Matrix Group International

Author: Joanna Pineda

  • Dear Restaurant Owner, Please Ditch the All-Flash Web Site

    Why do restaurant owners love Flash so much that their entire Web sites are in Flash? Don’t get me wrong, I love Flash and I make a living selling Flash movies, branding areas, yada, yada. But most Web sites should not be all Flash!

    Here’s an example of an all Flash site that is annoying and borderline useless. I was scheduling lunch with a friend, who asked me to recommend a restaurant and send him the physical and Web addresses. No problem, right? Wrong.

    Check out the Web site for Kora in Crystal City – http://www.korarestaurant.com/ The Web site is pretty, but if you’re trying to get an address and send it to a friend, it’s not user-friendly at all!

    • It took me 5 minutes to find the address.  It’s not on the home page, nor under Hours and Directions.  It’s under Contact Us and Reservations.
    • Because the site is entirely in Flash, I couldn’t copy the address and paste into the e-mail I was sending my friend.
    • I also could not copy and paste the address into Google maps so that I could send my friend directions from Reston.
    • Forget being able to bookmark specific pages because the URL never changes in the single Flash file for the entire site. So I couldn’t send my friend the URL of a menu page.  Aaaargh.
    • Oh yeah, you can’t print Flash pages either unless print-friendly pages have been specifically created; most designers don’t bother.  So if you want to print Kora’s Hours and Directions page, you’re out of luck.

    Since I’m lazy and did not want to re-type the address, I simply went to Google, typed “Kora Arlington, VA” and got a link to a map and directions from Google maps.  God bless Google.

    I’m sure Kora paid good money for its beautiful, all Flash site, but I bet it’s a pain to update and it’s not very accommodating for visitors who just want to copy and paste an address.  Good grief!

    How about you?  Got your own rants against an all Flash site?  Post links and comments!

  • Sometimes It Pays To NOT Listen To Your Customers

    Sometimes It Pays To NOT Listen To Your Customers

    Photo of Joanna's iPadI got an iPad last week and I’m already in love with it. Yes, I already have an iPod Touch and I’m running a lot of the same apps on both devices, but somehow, the iPad experience is new and different.  Is it a tablet PC?  Not quite.  Is it a Netbook?  Definitely not.  So what is it and why do we need one?  More importantly, why do we want one?

    I find it fascinating that Apple has managed to capture the zeitgeist of our age and intuit our desires for computers and devices.  And yet, in a review of the iPad, Time Magazine reveals that, “(o)ne of the things that makes Apple unique is that it never holds focus groups. It doesn’t ask people what they want; it tells them what they’re going to want next.” 

    So how does Apple know what customers will want?  And what lessons can mere mortal companies learn from Apple’s product development process?

    A few years ago, the MatrixMaxx team at Matrix Group was developing the product road map for the coming year.  A couple of us were arguing for a total redo of the system’s user interface.  We also advocated a lot of new reports that basically repackaged data already available through exports.  The rest of the team argued that clients weren’t asking for these enhancements and it would be risky and a lot of time for little benefit to move forward with such a radical overhaul of our association management software.

    After a lot of bargaining re: scope and timeline, the entire MatrixMaxx team agreed to a redesign of the system’s user interface and a new export/report framework.  The effort ended up  behind schedule and it introduced a lot of bugs into the system.  And yet, when the dust finally settled and we got the bugs under control, the end result was fabulous and clients loved it.  The new interface makes it much easier to find information and gave the product a new vibrancy.  The export framework has been universally applauded by clients.
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  • The Washington Animal Rescue League Web site Redesign

    The Washington Animal Rescue League Web site Redesign

    Matrix Group partnered with the Washington Animal Rescue League to launch a redesigned Web site, www.warl.org.  In order to help animals in need, the League relies on support from the local community –  The goal of the redesign was to help the League expand its support network within the Washington D.C. metro area, increase animal adoptions and program funding, highlight its innovative new shelter facilities and continue to create community awareness about proper animal care.

    Matrix Group:

    • Developed a clean, updated site design, showcasing the shelter’s new facilities, and the many animals the League helps. The site’s design also motivates visitors to take action:  adopt a pet, make a donation, and volunteer.
    • Created a simple, user-focused navigation and searchable site layout, so visitors can easily find information on adoption fairs and special events, veterinary services, and how they can support the respected animal shelter.
    • Implemented a user-friendly CMS (Expression Engine) so League staff can easily update the Web site. Where previously, changes to the site were difficult and time-consuming to make, the staff can now update the entire site easily and immediately.
    • Incorporated the existing animal search database into the redesign, so site visitors can find their ideal companion by filtering pets available for adoption by animal type, age, size or find a pet by name.
    • Integrated social networking sites Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube and provided League staff with best practices on how to incorporate social networking into its marketing, communications and fund-raising efforts.

    Visit the new Washington Animal Rescue League Web site

  • The Association of Small Foundations Web site Redesign with MatrixMaxx Implementation

    The Association of Small Foundations Web site Redesign with MatrixMaxx Implementation

    Matrix Group partnered with the Association of Small Foundations (ASF) to launch a redesigned Web site, www.smallfoundations.org which includes full integration with MatrixMaxx.  ASF wanted to redesign their Web site to improve the design of the Web site and make information more easily accessible to key audiences.  In addition, ASF wanted to integrate their site’s new design with an upgraded member database to make it easier for ASF staff to search, view, and update membership information.

    Matrix Group:

    • Created user profiles that helped in guiding the entire design and development process
    • Developed a site design that showcases the benefits of being an ASF member, including educational programs and events, as well as other tools and publications to help small foundations be successful
    • Implemented a content management system (CMS) that gives ASF staff full control over the entire site and supports a multi-leveled taxonomy
    • Implemented MatrixMaxx, Matrix Group’s enterprise association management software for associations and professional societies.

    Visit the new ASF Web site

  • Who Watches TV During Regular Broadcast Hours?

    As I write this, I’m watching an episode of NCIS that I purchased from iTunes and streamed to my Apple TV. Last weekend, I was swapping stories with friends about our favorite TV shows and when someone mentioned a show I didn’t recognize, I asked when it was on. The answer? “I don’t know, I TiVo everything.”

    That’s when I realized that I nearly never watch TV shows during regular broadcast hours.  Instead, I rely on recordings and purchases to watch shows I’m interested in, when I want them.  And since the networks now stream shows on their Web sites and Hulu, who needs to be a slave to the TV schedule anymore?

    In a report titled “Television, Internet and Mobile Usage in the US,” Nielsen calls this phenomenon “timeshifted TV” because viewers are watching shows on their own schedule.

    Who’s been hurt by this phenomenon?

    • The networks that rely on advertising since so many of us fast forward through commercials or purchase commercial-free shows.
    • Providers of schedules, like TV Guide and the newspapers, since we use our devices to view or purchase what we need on demand.

    Who’s benefiting?

    • Companies that allow us consumers to watch shows on demand, like Netflix, iTunes, Comcast, Verizon, etc.
    • Companies that can develop non-traditional advertising and PR campaigns and don’t just depend on viewers watching shows and sitting through commercials.

    How about you?  What are your viewing habits?  What other disruptive technologies and trends are helping us say bye-bye to traditional forms of leisure?

  • Virgin America Has Made it Fun to Fly Again

    Virgin America Has Made it Fun to Fly Again

    Whenever Matrix Group flies Creative Director Alex Pineda to the DC area (from San Francisco, where he is based), he asks to fly Virgin America.  Alex says the Virgin flying experience is “superior to other airlines.” Last week, I got to experience why Alex likes Virgin so much.

    For my son’s Spring Break, my family spent a week in San Francisco and we flew round trip on Virgin America.  After two flights, I am a total fan, so much so that I told my husband that from now on, whenever possible, we will fly Virgin.

    Just what makes the Virgin America user experience so different?

    Virgin America doesn’t use different or larger planes.  The airfare was comparable to other airlines when I was booking on Orbitz.  We had to pay $20 to check our bags.  The legroom on the plane wasn’t more than on other planes I’ve flown recently.  The food and alcohol weren’t free.  And I didn’t get a blanket or pillow.

    What made Virgin America different was the entertainment and how food and beverage were dispensed.

    • The beverage carts only  made one pass through the plane.  But for the rest of the 5+ hour flight, if we wanted food or drink, we used our touch screens to place an order.  If I wanted water, I touched water and a flight attendant came by within minutes with a bottle of water – for free.  When my son wanted cookies, chocolate or a sandwich, I swiped my credit card, and the flight attendant came by with his order.  So for the entire flight, instead of just the couple of times the carts come around, we had access to food and beverages.
    • There was Wi-Fi on the plan! For about $8, I could get wi-fi and check e-mail and surf the Web!  Unbelievable!  And each seat had regular AC power so I could keep my laptop plugged in during the whole flight!
    • I loved the free Dish Network. No kidding, I caught an NCIS marathon the way to SF and a House marathon on the way back.  Truly decadent!

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  • Saluting the Small Businesses That Support Local Charities

    Saluting the Small Businesses That Support Local Charities

    For the past few years, I’ve had the honor and pleasure of chairing a benefit auction for Doorways for Women and Families, a non-profit that helps women and children who are homeless and/or victims of domestic violence in the Northern VA area.  This year, despite the recession, the silent auction was the best ever, featuring more items, valued at higher levels, than ever before.

    I want to offer a great, big, heartfelt THANK YOU to all the businesses that supported the auction. What strikes me about the list of donors is that the vast, vast majority are small businesses.  Once again, they answered the call when we asked them to support a worthy cause, despite the awful economy. And once again, they came through in a big way.

    Abaca Imports, my favorite furniture store in the world, once again donated two Asian-inspired lamps.  Salon DeZen, where I get my hair cut every couple of months, donated a haircut and facial.  Signature Theater donated 2 subscriptions to their 2010-2011 season.  Marrakesh Restaurant donated dinner for 10.  Rosenthal Jaguar donated the rental of a 2010 Jaguar for the weekend.  Liberty Tavern donated a progressive dinner for 6.  Thrive Pilates and Yoga donated ten classes.  Amber Association Partners donated two front-row tickets to see the Wizards.  And on, and on.  (You can view the entire, amazing list on the Doorways Web site.)

    Matrix Group works with several, prominent trade associations representing small businesses.  If there’s one message that resonates constantly, it’s this:  small businesses are a vital part of our communities because they are more likely to support local charities and groups. As one exec put it:  You never see a big box retailer’s name on the uniform of the local little league team; it’s always a small, local business that put up the money.
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  • Doorways for Women and Families Blog

    Doorways for Women and Families Blog

    Matrix Group partnered with Doorway for Women and Families (Doorways) of Northern Virginia to design and launch the DoorwaysVA Blog.  The goal of the blog was to create a new platform for the Doorways blog was to provide an opportunity for Executive Director Linda Dunphy to showcase the agency’s leadership on issues related to domestic violence and family homelessness in Northern Virginia, provide her perspective on the agency’s fundraising and legislative environments, and connect with supporters through real-life stories.

    Matrix Group:

    • Created a custom blog design that aligns with Doorways Web site and branding identity, and provides a platform for Linda, and other Doorways staff  to post in order to give visitors a personal, inside look behind the statistics of domestic abuse.
    • Incorporated an interactive tag cloud visually shows blog visitors the topics that Linda covers most in her posts.
    • Integrated elements of Doorway’s social media strategy, with a sidebar displaying the latest post from the Doorways Twitter page, and links to the Doorways Flickr and Facebook fan pages.
    • Provided advice and guidance to help Doorways move beyond traditional communications channel and spread its mission to a wider audience of advocates, volunteers, donors and the general public.

    Visit the New DoorwaysVA Blog

  • Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Amplify, Posterous – Which Social Networks Should You Be On?

    Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Amplify, Posterous – Which Social Networks Should You Be On?

    I’ve been on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for some time now.  I’m also on FoodBuzz, Plaxo, Delicious and StumbleUpon.  Most recently, I signed up for FourSquare, Amplify and Buzz.  FourSquare is a location-based social network that allows  subscribers to check-in from their current location using their mobile phones and provides tips and recommendations.  Amplify asks “users to share news and information they find thought provoking and conversation-worthy,” not anything and everything about their lives, status and locations.  Buzz is the latest offering from Google that lets you share updates, links, photos and videos.

    Now that I’m signed up for all of these services, I’m asking myself these questions:

    • Which social networks should I be on personally and professionally?
    • Most of the social networks let me share out updates from one network to another; should I share out my tweets or does that defeat the reason to be on multiple networks?
    • Am I reaching a different audience on each network or will I be talking with the same group of social network-obsessed friends and colleagues?
    • Just how many networks is practical for me to keep updated without losing my mind?

    To try and get some perspective on these questions, I turned to my friend Jill Foster, social network guru, video blogger, and co-founder of DC Media Makers.  Jill has over 5,000 followers on Twitter, nearly 600 Facebook friends and she’s prolific on what seems like every major social network.  Here’s what she has to say about being active on at least a half dozen platforms:

    There are online networks where my content may overlap but that’s intentional and less frequent.

    Twitter:
    It’s my central hub of online conversation plus a place to observe other users’ content –  and share content I produce.  Twitter frankly goes beyond a business platform for me.  Twitter is a liberal arts engagement pool (with a water cooler chat mentality mixed in) that never stops.

    Twitter Search:
    If I want to virtually attend a conference – I follow that conference’s hashtag or the feeds for those able to attend in person.  Also, to observe and engage on core topics of interest with people, I keep certain Twitter feeds active, e.g., women entrepreneurs, public figures, public speaking, social media.
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  • Direct Selling Association Web site Redesign

    Direct Selling Association Web site Redesign

    Matrix Group partnered with Direct Selling Association (DSA) to launch a new and enhanced Web site, www.dsa.org.  In collaboration with DSA and Moire Designs, the goal of the updated site was to make it easier to find information by freshening the design and branding, more effectively market DSA’s meetings, publications and research, promote DSA members through an improved member directory and showcase DSA’s government relations activities.

    Matrix Group and Moire Design work included:

    • A revamped navigation system coupled with a new site search to make finding information easy and intuitive.
    • A New design that represents DSA’s new design aesthetic and image.
    • Enhancements to DSA’s content management system (CMS) that give DSA staff more control over the site, with more options for content formatting and uploading images and multimedia.
    • An interactive map that allows site visitors to click on a state and get information about direct selling activities and legislation for that state.
    • An upgraded member directory that features enhanced member listings that include logos and videos.
    • Cross linking of DSA products and services to market all DSA programs better.
    • Integration with DSA’s membership database (MatrixMaxx)

    Visit the new DSA Web site