Internet-based Business Tools for Electrical Contractors
SmartContractor was a small, lean start-up providing online tools to subcontractors in the construction trade, starting with SmartElectrical, to be followed by SmartMechanical, SmartHVAC and SmartPlumbing. Each site was to offer construction project management, materials procurement, union benefit reporting, custom content and training, and news all in one site.
I came onboard as UX Designer and immediately faced the challenge of integrating existing 3rd party applications into one cohesive web site.
We had to use frames at that time, with the SmartElectrical navigation above and a combination of internal content and external apps below. I created a unique “rise-up” navigation, since a drop-down menu wouldn’t float over the lower frame at that time. Later we decided to just expose the submenus as shown below.
Working with a design agency and visual designer, I helped define the company logo and branding guidelines, along with the look and feel of the SmartContractor and SmartElectrical sites.
Additionally, as we integrated various third party applications and content, I was responsible for working with our partners to ensure their apps and content were properly rebranded to provide a consistent and cohesive user experience.