jQuery photo zoom and photo slider

This is easy to use in your web designs.

http://nivozoom.dev7studios.com/

http://nivo.dev7studios.com/

A tip on CSS prefixes

The most easiest way to write CSS Prefixes

 To make CSS prefixes for different browsers takes a lot of time. Designers can make many prefix for each browser by using CSSPrefixer instead. CSSPrefixer saves time. If you are using Python framework, you can just let CSSPrefixer do the work by taking your normal CSS code and let insert all the extra prefixes needed for other browsers.

 http://cssprefixer.appspot.com/

AS3, C#, PS, IL, FL sites

AS3 sites:
http://www.flashandmath.com/
http://www.gotoandlearn.com/
http://www.republicofcode.com

http://tutorials101.blogspot.com

great link for learning Spry Data Sets for Dreamweaver
http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/spry/samples/index.html

great for learning c#:
http://quickstarts.asp.net/QuickStartv20/aspnet/default.aspx

great for learning php:
http://www.developphp.com

 great resource for Designs, graphic tutorials
http://naldzgraphics.net/

Free sounds from: Beatsuite.com

Media player skin for Flash: http://exposureroom.com/ 

SQL Site: http://www.1keydata.com/sql/sql.html 

If you have some favorite AS3 sites that you would like to share, leave a comment.

Home Made Laundry Detergent

My secret recipe for making laundry detergent

2 cups baking soda (Arm & Hammer)
1.5 cups borax – (20 Mule Team)
1 cup soap flakes (buy them or grate your own)
1 teaspoon essential oil (lavender, lemon, grapefruit, eucalyptus, tea tree, sweet orange, etc)

Mix oil into powder with whisk.

 Direction for use:  Use 1/8 cup per wash load.
Never Buy Laundry Detergent Again – everything listed here is natural and does not contain any harmful chemicals that are damaging to your skin or the environment.

For some good Web sites on Soap flakes:

http://www.soap-flakes.com/whataresoapflakes.html

 http://puresoapflakes.com/

Hot cocoa lowers high blood pressure?

Harvard researchers discover a simple way to lower blood pressure and the number of heart attacks and strokes.

 According the cdc.gov site, “About one out of three U.S. adults—31.3%—has high blood pressure. In 2010, high blood pressure will cost the United States $76.6 billion in health care services, medications, and missed days of work.”

But for the Kuna Indians living on a group of islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama, the average blood pressure for Kuna Indian islanders after age 65 is a perfect 110/70 mm Hg.

It is not because they eat less salt than people in the U.S. Kuna Indians who move away from home are just as likely to suffer from high blood pressure as anyone.

Harvard researchers found out that “the very high flavonoid intake taken by virtually all Kuna Indians residing in their indigenous home area.” The reason Kuna Indians have high flavonoid intake is because they drink about 5 cups of cocoa each day.

According to Healthnews.com article, “Researchers suspect that the flavonols stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which increases blood flow and acts as a blood thinner.”

Bayard V, Chamorro F, Motta J, Hollenberg NK. Does Flavanol Intake Influence Mortality from Nitric Oxide-Dependent Processes? Ischemic Heart Disease, Stroke, Diabetes Mellitus, and Cancer in Panama. Int J Med Sci 2007; 4:53-58. Available from http://www.medsci.org/v04p0053.htm

QR code

QR codes were developed in Japan. It can store more information than barcode, for example a URL and a description. QR means Quick Response.  

How does the cell phone read QR code?

The cell phone that have a QR code reader in their phone such an iPhone or Android phone, can  read QR codes.  

How do you generate a code?

You can use Web sites like http://qrcode.kaywa.com/ or other Open Sources to create QR codes for you.

2009 Best Music, Theater, Movies of the Year

2009 Best Music, Theater, Movies of the Year

Music:   Noble Creatures, Andrew Bird; The Ecstatic, Mos Def; Wolf gang Amadeus Phoenix, Phoenix; Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Elvis Perkins in Dearland; Merriweather Post Pavilion, Animal Collective; Swoon, Silversun Pickups; American Saturday Night, Brad Paisley; Hymm to the Immortal Wind, Mono; Middle Cyclone, Neko Case; Blakroc, Blakroc.

Theater: Sprink Awakening; The Light in the Piazza; Rabbit Hole; Constant Star; The Man Who Came to Dinner; Eurydice; Seven Guitars; Hunter Gatherers; Awake and Sing!; Grey Gardens.  

Movies:   Up in the Air; Precious; The Hurt Locker; Coraline; In the Loop; The Princess and the Frog; A Serious Man; District 9; Bright Star; Burma VJ.

Books:  ??? (leave a suggestion)

I wanted make and save a list of 2009 best music, theater and movies of the year.

(Houston Chronicle)

Appendix C – Usability Survey Analysis

Appendix C

Usability Survey Analysis

The survey method used to collect the information was made available only through an online network of friends on Facebook. The survey consists of eight multiple-choice questions and one open-ended response. The survey rate of response was a 100% with 11 surveys online and returned.

In the survey, 64% of respondents found the information they were looking for and 81% found the graphic design of the buttons easily recognizable. Out of the responses, 64% did not find themselves clicking on other elements on the pages that did not work. However, after viewing the Web site, 64% felt somewhat persuaded to visit SCFP facilities, and 18% felt very much persuaded.  55% said that the visual design of the Web site for SCFP did enhance their experience and impression of the business.

Aspects that Require Improvement after Testing

Many of the respondents found the Web site interesting. However, the Web site needs more content on the services page for potential patients, which is critical information.  The site needs to provided a list of medical services. The overall design layout is simplistic and straight to the point. The easily recognized buttons help users with navigation. The user-centered design is great. Respondents said that the photographs on the home page convey an old Western and Eastern views of medicine. The content is not overloaded with text and the information presented is what users are looking for. The organization of the site’s information can be accessed within 3 quick clicks and the consistency stay the same on every page. The graphic design keeps the site somewhat interesting, which is good but the content is not informative enough. Visitors want add more detailed information about practices and services. Some respondents said that the site needs animation and the pictures do not show much meaning. The information layout is well-organized except for the “Services” section. However, respondents complained about the site seeming to be too centered; meaning that there is too much empty blue space on the sides. Also, respondents thought the site was made for advertising, and the Web site should add flash or animation images to attract viewers.

Appendix B – Usability Survey Results

Appendix B

Usability Survey Results  

 Rate of Response 11/11 = 100%

 1. Can you find the information that you wanted?

Not at all                                         0.0%      0

Not very much                                  0.0%      0

Somewhat                                            9.1%      1

Moderately so                                  63.6%    7

Very much                              27.3%    3

2. Are all the buttons noticeable and easily recognized? 

  Not at all                            9.1%      1

Not very much                  0.0%      0

Somewhat                          9.1%      1

Moderately so                  0.0%      0

Very much                          81.8%    9

3. Do you find yourself clicking on links or pictures that do not work?

  Not at all                                  63.6%    7

Not very much                         18.2%    2

Somewhat                                   9.1%      1

Moderately so                         9.1%      1

Very much                               0.0%      0

4. Do you find this Website interesting? Why or Why not?

See Appendix C  under “Changes Made After Testing”

5. Do you like the graphic design/ aesthics of the project?

  Not at all                            0.0%      0

Not very much                  0.0%      0

Somewhat                          7.3%      3

Moderately so                   36.4%   4

Very much                          36.4%    4

6. Does this Website convince you to take an action, such as wanting to go there for your health?

  Not at all                            0.0%      0

Not very much                    9.1%      1

Somewhat                           63.6%   7

Moderately so                   9.1%     1

Very much                          18.2%    2

7. Is the navigation clear?

  Not at all                             0.0%     0

Not very much                  0.0%      0

Somewhat                          36.4%    4

Moderately so                  0.0%      0

Very much                          63.6%    7

8. Do you think this Web site needs to be improved?

  Not at all                            18.2%    2

Not very much                   18.2%    2

Somewhat                          18.2%    2

Moderately so                   27.3%    3

Very much                          18.2%    2

9. Does the visual design enhance the experience?

  Not at all                             0.0%     0

Not very much                  0.0%      0

Somewhat                          9.1%      1

Moderately so                  54.5%    6

Very much                          18.2%    2

Appendix A – Usability Survey

Appendix A

Usability Survey  

Questionnaire for Usability Survey

Space Center Family Practice (SCFP) – A General physician and specialize in medical acupuncture.

Internet Usage:

  1. Can you find the information that you wanted?

Not at all      Not very much      Somewhat          Moderately so        Very much

Inquiry:

2. Are all the buttons noticeable and easily recognized? 

Not at all      Not very much      Somewhat          Moderately so        Very much

3. Do you find yourself clicking on links or pictures that do not work?

Not at all      Not very much      Somewhat          Moderately so        Very much

Content:

4. Do you find this Website interesting? Why or Why not?

 Design:

5. Do you like the graphic design/ aesthics of the project?

Not at all      Not very much      Somewhat          Moderately so        Very much

6. Does this Website convince you to take an action, such as wanting to go there for your health?

Not at all      Not very much      Somewhat          Moderately so        Very much

7. Is the navigation clear?

Not at all      Not very much      Somewhat          Moderately so        Very much

8. Do you think this Web site needs to be improved?

Not at all      Not very much      Somewhat          Moderately so        Very much

9. Does the visual design enhance the experience?

Not at all      Not very much      Somewhat          Moderately so        Very much

 

Please, help complete this survey

before 12/07/09

Thank you for your assistance.

To see analysis of Usability Survey, see Appendix C