Kalos is so excited to launch some awesome new features to the Delicate Soles website. Delicate Soles is one of our coolest new clients, providing an adorable alternative to the high-heeled wearing community. It’s a one-stop shop for roll up ballet flats, where you’re one click away from toe relief.

We’ve created a much-improved, streamlined shopping experience for the Delicate Sole consumers. It literally takes just five clicks to enter the PayPal site to pay for your new footwear. It’s a no fuss checkout with four colors (Onyx, Pixie Dust, Lipstick Red, and Starlight Silver) and three sizes. At $19.99 a pair, including shipping, you might need to get one of each!

The imagery on the site is new and improved with a gallery to showcase the unique rollable flats. We also added a brand new “News” section for quick updates on what’s happening at Delicate Soles. The new social media buttons make it easy for fans to check out what’s happening online at Facebook and Twitter.

Last, but certainly not least, the site’s new jam is a Summer Mix, created by the resident DJ. So stop by and see all the new design changes, buy a pair of shoes, or just groove to the sound bytes.

view site : : delicatesoles.com

Without aesthetic, design is either the humdrum repetition of familiar clichés or a wild scramble for novelty. Without the aesthetic, the computer is but a mindless speed machine, producing effects without substance. Form without relevant content, or content without meaningful form. — Paul Rand

Today’s online world has become increasingly virtual, global, and interactive. We are no longer restricted to dial-ups or AOL screen names and search engines have exceeded anyone’s expectations. Who would have ever though “Google” would integrate itself into everyday language? As a result, websites themselves have grown so far from their splash page predecessors.

Websites are no longer only used to convey basic information with clip art illustrations; they have climbed their way into the ranks of the art world. Kalos Interactive recognizes the ever-present evolution of this new art form. As a web services company, it’s imperative to view the product this way to stay afloat in such a competitive market.

At Kalos you won’t just find graphic designers and programmers, you’ll find a creative and interactive design studio. We offer interactive design and art direction with an emphasis on aesthetics, creative ideas, and communication goals. Oh yeah, and not one detail will ever go unnoticed.

We don’t build our clients websites, we create functional design and art that embodies companies, people, and brands. At Kalos, we see the big picture by helping give expert consultation on every aspect of the project. Not to say that we don’t build high performing sites, but we’ve found a way to balance our disciplines of design and function.

Kalos believes that just having a website to represent your company’s brand isn’t enough. Your web accessibility is essentially your most valuable marketing resource and tool.  Everyone has a website, but  honestly, yours needs to be better and more unique. You have to ask yourself whether or not your online presence makes the statement you want. Even if your site achieves those goals, does it accomplish them better than your competitors? If and when you realize your online persona isn’t making the cut, Kalos Interactive will be here to make you shine.

paul rand : : paul-rand.com

With more and more people purchasing smart phones daily, there’s pressure on the web to keep up. Unfortunately not all your favorite flashy sites translate into their mobile counterparts so well. Your bookmarked pages need to create mobile versions of themselves so that you can enjoy them anywhere you go. Many popular sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and even your personal bank introduced these portable sites a long time ago. However, it’s time for the rest of the web to catch up.

Even the smallest local businesses are hoping on the mobile web train. One of Kalos Interactive’s clients, Proto’s Pizzeria Napoletana is launching their new iPhone and mobile web site. Pam Proto first opened the doors to Colorado’s best pizza in 1999 in Longmont, CO. As an overnight success five more stores quickly followed in the Denver Metro area.

Their new mobile site is sleek, functional, and compatible with most of the newer phones with web capabilities. It still has the same great imagery, lots of content, and easy slick navigation, just like their main site. The mobile site even has a content management system in addition to social network compatibility. You can check out their full blog to find out what’s new at all 6 locations and even access Google Maps so you can find out where the heck the closest one is!

A mobile version the perfect accessory to any beautiful flash based site by providing usability to phones that don’t support flash. Jealous much? No worries, Kalos can do both your main and mobile sites. You can check it out the new mobile site by popping over to the Kalos Selected Work section. Kalos also designed and built their regular website which has cool sliding windows and imagery that makes you want a margarita pizza pronto! Maybe you should call Proto’s for a pick-up first….

visit site on your iPhone or mobile device : : protospizza.com

Verdure’s website instantly transports the user into a serene tropical getaway. If only all corporate retreats were this peaceful. The relaxing bamboo imagery and muted green layout create an instant calming mechanism. The nature sounds are also a nice effect for setting the mood. It’s clear that Verdure wants their current and potential clients to feel at ease when learning about Verdure and its philosophies.

I was instantly intrigued by this company, upon navigation to the site. It is interesting because the imagery and vibe of the company is very natural, while their site remains very interactive with a clean design. I can immediately recognize that this company is slightly hippie dippie, but they know their stuff. I am very drawn to what they do; I think their services are very important and necessary for any company.

I love their metaphor of bamboo growth as company growth. Companies must be cultivated just as carefully as a cash crop like bamboo. Companies are intended to create revenue just as much as bamboo does to farmers. The foundation of both a company and a plant must be strong, and allowed to grow roots. Corporate leaders must be as patient and nurturing as a farmer caring for their plants. If they don’t allow the proper foundation of communication, leadership, and teamwork to flourish, then the corporate culture will never be healthy.

I have worked in several work environments that have never considered the principles and philosophies Verdure encourages. I wish many of those companies would have sought help in the services of a company such as Verdure. I think many of them would be more successful and have a higher retention rate of employees. It’s a shame that many companies possess a poor corporate culture when the issues could easily be resolved with methods implemented by Verdure.

view project : : verdurecorp.com

Sadly, I have never been good with crunching numbers, which leaves me no choice but to hire someone to do it for me. It’s hard for me to understand financial jargon, let alone equations. I need people who can break it down and turn my numbers into English.

I’ve never used Clear Creek, but their site definitely gives me the vibe that they don’t treat numbers like a foreign language. I like that they recognize each person’s situation and financial needs are widely unique. Sometimes I feel like financial companies view everyone as a template they can just fill in, which is definitely not the case. Most of the bankers, accountants, and financial gurus I have encountered have an easier time relating to their calculators than other people.

This clearly isn’t the case at Clear Creek, where they obviously go to great strides to break clients’ stereotypes of “suits.” This company isn’t just a bunch of relatable banker types; they offer a wide range of services that make them a unique and versatile operation. I think one of their most awesome features is the ability for a client to follow their accounts online. It shows that they are forward thinking, unstuffy financial buffs. So not Mr. Banks from Mary Poppins.

Their website is warm, inviting, and most importantly, unpretentious. The welcoming Zen-like office theme makes me feel like trusting someone else with my money isn’t so bad. Most competitors’ websites are not design forward and are as sterile as a hospital hallway. To be honest, one of my favorite things about it are the quotes by famous people. Any financial service that also appreciates good literature is alright in my book.

view project :: clearcreekinvestments.com

In today’s world, the current attitude is “go green, or go home.” Adhering to this mantra, Solar Eclipse Shades provides an eco-friendly, yet functional product. Focused on improving the environment, Solar Eclipse Shades has created state of the art shade products that protect against harmful UV rays, while integrating polymer solar voltaic systems that actually generate clean power.

I for one am on board for their vision to provide green products that reduce the heat and danger of UV rays, while creating a cooler and safer environment. I think the shades are just about as cool as Ray Bans. I think any company that creates a specifically green product is ranks pretty high on the cool scale.

I think with society becoming increasingly ecologically conscience, manufacturers would be naïve to think that they don’t have to change with the times. Every industry has to make adjustments to a more eco-friendly world, and especially more informed consumers.

In today’s economic stress, consumers are becoming more and more savvy about their purchases. Whether they are making decisions based on budgets, environment, or charitable donations, consumers are doing their homework. Studies show that consumers will choose one company over another based on whether or not a product “does good.” This might mean that a portion of proceeds is donated to a charitable cause, or that a specific product is more environmentally friendly. Either way, companies cannot afford to not give back in a poor economy.

While I believe wholeheartedly in not underestimating the consumer, what I really like about Solar Eclipse Shades is that their product was designed to be green from its inception. I fully support companies’ efforts to alter their products to be greener, I think it’s pretty awesome to create a product with a green purpose. Their site looks great, and it’s not even done. I can’t wait to see what it looks like, and learn even more about the company once it’s complete.

view project : : solareclipseshades.com

Always considered therapy, but have an aversion to doctors? With AskAnAlly.com, the doctor comes to you. You never have to leave your couch while you visit Dr. Jane’s surprisingly cozy interactive office. Play in the waiting room (home page) by composing music and drawing on an old school Etch-A-Sketch. Most importantly, ask anonymous questions or browse the archives; either way, stop searching and get answers.

Most people become wary at the very mention of therapy, psychoanalysis, or psychiatry. Often referred to as “quacks,” members of the psychology field are dismissed as a superfluous group of doctorate holding intellectuals. I personally disagree with this philosophy, arguing that an entire branch of medicine can’t be `wrong. However, I will project that therapy is a very personal and confidential service that is hard to discuss. In fact, it is such a touchy subject that many who have a desire to seek help, are often afraid to take the first step.

I was immediately drawn to Dr. Jane’s innovated concept about online therapy. It is such a non-threatening approach to such a sensitive topic. I really like that there are a few different levels of therapy you can explore just on the site itself. The least invasive option is the archive, which allows you to browse through past anonymous questions and answers. If you are looking for more, there is an area to submit your own personal questions and get real answers from a certified therapist. If the website isn’t enough, or you’re ready to go face to face, it’s possible to make an appointment for an in-person session with Dr. Jane.

I am also really into the website itself. There is something about the design, which has an unusual calming effect I wouldn’t expect to experience from a website. The “waiting room” homepage is really clever idea that makes you smile. It’s a great way to set the tone and set the user at ease. I love interactive websites, and this one makes me feel like I am having a genuine experience. I don’t have a need for Ask An Ally right now, but it’s always good to keep in mind when I have questions that can’t be answered. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t really fun to play on the Etch-A-Sketch.

view project : : AskAnAlly