"Just when you think you are close to launching a site, you'll find that
those finishing touches can take just a little longer than you thought. "
- Marcio Fornazieri, Enteryourhours.com
EnterYourHours.com is what is commonly referred to as a SaaS or
Software-as-a-Service. This SaaS has been running since September 2008 and was
written by a handful of database developers on the East Coast who were looking
for their own way to track their clients and how many hours they worked for
each. While their proficiencies in database architecture and development are
evident in the power of their time billing software, their abilities to
organize each page for mass appeal and usability was not enough to help them
finish the service to go public.
Where we come in...
Having all the requirements for navigation, and a good mock up in place, we
were to come in and apply said requirements to various existing pages, as well
as, the opportunity to create new pages as they arise. On each page, we
provided critical advice and design options for the owner to decide on.
Essentially, our job was to provide layouts that would answer questions like:
-
How should the user manage the QuickBooks
integration feature?
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Should feature "X" be located on a tab or on a
separate page.
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Where should we show balloon tips? How should
the look?
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How should the My Account screen look and feel?
Should it carry the user's company logo? Where is that uploaded?
-
Should our filtering and email options be
pop-up windows or simple overlays?
Working Over, In and Around Database Programming...
There is a lot more to implementing an interface than just layout and
graphics. Remember, this software was relatively "done" when we were invited to
the party. So during the implementation of the "graphical" layer, we had to be
mindful of the "programmatic" layer. After all, no developer likes to redo
their programming after the interface guys step in. We worked within crazy
looping algorithms and reporting to work in as much as a background color, edit
link or collapsible row.
After the software interface was complete…
We were also asked to design a homepage and interactive tours to help sell the
service. Originally modeled after a popular communications website, it
demonstrates all the features, system requirements and free-trial options
available for the site. We provided screenshots of each page and even provided
an virtual tour, that showed exactly how the system works from the login prompt
and entering hours to entering clients and generating invoices.
Since its initial launch, the site has become heavily text-ridden in part to
SEO optimization and organic growth. Although, what it lacks in beauty, it makes
up for in traffic. To EnterYourHours.com, traffic is key.
If you have SaaS in development or an idea for one, ZapataData has the
development skills to write the software, produce the interface and generate a
homepage to sell it. To find out more, give us a call at 720-221-4599 today.