"Special effects" is a catch-all term we use to describe the application of JQuery transition effects on our websites. They are usually deployed to square the circle between the conflicting desires for the homepage. On the one hand, many clients recognise that the homepage is the most valuable page on the site and they want to cram it full with lots of news and information. On the other hand these same clients often say that they also want the homepage to be simple, elegant and not over-powering.
JQuery is a free, open source library of JavaScript code widely used by many of the most popular sites on the internet (including Google). Here are some examples of the code in action:
- Slider effects on the homepage - the sliders are usually configured to run automatically if no action is taken by the user. For example:
- Perception Solutions (client)
- Harold Benjamin (client)
- DMH Stallard (client)
- Willkin Chapman (client)
- A "curtain" effect
- Fader effects on the homepage - similar to sliders (above) but they are configured to fade elegantly through the various options.
- Stepensons (client)
- The 2020 Group (client)
- Photiades (client)
- Birkett Long (client)
- Promotional panels - a device that can be used to scroll through a large number of "promotional" items or calls-to-action
- Innocent Injured (client)
- Lawyers2You (client)
- BBC iPlayer
- Call-to-action contact details - a device that displays contact options in a very space-efficient manner
- Innocent Injured (client) - see "let us call you back" in the centre of the homepage
- Withy King (client) - see "request a call back" on right of page
- Staff lists - a device to present staff details in the style of a photo book
- Piper Smith & Watton (client)
- Bevan Brittan
- Birkett Long (client) - multiple staff, fades, random order
