I’d also like to include a third issue into the mix, which is teamwork, or more accurately individuality.

Ultimately everyone will agree that time is money, and these issues will drain both.
Communication (both positive and negative) is the foundation for a virtual teams success.

Web-based Communication | Collaboration | Methodology | Design Process | Improving Our Service | Susan Jackman | What we are about

2009.06.25 17:35:38

Susan Jackman

I was recently eating in a lcoal restaurant and they had the greatest sign hanging on their wall.

It stated:

We offer three kinds of service:
Good - Cheap - Fast  
You can pick any two 
Good service Cheap won't be Fast
Good service Fast won't be Cheap 
Fast service Cheap won't be good

Susan Jackman | Tips | Methodology | Web Development | Great Resources

2009.01.26 23:45:13

Susan Jackman

I just discovered one of the most useful resources I have ever come across!

Website developers have to test websites in a very wide variety and many versions of browsers that users may be using and it can be a difficult task.  Many browsers will only allow you to have one version installed and there are of course different versions for different platforms.  (Linux, Mac, and Windows) So how does a developer test the site without having to own many computers?

Web Design | Tips | Usability | Design Process | Methodology | Web Development | Internet | Test | Susan Jackman

2008.11.20 14:56:33

Susan Jackman

Why is it important to follow a design process when designing a logo?

To have an effective logo, your logo must accurately reflect the core focus of your business and this can best be done with strategic planning.

Careful planning eliminates wasted time and money.  By breaking the logo design into separate parts, the research and brainstorming, the symbol, the font, and the color palette, you are ensured that each element of the logo is what you want and what works best for your company.    Following a process ensures that nothing is overlooked and that every aspect gets our full attention.

Design Process | Methodology | Planning | Logo Design | Susan Jackman