Presentation

Hey Guys,

As we have the presentation on Wednesday I just though we should establish what our parts are, the presentation goes for 8 min so its not long. I think this is what should be covered:

• Introduction- 1 min Charlie
  

• Touch on new design- 1 min Bernie
  

• Testing- 1 min Charlie
  

• Walk through of Site- 4 min Aleks
  

• Handover/clients role- 1 min Bernie
  

Let me know if you guys think we need to add anything or dont need anything. We can talk more when we get together.

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 13 - 09/11/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 13 - 09/11/2009

Preparing final documentation and presentation.

Aleks has done a really good job the website so far.
He's now finishing off the collaborative art piece.


Charlie finishing off all research analysis.
I'm working on accountability.

Reevaluation of final submission:



HET402

Group Confirmation email

• Functional / Content Specification (only if starting a
new project, with subject convenor approval);

• Quality Assurance Review/Usabilit y Testing Plan.

• Project Definition – expanded from

Final Documentation – stage 2:

• Quality Assurance Review/Usabilit y Testing Report
– expanded from the QA Review / Usability Testing
Plan submitted earlier in the semester.

Technical Specification & Handover Instructions.
Resubmit Project Definition, Functional / Content
Specification. (see note below)

• Individual Contribution Summary.

Note:The original Project Definition and Functional /
Content Specification documents for HET401 must be
resubmitted for HET402 with a brief addenda for any
changes.





Documentation Assessment Weightings:

The documentation component of HET401 / HET402 is given a single mark. This mark is based on how well each of the documents are judged to address the criteria (elements) listed in the
documentation guides.

Project Proposal Document
(due week 9 so is ready for pitch)

Minimum of 1 proposal required
(loading of 5% available if submit 2nd proposal)
20% = 15% for “best” attempt + up to 5% loading for submitting 2nd proposal.

Final document Part 1
(due in exam period)
Functional Specification (or equivalent
= eg content specification / storyboard) 15%
Final document Part 2 Project Definition document – one only
required - (updated from project
proposal document) 5%
Total Documentation mark 40%


1.3 Overall document quality – structure and appearance. The documentation required for the project is expected to be of a professional standard. In each major document (except the Project Outline / Brief) the following should be included prominently and early in the document:

1.3.1 Cover information. The front cover of each document submitted must contain the following
information:

• Contractor’s logo (i.e. group logo) and / or client logo [optional].

• Document Title / Name in large font so that individual documents can be readil y identified, and any graphic / design elements the group feel will enhance the professional appearance of the documents.

• Elements contained in the document (e.g. if submitting Project Definition and Functional Specification in a single volume, this should be indicated on the cover). Also indicate whether a CD or other media is inserted into the document (make sure any such media are well secured in the document).

• Document number / total number of documents submitted (e.g. if the document is submitted in 3 separate volumes, they should be labeled document 1 of 3, document 2 of 3 and document 3 of 3 respectively).

The following footer information, is also required on the front page of every separate document. (this would not normally be necessary for “commercial” documents):

• Group name (as allocated by subject convener)
• Name and ID of each group member.

• Supervisor’s name

1.3.2 Important information about the document. The following information should be included earl y in the document, usuall y the first page inside the front cover:

• purpose of document;

• the intended “audience” or "readership" for the document (e.g. "Marketing Dept. or other non-technical personnel"; or "IT Dept. and Programmers familiar with PHP coding");

• how this document relates to other documents that need to be read in conjunction with this document (include date, version number where appropriate);

• Document Revision History – Major business documents normall y contain a Document
Revision History at the beginning. This section describes the evolution of the document through its drafting and version stages. Documents are often changed and updated as a project proceeds, so “version control” and Document Revision History ensures that the client can be aware which version of a document they are reading, and its background. Details provided would normall y include the version numbers, dates changes were made, which sections or document elements were altered, and the author and/or person responsible for the changes. This is usuall y in table format, before the table of contents.

For example, the Document Revision History (table) at the beginning of the Project Definition should identify clearl y those elements or sections of the Project Definition that have been expanded from the Project Proposal or changed in later revisions (and by which group member.

• Executive Summary This is recommended for any important project document, especiall y when you are trying to win work from a new client. It should be concise, (1 page maximum) while still covering all of the key issues (think about what these would be for a senior company executive). It may be the only page that is read by some busy key stakeholders, so make sure all bases are covered here (don't overlook any major issues that are contained in the body of the document. All of the important elements listed in the table of contents should ideall y be addressed (at least briefly) in the executive summary.

ABC Interactive HET 402 Accountability - 02/11/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 12 - 02/11/2009

2.1 Group Formation / Project Approval
Completed

2.2 Group Confirmation
Completed

Team name
ABC Interactive

Members
Aleks Witko
Bernard Winter
Charlie Lowe

Client
Design Foundation

Project
agIdeas newStar website

3.0 Project Group Meetings with Supervisor (HET402)
Completed

Supervisor
Jonathan Lang


ABC Interactive HET 402 Jonathan Lang Meeting 1 - 4/09/2009

Jonathan Lang Meeting Minutes

Got Jonathan up to speed with our project
Discussed Project goals
Discussed group member roles
Talked about the Design Foundation and there goals
Completed meeting by allocating time for next meeting

Time of meeting: 20 mins
Time of day: 1:00PM
Present: Jonathan Lang, Aleks Witko, Charlie Lowe
Next Meeting: 18/09/2009
Meeting Minutes: Aleks Witko
Location: AS Lev 3 Conference Room


ABC Interactive HET 402 Jonathan Lang Meeting 2 - 18/09/2009

Jonathan Lang Meeting Minutes

Demonstration of website and design to date
Looking at a new feature. Collaborative Art Piece
Exchange of contact details
Question of utilizing particular technologies within website
Design reference to website

Time: 25 mins
Time of day: 1:00PM
Present: Jonathan Lang, Aleks Witko, Bernard Winter, Charlie Lowe
Next Meeting: 02/09/2009
Meeting Minutes: Bernard Winter
Location: AS Lev 3 Conference Room

ABC Interactive HET 402 Jonathan Lang Meeting 3 - 02/10/2009

Jonathan Lang Meeting Minutes


Discussed Submission Requirements
Discussed Progress in regards to client and meeting expectations
Discussed PHP and appropriate appreciation of acquired knowledge
Brief Discussion about final presentation
Talked about usability testing and the actual participants and timing.

Time: 15 mins
Time of day: 1:00PM
Present: Jonathan Lang, Bernard Winter, Charlie Lowe
Next Meeting: 16/09/2009
Meeting Minutes: Bernard Winter
Location: AS Lev 3 Conference Room
ABC Interactive HET 402 Jonathan Lang Meeting 4 - 16/10/2009

Jonathan Lang Meeting Minutes

Showed Jonathan Blog and accountability location, project progress
Demonstration of website so far
Discussed client and there appreciation of project to date
Discussed methods of deliver and reiterated goals and scope
Allocation time for next meeting

Time: 23 mins
Time of day: 1:00PM
Present: Jonathan Lang, Aleks Witko (via teleconference), Bernard Winter, Charlie Lowe
Next Meeting: 30/09/2009
Meeting Minutes: Bernard Winter
Location: AS Lev 3 Conference Room


ABC Interactive HET 402 Jonathan Lang Meeting 5: 30/10/2009

Jonathan Lang Meeting Minutes


Discussed Final Assessment Date, Time and Presentation
Demonstrated website at current point
Discussed push back of usability testing, due to difficulty in getting collaborative art piece up and running.
Discussed final meeting with Design Foundation and making a note on insuring controlling client expectations so there are no surprises in final hand over presentation
Discussed final presentation and brief on final deliverables.

Time: 30 mins
Time of day: 1:00PM
Present: Jonathan Lang, Aleks Witko, Bernard Winter, Charlie Lowe
Meeting Minutes: Bernard Winter
Location: AS Lev 3 Conference Room



ABC Interactive HET 402 Design Foundation Meeting 1: 15/09/2009

Design Foundation Meeting Minutes

Introduced Eleni to the project and the team.
Reiterated project goals
Reiterated project scope
Outlined changes including possibility of collaborative art piece and gauged appreciation of idea.
Discussed design to date and changes that needed to occur
Simplification of design
Cleaner interface
Focus on students
Noted all design changes to be made
Decided on what would be completed by next meeting
Completed meeting by allocating time for next meeting

Time: 40 mins
Time of day: 3:00PM
Present: Karen Sorensen, Eleni Kaponis, Aleks Witko, Bernard Winter, Charlie Lowe
Next Meeting: 29/09/2009
Meeting Minutes: Bernard Winter
Location: Cato Purnell Partners Melbourne Office, Collingwood

ABC Interactive HET 402 Design Foundation Meeting 2: 29/09/2009

Design Foundation Meeting Minutes

Had a look at the website in it’s current form
Typography comments
Questions about the dark space like header and font colour choices
Foundation of website to date was said to be good and look forward to final website in the coming weeks.
Noted that particular things were being implemented in current website

Time: 20 mins
Time of day: 3:00PM
Present: Karen Sorensen, Aleks Witko, Bernard Winter, Charlie Lowe
Next Meeting: 20/09/2009
Meeting Minutes: Bernard Winter
Location: Cato Purnell Partners Melbourne Office, Collingwood

ABC Interactive HET 402 Design Foundation Meeting 3: 20/10/2009

Design Foundation Meeting Minutes

Brief drop in to show progress
Thought it was best to drop in, in-person for demo

Time: 10 mins
Time of day: 3:00PM
Present: Karen Sorensen, Eleni Kaponis, Bernard Winter
Next Meeting: 23/09/2009
Meeting Minutes: Bernard Winter
Location: Cato Purnell Partners Melbourne Office, Collingwood

ABC Interactive HET 402 Design Foundation Meeting 4: 23/11/2009

Design Foundation Meeting Minutes

Brief Meeting to demo the website
Prepare client expectations for final hand over presentation
Made sure client was free for allocated time

Time: 20 mins
Time of day: 3:00PM
Present: Karen Sorensen, Aleks Witko, Bernard Winter, Charlie Lowe
Location: Cato Purnell Partners Melbourne Office, Collingwood

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 11 - 26/10/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 11 - 26/10/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 10 - 19/10/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 10 - 19/10/2009

Update...

Writing to update where I am with the site construction progress.

I have created a solution for the collaborative art-piece submission and display process, which includes PHP admin login section, and some PHP/Javascript to display the art-piece progressively as it is updated. This will be nice and easy for the client to manage and add some dynamics to the home page.

The collaborative art-piece is a table of 300 squares (a revised number may be in place, can bernie find out how many entrants there usually are for the competition? the idea is to increase the number of entries from previous years by our efforts). Each square adds to an overall collage creating the agIdeas2010 logo and theme. The squares are numbered A1, A2.. B1, B2... and each competition entry also submits a design fitting a single square.

The collaborative art-piece is a competition that is also for those people that aren't able to win the grand prize because they are not (or cannot) attend the agIdeas2010 conference. There is a prize (Wacom Tablet) to be won for the best 3 entries in the Collaborative Art Piece 2010 (CAP2010), and of course the large collage will be on display at the conference and museum. The idea of this competition is to create more interest in agIdeas, even for those that cannot afford it or are unable to come, and hopefully they will compete again and attend in coming years.

SUBMISSION PROCESS:

User fills out form, uploads 3 designs + CAP2010 entry, submits.

E-Mail immediately sent to moderator, who views entries + CAP entry.

Moderator resizes the CAP entry for online viewing via provided PS action.

Moderator logs in to NewStar site admin page and uploads CAP entry.

CAP2010 art-piece is updated and WIP is viewable by all visitors.

BENEFITS:

* Increases interest as non-attendees can take part

* Increases site traffic, as people are keen to see their CAP entry contribute (and show friends), good for SEO.

* NewStar awareness increased, allowing for potential higher quality of submissions, improving competition prestige.

PROGRESS: (still needs to be FTP'd to server)

I have coded form error checking.

PHP coded for login page (still a few bugs)

Currently working on the CAP2010 gallery display and Submissions gallery.

TO DO:

Write (even if mockup) Terms and Conditions

Write rules/specifications for entries and CAP2010

Complete Submission and CAP2010 galleries

Fix all bugs, user-testing and validate code

CHARLIE: Can you post up your schedule for the Usability Testing... what were the dates for this?

BERNIE: Can you fill in the blog some more, the posts from meetings look empty. Also, have you been doing the posts on Blackboard Discussion board? Also, as above, could you find out how many entries are usually received each year?

MEETING TOMORROW:

Once again, which sucks balls, I am locked into running the Canon PIXMA event all weekend - 12 hour shifts :( I am going to have to do the meeting on my lunch break over the phone in my car. I'll call you guys a bit before-hand too to confirm this.

Aleks

http://www.witko.com.au/archive/newstar/

GROUP LOGO: http://www.witko.com.au/archive/newstar/abclogo.psd

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 9 - 12/10/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 9 - 12/10/2009

Progress is good.

Aleks

Update

Hey Charlie/Bernie,

How did you go with the meeting on Friday? Did Charlie hand in the User Testing doc all good?

Been working on the site. It's quite a bit of work i have ahead of me... stuff I've never done before with PHP/JavaScript, but I think I'm capable. Here's a flowchart of the Collaborative Artwork thing that's going to be part of the site.

Ideally I'd love a custom blog for the site too, but think it'll be quite difficult for them to continue updating.

Anyway, I really think I have enough of a work load with this design/building shit. I'm also going to have to do have the tech specs since I'll be the only one that knows the code.

I'm going to leave everything else up to you guys... at the moment, I'm assuming that Bernie will take care of all accountability for the group and client liaison, while Charlie will do the user testing?

Let me know what you guys think.

Promo Models

If we decide to execute some kind of promotional campaign or experiential activity for the newstar competition, perhaps at universities etc. Hot Under The Collar provides models and staff for these kinds of events. They can even help plan and execute the promotion.

http://www.hotunderthecollar.com.au

see there services here

http://www.hotunderthecollac.com.au/services

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 8 - 05/10/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 8 - 05/10/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 7 - 28/09/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 7 - 28/09/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 - 25/09/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 - 25/09/2009

Karen Sorensen and Eleni Kaponis Meeting Minutes

Breif reintroduction with project and current progress.

Got to know new employee of the design foundation whom took over from Sandra Muir



Present at meeting
Charlie Lowe
Bernard Winter
Aleks Witko
Karen Sorensen
Eleni Kaponis

Time: 20 mins

abc interactive Logo

Here is the logo for our group, abc interactive.

Not really a hiccup!

While building the site, I've realised the most efficient way for one section to be done by using transparent PNG - with some alpha gradients... however, this will cause a bit of mayhem on IE6 browsers. HOWEVER, since the current stats show IE6 at only 13.6% of the market, I believe its safe to forget it. People will need to upgrade their browser for the full internet experience.

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 6 - 18/09/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 6 - 18/09/2009



Jonathon Lang Meeting Minutes

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 6 - 14/09/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 6 - 14/09/2009

Week 6

Meeting 6 Minutes


Present at meeting

* Charlie Lowe
* Bernard Winter
* Aleks Witko

Meeting Time: 70 mins
Voice Recorded: No

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 5 - 07/09/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 5 - 07/09/2009

Week 5

Meeting 5 Minutes

This was a brief meeting with just an update for all in terms of what everyone was upto.
All things in progress.

Blog in progress.

Charlie is working on usability plan.
Bernard is assisting design of usability plan.
Aleks is working on website. Design | Layout | Upload Page

Present at meeting

* Charlie Lowe
* Bernard Winter
* Aleks Witko

Meeting Time: 18 mins
Voice Recorded: No

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 4 - 31/08/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 4 - 31/08/2009

Week 4 Meeting Minutes

PROJECT PLANNING! Just to try keep on top of things.

1. Determine technology Everyone (Meeting) Wk 3

Flash or HTML/CSS/JavaScript or Both?

Nature of site, design, interactivity

2. Information Architecture [ ... ] Wk 4

Card-sort

Navigation

Content (Text)

Links

3. Layout [ ... ] Wk 5

Menu

Text

Gallery

4. Design [ ... ] Wk 6 (meeting with client)

Mockup

(Review)

Finals

5. Build [ ... ] Wk 7 (Holidays just prior)

HTML Base

CSS/Flash

JavaScript

6. Marketing [ ... ] Wk 8

Social Media

Online Promotion

Banner

7. Usability Testing [ ... ] Wk 9

UXD Test

...

8. Documentation [ ... ] Wk 10

9. Handover/Presentation [ ... ] Wk 13

Present at meeting:
Charlie Lowe, Bernard Winter, Aleks Witko

(30 mins or abouts over lunch.)

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 3 - 24/08/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 3 - 24/08/2009

Week 3

Meeting Minutes

Present at meeting

* Charlie Lowe
* Bernard Winter
* Aleks Witko

meeting wk 3

After discussing the nature of the site, agIdeas profile, we decided to build the site using HTML, CSS, Javascript and PHP. We decided against using flash, as the agIdeas website is ultra simple, clean cut and does not use flash. Based on the client's brief, we reasoned that a flash-based website was out of line of the brief.

The website is to include a gallery, possibly utilising the jQuery library for enhanced visual applications, a submission page with javascript validation and php server-side scripting for uploads and automated e-mailing.

the website will also include some sort of collaboration activity that will push more involvement from users and aims to get more submissions into the competition. the idea is also add some measurability to the competition with a target number of applicants to submit designs.

we have also decided in this meeting that:

Bernie will be taking care of client liaison, site layout.

Charlie will be taking usability testing and information architecture.

Aleks will be designing/building the site.

FOR NEXT WEEK: Information architecture and card-sort to be done! And flatten out some more details re: design ideas and collaboration activity on the site.

Meeting Time: 56 mins
Voice Recorded: No

Font selection for project

Viewing some fonts for the site design:

Mostra

http://new.myfonts.com/fonts/marksimonson/mostra/

Futura

http://new.myfonts.com/fonts/adobe/futura/

Neue Helvetica

http://new.myfonts.com/fonts/adobe/helvetica-neue/

Univers

http://new.myfonts.com/fonts/adobe/univers/

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 2 - 17/08/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 2 - 17/08/2009

Week 2 Meeting Minutes

• Got back up to speed with the blog.
• Got back up to speed witth the photo bucket stream and the process of uploading project content.
• Defined basic goals.
• Reiterated that we were sticking with the same client (Design Foundation - agIdeas Design Conference.
• Communicated with Peter in regards to whom will be our supervisor and when was most appropriate to have supervisor meetings. (Decided Friday's during HET 401 lecture time was best)
  
• Decided at which time was best to meet in person for group disccusion, group work and job allocation. (Best time was at various points during Tuesday's as all group members are present at the Hawthorn campus at some point.
• Still to be arranged, when to have first meeting with client.
• Decided to update blog for next meeting.
• Need a logo for the group.

Present at meeting

• Charlie Lowe
• Bernard Winter
• Aleks Witko

We basically got together again after the holidays, reminded ourselves what the hell we were doing! Bernie said he'd get in contact with the client this week just to remind them we are alive - we did project 401 over summer so it's been a while.

Meeting Time: 20 mins
Voice Recorded: No

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 1 Minutes - 10/08/2009

ABC Interactive HET 402 Week 1 Minutes - 10/08/2009

Week 1 - Meeting 1 Minutes

All meetup at the introduction lecture on Friday.

We basically got together again after the holidays, reminded ourselves what the hell we were doing! Bernie said he'd get in contact with the client this week just to remind them we are alive - we did project 401 over summer so it's been a while.

Present at meeting

• Charlie Lowe
• Bernard Winter
• Aleks Witko

Meeting Time: Around 30 mins over lunch
Voice Recorded: No

13 Most Desirable Collection Of Free Resources For Every Designer

http://www.smashingapps.com/2009/02/28/13-most-desirable-collection-of-free-resources-for-every-designer.html

HET 401 Results

Heya guys

Good stuff with our hard work. I think we did the best we could with schedules and time at hand. With 4-6 months break between HET401 and HET402 I believe we should continue to build on the blog whenever we see new and exciting work or post our own ideas etc.

I hope you guys will consider coming to the conference this year also aid me in the presentations I have to do at the Hawthorn campus. I will also at other Swinburne campus's if you would like to tag along for those as well.

Bernie

Mind Map Close-up

>>> Mind42 Mind Map Close Up <<<

Final Touches 2

Here is the promised References, Bibliography and Appendices document. These should be binded together with the main document.

>>> References, Bibliography and Appendix 3.0 <<<

Final Touches 1

I have uploaded the final document, version 3.0, with all the feedback taken into account and appropriate edits made. Looks great.

I will soon also attach REFERENCES, BIBLIOGRAPHY and APPENDICES as a seperate document but serve as the last pages of the main document - and have appropriate page numbering.

>>> NewStar Proposal 3.0 <<<

Client Meeting 3 (Design Foundation, Footscray)

Meeting - Wednesday 11 February 09, 4pm

Notes from the meeting included

• Happy with the first set of high fidelity illustrations of the website.
• Demonstration of all of the working designs up until that time
• Karen illustrated that if to be implemented it would be best directly with the design team at Cato Partners.
• The design process by the most important part of the project with this specific client
• Wanted reassurance of a fast and easy updating process.
• Needed reassurance of standard fonts for viewing on all web browsers.
• Asked and recieved during the meeting an accurate depiction of the location of the final presentation.
• Was run through what was going to be presented in the presentation.
• Insured that Sandra and Karen understood what would be asked of them at the presentation
• Made sure they new the time of the presentation was at 11.20am, Thursday, 12th
  

Final meeting before the presentation went well and looked as if the design foundation was well on board for the project.

Bernard Winter

graphics_test_001

Final documentation for CLIENT (only) - no referencing/bibliography.

Here is the client version of the documentation sans bib/ref/appendix.

>> Proposal 2.5 FINAL_Client << (iWork 09 Pages)

>> Proposal 2.5 FINAL Client << (PDF)

Document Update

Finally! Been a few days since I posted, but I have been working hard on the final editing of the documentation. Everything is almost flattened out and ready to go. We'll go over the references, bibliography and appendices when we meet in class today.

>> AgIdeas NewStar Proposal, 3.5mb <<

Design Update

Ok, so I've gone through all the design feedback and this is what I have come up with. Let me know if you guys think it's appropriate.

Documentation

Hey guys, just thought I'd update you where I'm at with the documentation.

I'm slowly going through the whole document and editing and rewording it: as a good/bad thing, I have picked up many, many errors and sections which were not really succinct or even direct, or totally off topic... I have gone over things for hours and hours and hours and slowly it is sounding fucking awesome, as well as being really concise and clear.

It kind of worked well in that, a lot of the content ideas etc were already there for me - saving me heaps of brain power, all im doing now is rewriting it and rearranging it.

Also, while im editing it in Pages, I found it way easier and more pleasurable if i format it at the same time - so im using the theme i had before (little changes) and will use that... if you guys want the other layout then whatev, but i think it'll be easier this way.

anyway... i'll keep trudging along.

Presentation

Started the presentation and made headings for the sections in a google doc make changes where u think they are needed etc.

http://docs.google.com/Edit?id=dg2n9727_1272f8fnd4

Final Presentation

Confirmation that both Karen Sorensen and Sandra Muir are coming to the final presentation as client representatives.

Things to do before 12th Feb

Finish Documentation-

• table of content
• add new designs
• Format and add headings
• Create cover page
• Make Pete's alterations
• Bibliography
  

Presentation-

• develop content
• Create in Keynote
• Practise

Function Specifications document

Logo Concept 2

Not really a fan of these either. Reminds me of pokies logos or whatev. But I'll put them up to show what not to do.

Logo Concept

Here is a quick concept. In fact, I don't think this will at all be appropriate to the image we should be after.

Concept 001 | Motion Test 003

Typography | Aleks Witko
Motion | Bernard Winter

Concept 001 | Motion Test 002

Typography | Aleks Witko
Motion | Bernard Winter

Concept 001 | Motion Test 001

Typography | Aleks Witko
Motion | Bernard Winter

Chat History

Chat History from today (5 mins ago)

SKYPE chat history, 3 February, 2009 (1:25pm)

Design Idea Generation - Concept 1

Background: I have taken the name 'NewStar' literally to develop this concept. After some brief research into star formation, I learned that stars are initially formed from large collections of dust and other matter and turn into a ball of plasma held together by gravity, after a star lives its life, it explodes on a mass scale (supernova).

I found myself drawing this concept as an analogy of designers - all new design is simply a collaboration of current design inspiration and concepts and rearranged in a new way to create something seemingly original, but clearly, these original ideas will one day be different inspiration for other new designers. Sometimes, original ideas like this 'explode' and become a trend.

NewStar is about taking current inspiration (dust and other matter) and using it to create an original idea - a new star. The newStar competition seeks to find the best young designers which have potential to make a big impact - becoming, one day, a supernova.

Visually, I have interpreted this analogy into large type spread out and uniform in colour - although there are different sizes and fonts, they still are in some way unified, undifferentiated. Until, a seemingly small and insignificant newStar alights, differentiates itself (with colour, possibly agIdeas branding red) and finally explodes like a supernova, influencing all other words and changing them to the same colour, until the cycle starts again with a different colour.

The animation I thought, would be done in flash and done in detail to create a realistic like explosion amongst the words. This concept is applicable to the newStar branding, but does NOT define the newstar logo at all, as that is still up for interpretation. The website layout and design, would expand on this concept in some loose way.

Concept images are below, and clearly they are not at all polished off or visualise the animation well, but simply first concept/drafts. Thoughts?

Client Meeting 2 (Cato Partners, Collingwood)

Meeting - Friday 30 January 09, 3pm

Notes from the meeting included
* Documentation should include, as requested by client;
* strategy
* naming brief
* creative brief
* comparative analysis (screenshots with comments, i.e. 'all same', 'all red') & differentiation

* the event's points of differentiation and marketing direction are the volume of speakers, price, book to attendees, educational focus, secondary school attendance, workshops, newstar competition + prizes.

photobucket photo stream

Hey guys just made us an account for photobucket which means we can stream a slideshow of our designs on the blog. Thought that would be cooler then just posting them.

At this stage I think i'll be the only one that can add images; so if you have something I can add it....

http://photobucket.com/project401

Bernie

Updated Blog Web Address....

I have updated the blog template and the web address. This is I guess, version II. I may do this once more or at least until I'm happy with the look and the address.

http://project401.blogspot.com/

bern

Meeting Notes with Sue

Attendance - Charlie L, Bernard W, Aleks W and Sue
- Most important brief is the brief of what you propose to do for the client.
- ? Contest is now open for everyone
- We should think fresh and come up with our own idea stay away from this years image.
- We need to decide if we will focus on the prize or the seminar
- Sue liked the idea to have the past work
- Talk about the the past winners and where are they now job etc
- We have to create a strategy which includes why we are doing this, the benefits it will produce.
- We have to create a naming brief (Cant change the name of newstar)
- We have to create a design brief
- We have to create a creative brief which includes scope
- A best practice (competition) which includes screen shots and how ours is going to be better
- The reason the seminar/confrence is better than others is because:
*volume of speakers
*Price & Value
*Free book
*Educational
*Target specific( high school, business)
*Workshops
*Buying design
*Covers all aspects

Meeting 3 with Peter in his office (29 Jan 09, 1:00pm)

By next week, we must have a rather unambiguous design ready. Should be based on a client meeting and revised after feedback.

Client Meeting minutes, all explained how they contribute to the ultimate proposal. Not necessarily looked upon, but required proof of consistent contact with client should be present in documentation.

Keep client in design loop, sending back design concept at each stage.

Preliminary documentation to present to client due tomorrow, final draft should be completed by next week.

Lets get this done.

Elevator Pitch: Feedback

Well done us! I think you two did better pitches than the ones you practiced!

So, basically, Pete simply said that we should remember to succinctly cover the main points - client background (in a brief, but clear way), define the problem (in a neutral, euphemistic way), propose the solution (clearly defining benefits and showing enthusiasm) and finally imposing a course for further action.

Once again, we have 8 minutes for the final presentation, and I think the practice in the study room was VITAL this time and should be done again; more than just the once.

Peter's Links for the Elevator Pitch

Grab these from his delicious feed.

1. http://www.businessknowhow.com/money/elevator.htm
2. http://www.fastcompany.com/articles/archive/act_joos1.html
3. http://www.dumblittleman.com/2007/08/how-to-craft-killer-elevator-pitch-that.html

Elevator Pitch

Remembering that our elevator pitch is due this Thursday I thought I'd ask firstly whether we are going to do it together as a long sequence. If so we will need to deligate specfic sections to each other. I'll talk to you guys tonight, if I don't hear anything.

Bern

First meeting with Sue

Hey Guys

Hopefully you have had a quick look at the first email Sue sent me.

She has agreed to have a quick meeting with us to nail down the breif. This will be very short and will have to be accurate and calculated.

This will include nailing down exactly what we want to do for the project. This could range from a pdf newsletter sent to the agIdeas database to the website we would like to create.

We need not produce any mockup's etc for this first meeting but just know exaclty what we would like to say. Werid thing is, I think it is quiet similar to an elevator pitch. We just have to be a little more specfic.

I'll write one up this evening and then post it to the colloborative google document.

bern

Collaboration Google Word Document

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddvghhfj_6dxhznxhc

Email Breif for First Meeting with Sue

Sue Stansfield
Associate Director
Cato Purnell Partners

First you need a clear brief that the client has a greed to.
This must include background
• scope of work
• who is the target audience
• method of production and distribution.
• maybe some best practise examples (if appropriate)
• budget of hours
• timings delivery dates

we can talk how to approach the ideas when we meet.

Website Content

The NewStar competition website should include: (please add or take away)

* Competition information
* Information pack to view/download
* AGIdeas event information and link to website
* Registration/Mailing list
* Possible newsletter (email)
* Possible interactive elements - polls, flash, mini-competition

Come up with ideas and design mockups by next week, and then we can feed ideas off each other and compare designs.

Design Specifics and Brief

Here are some agreed upon specifics in terms of our design and idea generation process:

The NewStar competion website and identity should:
* Express an Australian character
* Global cohesion
* Perhaps some consistency with AGIdeas/Design Foundation profile
* Encourage design
* Show appreciation of design

NB: All design suggestions MUST have a clear jusification for all design elements, ideas and concepts. (In line with project criteria).

Add to this (or take away)

Elevator Pitch

Here is a sample scenario and dot-point overview for my elevator pitch. I have put some underlying strategy/objectives in the scenario to show a basis for it.

See it on our Google Docs page - http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddvghhfj_6dxhznxhc&invite=847062403

Link - Shinybinary

Shinybinary

Website above: although some of the work is crap, some makes me never want to bother with design again :/

And how can I post a link on the right, as you did Bernie?

Client Meeting 1 (AGIdeas, Footscray)

Bernie had previously liaised with the client and we had the thumbs up for the project. Today we met with AGIdeas, specifically the Event Manager and Marketing Co-ordinator, and had a discussion about our proposal, any possible constraints and bouncing off our ideas.

* Communication with the client seems extra positive - they are glad we are aware of their budget limitations, website needs etc.
* We went over the specifics of the competition we are doing a website for - giving us a better feel for the Competition and insight into how we should tackle the task.
* Some promotional ideas were bounced off the client, specific to the low budget, and the client seemed impressed.
* The client present us with gifts - an expensive hard-cover company design book each, giving us more insight into the companies organisational feel.
* The project content was pretty much established and what is required.
* A meeting with the Creative Director and Bernie was arranged - the purpose of it being to obtain more understanding of what specific design requirements are needed, and the amount of design flexibility applicable.

Last Thursday Meeting (Jan 8th) - Belated Update

* Required for best marks: go over the top - really put in effort

Many points were already mentioned in previous discussions and classes, however always good to look over again and remember:

- competitive tender - we are competing, hypothetically, with other tenderers.. making the pitch/presentation as important, if not more, than the concept itself! I think planning the presentation well, rigorous rehearsing and using persuasive techniques would be highly beneficial.
- don't surprise clients - bounce ideas off them first! great idea to under-promise and over achieve: Client Expectation Management "CEM"
- usability testing
- include client overview in documentation

Basically it is VITAL to not only have an appropriate and impressive concept, but control information, perceptions, presentation, expectations etc.

Oh, and perhaps we should get that Google Docs thing set up - do you know how to do that Bernie?

NVArt - Surreal: In the style of Jacek Yerka

Project Log Week 1

Our group has selected AGideas as our client and have confirmed with Pete that that client is acceptable. AGideas are in association with the Design Foundation which run an award called the 'new star' award, currently the information on the site is quite limited so we are going to tender to create a new website to promote the award. We are meeting with AGideas next week for an innitail meeting, until then we will undertake research in regards to the award site.

Meeting 01 Notes

Attendance: Charlie Lowe, Bernard Winter, Aleks Witko, Pete Ciszewski

-Documentation has to be over the top with information
-We have to explain the steps taken in generating our ideas and influences
-We have to become familiar with the C1 handout from Pete
-Rational is important for the design of the site
-Quality assurance is important
-We have to keep in mind legal & logistical restraints and ask the client if anything they have
giving has copyright issues

Next Meeting 22nd January 2009

Meeting 001

Hey Guys

So I think we can all post our own summaries from the meeting today and then one us may want to summarize all of that into one. I'll post the audio stream so you can refer to that also if you like.

Bern

Back In Melbourne

Back from the sticks, it's always good to get way from technology for a little while.

Reading all the conversations so far, I think we have some solid grounding to work from, Great work with the 2nd week summary Aleks. I believe Grill'd would be great client to have under our belt if they would be happy to have us on board. I do agree a couple of backup options would be a smart move.

I have some strong relationships with studios and bodies such as:

1. Channel 31
2. Design Foundation (http://www.agideas.net/)
3. Various creative studios such as XYZ studios, dp iloura and liquid creations
4. CFA

If any of these organizations and maybe working for them anyway let me know.

Charlie, a list of branding, advertising and product enhancment would be great. Following list is just stuff I came up with off the top of my head. please add to it or collate it etc.

1. Website
2. Social Networking accounts
3. Blogging (large format and micro blogging such as twitter)
4. Specific Branding (colours, fonts and format used throughout all branding the same for continuity)
5. Bussiness Cards
6. Print Advertisements (Newspapers, Magazines, Flyers, etc)
7. Workplace branding and interior design
8. Street installistion
9. Billboards
10. Gorilla Adverising Campaign
11. Letter drop
12. Phone sells
13. iPhone Application (smart phone application)
14. Word of mouth product campaign
    

Jobs for this weeks meeting.

1. We may want to create an agenda for this coming weeks meeting with Peter.
2. A regular weekly schedule of things like posting and jobs etc.
3. One other thing I was wondering was: I had a look at blackboard and found the forum. It appears it has all the prevaious semesters post still up. Just wondering I should make our group our own thread or have you guys already done that?
4. I guess the last thing is to turn up on time Thursday. Charlie was talking about coming in an hour early. I think thats good idea. 9.30am Atrium.

Cheers Bern

Update

This is just an update in regards to our progress with our assignment. Aleks has made contact with our potential client Grill'd and they are interested in hearing what we have to offer , although firstly we have to gain Pete's approval to proceed with the company at hand (Grill'd). We will email Pete asap with the client that we have in mind and wait for his response before we proceed and commit to anything further.