Communication Design & Consulting Since 1999

Design isn’t skin deep.

Effective websites are best built with integrated strategic, technical and creative thought.

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Figureground designs websites that generate measurable results.

We specialize in creating websites. Expertise in visual design and strategic marketing combined with years of experience working with businesses gives us the skills to do things right. This unique blend allows us to build meaningful digital solutions that engage your audience and effectively communicate your message. With over fifteen years of experience on the web, we thrive on building things that have a real impact on your business.

Visual Design & User Interface

Your brand will look great, but more importantly your business will serve the needs of your audience by engaging and empowering them. Site structure, navigation, layout, typography, and other graphic aspects all contribute to overall look & feel and build your brand in meaningful ways. Looking good and working well for your audience is not the final objective – they are a means to the end of growing your business.

Programming & Development

Many design firms view technical execution as a completely separate step from visual design — we don’t. In our preferred design process, coding and visual solutions happen simultaneously, not as discrete steps. This approach maximizes agility and allows continuous refinement and improvement of design concepts. The resulting whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Strategy & Marketing

Research conducted specifically to your needs is how we discover options and come up with a strategy that enables us reach your goals. An evaluation of your existing website or product allows us to define actionable steps for improvement. Determining your audience’s needs is crucial for providing content of value. Establishing what we need to do and the methods for getting there happens before any solutions are proposed. Choosing the right tools and approach minimizes wasted resources in your marketing your business.

Most people make the mistake of thinking design is what it looks like. People think it’s this veneer – that the designers are handed this box and told, ‘Make it look good!’ That’s not what we think design is. It’s not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”

Steve Jobs, 2003

Collaboration & Partnerships

Sometimes you need an additional member for your team. We’re happy to talk about working with your existing team or third parties to fulfill that missing piece of the puzzle. Figureground has collaborated with many larger firms and agencies and can offer unique perspectives and services when planning and executing your design projects.

Obligatory List

Every design project is different and the services required vary widely, and often overlap. Most Figureground projects have included some of the following things.

  • Websites
  • Web Applications
  • User Interface Design
  • Evaluations & Analysis
  • Research & Consulting
  • Content Strategy
  • E-commerce
  • Interactive Maps
  • Graphic Design
  • Identity Design