Skinning or theming is a terminology that has been used for a while - those of you with XP desktops know you can change the look of it including the desktop background, fonts used and the shape and size of the icons and buttons. While this isn't quite using the words *skinning or theming* could be regarded as customisation that does not affect how the application works. You maintain all the benefits of something you like, with the opportunity to make it look just like you want.
There are several well known applications such as Winamp and Windows Media that allow you to manage the complete look and feel of how the program works.
You can in many instances, download the tools to create your own skins, themes, or join the different communities where many graphics people put their skills to the test and put them on line for people to download and apply to their programs.
Many companies have tried to create an environment where they give their clients the ability to manage their websites and often provide a handful of options that allow you to customise the look and feel of their site, but often very few choices, rigid limitations and very much cloned type of sites - sort canned looks that wouldn't be hard to identify if you saw three sites together.
The art of separating the development environment, from the creative environment has been in existence since April 2004. At this stage, there is nothing that has been developed, that is so advanced in how it handles the look and feel and therefore has been a popular choice for many developers, businesses and communities.
Nuked Skins are skins designed by XD Design and are ready to install. They are only for DotNetNuke installations and will not work on any other website.
Templated Skins are pre formatted and diverse Static Web Page sites, we have access to thousands of websites designs an styles to suit any type of business.
They often require a reusable license option or for a premium fee, you can own for it not to be duplicated.
Stock images are supplied a range of fonts an clipart to add to your site is also available.
Many Templated Sites have an element of FLASH embedded to create a more dynamic looking site.
The Flash must be HARD CODED as it is not part of DotNetNuke Menu generation.
While we can replicate virtually any Template Skin into a DotNetNuke environment, there are at times elements that will not work, due to the nature of the DotNetNuke application.
We have been able to replicate most but will not do a full flash template and convert to DotNetNuke.
those who don't wish to invest in a graphics design house Someone who has seen something they like in the range of templates displayed and would like to have it incorporated.
Cost of Templates - from $60US for Non Exclusive Use Cost of Conversions - from $700US and includes incorporation of your logos, colours. All Templates are quoted on a one off basis.
Custom Skins are just that - We work with Graphic Designers, Developers and clients alike to bring their ideas into the DotNetNuke platform and include a range of specific options that make the project unique.
Custom Skins often have custom modules that require specific modifications to the layout to work correctly.
They can be and often are, maintained and updated by our proficient, technical staff as the site grows. They may include customisation of other third party modules to provide a fully integrated look and feel.
Often Custom Skins are incorporated with website rollouts to ensure the initial site meets company design guidelines and the look and feel is of a high quality.
Custom Skins can can be tailored to suit all your marketing and branding requirements and we use only the most efficient navigation systems to ensure your sites are loved by google and other important search engines.
Featured site below is an example of how an existing site was transformed into a beautiful DotNetNuke website with an attractive Flash Header with sound.
This website took advantage of the new skinning features and engaged Nina Meier's from XD Design to transform the website to a modern clean look with the power of DotNetNuke performance and management.
Embedded flash, totally new interface and great containers, make this site perhaps one of the most outstanding DNN2 sites for it's time.
Of course, several years later, thousands of other sites have been developed, but the skinning engine and performance of DotNetNuke cannot be ignored.
Limited only by imagination, XD Design is able to create a fantastic site for any company looking at embracing this technology.
This is one of the many skins Nina Meiers has provided for her clients and other developers throughout the DotNetNuke Community.
XD Design provide a range of services to assist clients in creating stunning websites.
One of the main benefits to this technology mean you can retain your current site for years, and simply change the look and feel and build up incredibly good rankings and stable links... a must in today's online presence best practices.