MORE/REAL Stylus Cap turns a Sharpie, a Bic, or a Pilot Fineliner into a touchscreen stylus that works with any capacitive touch screen

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Artefact 2 - Real-world Applications of Quick Response Codes - Evaluation

With the previous artefact showing that there was no real interest or engagement with QR Codes, I create a series of posters that would promote and test the technology. Having the ability to scan QR Codes is paramount to its success therefore the first poster included steps on installing the i-nigma application onto a smartphone. The success was then measured by assessing the ease of download, installation and running of the application. Results showed that i-nigma was easy to use in all aspects with a variation of smartphones, with the exception of a Windows 7 phone that wasn't compatible with the application.

Real-world applications of QR Codes were then looked at with the following four posters offering video content, purchase of audio content, application download and finally access to contact details. Following the distribution of these posters to a group of smartphone users all agreed that the QR Codes promoted a quicker, more efficient alternative to their traditional methods of preforming the same task. Users however preferred to purchase music via a desktop computer rather their smartphone.

In retrospective to the outcome, pre-installed music stores only existed with Apple smartphones which made it harder for cross-compatible music downloads links. The application download also only linked through to Apple’s App Store. To combat these iPhone specific links, sending the user through a web link to determine its type to then give the user the appropriate, compatible link would solve the problem. Video compatibility was also a problem as Android didn’t support MP4 with 3GP format being used.

To summarise, the application download and movie trailer were the most useful due to their speed and ease which show that QR Codes can be useful in sharing information and can act as a mediator between printed media and the web.

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WordPress Integration - Client Project

Once I've received feedback from the client on the developed mock up, I will be able to roughly finalize the design. In the meantime I've just been trying to get my head around the structure of the site and how it's going to work as a custom WordPress theme.

I've been using these for some guidance -

Building Custom WordPress Theme

http://www.webdesignerwall.com/tutorials/building-custom-wordpress-theme/

How To Create Your Own Custom WordPress Theme

http://line25.com/tutorials/how-to-create-your-own-custom-wordpress-theme

Building a Stylish Blog Design Layout in WordPress

http://line25.com/tutorials/building-a-stylish-blog-design-layout-in-wordpress

How To Create WordPress Themes From Scratch Part 1

http://themetation.com/2008/07/14/how-to-create-wordpress-themes-from-scratch-part-1/

I'm also hoping to integrate some of the new HTML5 and CSS3 features too -

HTML5

http://diveintohtml5.org/

HTML 5 Cheat Sheet (PDF)

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/07/06/html-5-cheat-sheet-pdf/

CSS3

http://designshack.co.uk/articles/introduction-to-css3-part-1-what-is-it

CSS3 Cheat Sheet (PDF)

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/07/13/css-3-cheat-sheet-pdf/

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Sit Here, Be Cool - Episode 9

Although this is probably the shortest video blog episode ever, I must admit it's been an enjoyable 9 weeks of video blogging!

Again this weeks is a little late due to the fact I'm relying on my smartphone for vlogging but I'll try and produce a better episode for the big 1 0.

Looking back on the past 9 weeks has been interesting. I started video blogging because I thought it would be easier for me to get ideas across and to think reflectively on certain articles/website. I also found it harder to write good reflective blog entries.

After recording these short vlogs I find that I've perfected my ability to share ideas in front of a camera/person which has given me more confidence, I'm now better at writing reflectively on my work and I've noticed a difference with the time it takes to produce these vlogs and how that plays on your ability to think at speed. Basically you could spend hours thinking, writing and perfecting a certain blog entry, which can be useful to take the time out but video on the other hand is much quicker, especially if you've not scripted anything. In having to think on your feed I find myself being able to think and talk more efficiently (less humming and harring)

I've always though I'd prefer to watch a video rather than to reading something on the same subject as it's a little easier to digest, but I also think it's important to mix up your methods of gathering information.

Ultimately it's been a productive few weeks and I would suggest for those who haven't tried vlogging before to give it a go!

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Colwyn Bay Hockey Club Development

Just some small developments on the second mock up after receiving some feedback from my client.

I'm now needing to look at the structure and layout of the site to integrate with WordPress.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Artefact 2 - Real-World Applications of Quick Response Codes - Presentation

Download now or preview on posterous

artefact2.pdf (557 KB)

Presentation on my second artefact

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Artefact 2 - Real-World Applications of Quick Response Codes - Data

Small amount of data taken from my second artefact ready to be used in my presentation tomorrow.

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Quick Response Posters, Artefact 2

My second artefact is ready to be tested!

If you have a smartphone follow this link to my second artefact -

http://www.cityandwool.co.uk/artefact2/

And once you've read the introduction and had a go at scanning the QR Codes please fill in this short survey -

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7YHXKX3

Many thanks in advance!

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Domino's Pizza - Fourth Poster, Artefact 2

Download now or preview on posterous

qr_code_poster_5.pdf (233 KB)

This is the final posters looking at the benefits of QR Codes in printed media - Contact Details (Phone Number)

This QR Code stores the phone number of the city centre Domino's Pizza in Nottingham.

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Yellow Pages App - Fourth Poster, Artefact 2

Download now or preview on posterous

qr_code_poster_4.pdf (94 KB)

This is the third posters looking at the benefits of QR Codes in printed media - Application Download.

I've used the new Yellow Pages app as the product and the QR Code links to their iPhone app download via the App Store. Unfortunately they don't have an Android app, just a mobile site.

Last one to go, then a short survey on which application of a QR Code is the most beneficial.

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Tinie Tempah, Disco-Overy - Third Poster, Artefact 2

Download now or preview on posterous

qr_code_poster_3.pdf (2408 KB)

This is the second posters looking at the benefits of QR Codes in printed media - Music Download.

This one regarding the where the QR Code sent the user to was much harder to determine. I decided as iPhones and iPods had pre-installed iTunes Apps to link to Tinie's new album through that.

Android unfortunately don't have a pre-installed music store and therefore this poster will only really work well on iPhone/iPod users.

Feel free to scan the QR Code which takes you through bit.ly to - http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/disc-overy/id395496163?uo=4

The next two will be an application download and some sort of personal contact details.

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A Working Progress - Third Poster Research, Artefact 2

I've been working on my second real-world application of the QR Code poster. This one will include a link to a Music Download.

I'm going to use Tinie Tempah's album Disc-Overy as the real-world product.

I really like the space-like design on his album artwork and therefore wanted to find out who had designed it. A little Google search later I found that it had been designed by début art

I remember seeing some good Tinie Tempah music videos too. 'Frisky' and 'Pass Out' were directed by Tim Brown and worked on by us design studio

I've also been looking at how to get music downloads on the various types of smartphones via the QR Code. Trouble is Android don't have any type of pre-installed music store like an iPod/iPhone has iTunes. The solution to this might be just a straight MP3 download rather than taking the user through their respective music store apps.

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Source Code Movie Poster - Second Poster, Artefact 2

Download now or preview on posterous

qr_code_poster_2.pdf (188 KB)

This is one of four posters looking at the benefits of QR Codes in printed media.

I decided to use 4 real-world applications of the QR Codes and this is the first - Video Content (Move Trailer)

From the QR Code you can view the trailer of the film 'Source Code'

I decided to keep the quality of the video fairly low to save on data usage and download problems when testing.

3GP was the best video format for cross compatibility as my Android didn't support MP4

A high-quality version of the trailer can be found here.

Video Format - 3GP

Size - 4.81 MB

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An Overview of Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Just been to Dr. Sketchy's in Scala in Prestatyn. It was an interesting but entertaining tilt on life the usual life drawing classes. It was a good turn out with a mixture of ages and varying talent.

Hopefully you can read the titles which explain a little on the drawings brief. Thankfully some of my drawings were reasonable good too.

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How to Scan Quick Response Codes with your Smartphone - First Poster, Artefact 2

Download now or preview on posterous

qr_code_poster_1.pdf (89 KB)

Here's the first poster design showing how a smartphone user can start scanning QR Codes for themselves.

Simple and to the point.

The next stage will be to design the other 4 posters stated in my previous blog post

Posted via email from City&Wool's Posterous

What are Long Train Journeys for? - PRP Development

In my case it consisted of 4 hours of drawing, scribbling and note taking while trying to plan my second artefact.

As you know I've completed my first artefact and concluded that there was no real public interest or engagement with QR Codes. I am therefore going to create a selection of printed posters that test the following -

• The comparison of traditional methods of data input to using QR Codes
• From a selection of 4 different uses of QR Codes, which is considered to be the most beneficial?
• How easy is it for smartphone users to set up a QR Code scanner/reader on their phones?

This will be done through the design of 5 simple posters -

Firstly, a 'How To' style poster explaining how to install a QR Code on your smartphone

To then continue the testing, the next four posters will test -

• Download of extra video content
• Download of an application
• Download of music
• Access contact details

To do this I need a product or service to advertise. I have therefore chosen to use it in a music industry/band promotion environment. I have chosen a local band as 'the product' and going to adjust the 4 different mobile downloads/services to promote them as a band. In doing this I can find which application of the QR Code was most beneficial to the user given that they are interest in the band to scan it in the first place.

From the data collected from the distribution of these poster to a small group of smartphone users, I will be promoting the use of QR Code in showing them how simple and easy they are to set up and finding out in which application it was most beneficial. To then keep in mind my research document, could QR Codes and Augmented Reality improve the way we share information/ideas with each other, I can use the most beneficial service to product my next artefact which hopefully be something to do with self-promotion. From a printed business card, a QR Code that sends the client/employer to a mobile optimised site that will include on of the following features depending on the outcome of this artefact.

So in summary, I now have to design these 5 posters and show them to a group of smartphone users. If you happen to have a smartphone and would like to take part in my focus group get in touch with me via email, Twitter or comment below. Thanks

Posted via email from City&Wool's Posterous

Client Feedback - Colwyn Bay Hockey Club

Email correspondence from my client after sending the four mock ups -

'Had a chance to look at them all in more detail now - I like them all for various reasons but I think a version of the 'mockup 2' design would be the best to develop.

I like the color scheme, it looks fresh, clear and easy to navigate, I like being able to see the league table of one of the teams on the front page and also the news banner which is a really useful tool for us.

Some areas to try and develop on that design that would be useful for us would be to somehow incorporate the facebook and twitter links you had in 'mock up 1'- we have a facebook page and this could be a useful place for discussion etc therefore a facebook link is certainly useful. They don't have to be as big as they were in 'mock up 1', but would be useful to have them there.

Secondly - A minor one but could you add a tab for 'Youth Academy' this is quite important for one of the main admins on the site.

Thirdly if the news banner could be made more prominent - I like where it is but is it scrolling across? or flying in or just static? If you are able to make it scroll in some way I think that would draw in peoples eye.  Again apologies if you have already thought of this, I appreciate it is only a static image you have sent.

Finally the picture of Tom - eventually this would be a great place to feature a sponsor picture but in the mean time I think it would be great if we could have a series of pictures (say 5) similar to the Tom picture and each time you went to the home page a different picture from the 5 would be displayed - there are quite a few good quality pictures now from a professional photographer we could use or I'm sure Tom could set some up similar pics to his with some other players.'

Summary -

• Mock up 2 will be the one to developed
• Include Facebook and Twitter links to the design like in the first mock up
• To include a 'Youth Academy' page - All menu titles will be changeable anyway, as the site will be powered by WordPress
• News banner to be more prominent - Possibly scrolling, although could look a little 'cheesy'
• Picture next to the weather/temperature element to change each time the page loads. I could also change the picture to correspond with the different types of weather/temperatures

Posted via email from City&Wool's Posterous

#Geotoko - Real-Time Location Based Marketing & Analytics Platform

Got a follow on Twitter from Geotoko this morning, a 'Real-Time Location Based Marketing & Analytics Platform' that integrates QR Codes.

For more information about Geotoko, check out their demo below.

Posted via email from City&Wool's Posterous

Dan Ryland, Web Designer Extraordinaire - Simple CV Design

View it on my Posterous blog - blog.cityandwool.co.uk

SPP3 - Postgraduate Course #4

Successful Principles and Practice 3 (SPP3)

Postgraduate Course # 4

Mobile Application Design MSc
http://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgrad/subjects/engineering-and-digital-arts/mobile-application-design-msc

Key facts

Subject area: Engineering and Digital Arts
Location: Canterbury
Duration/Delivery: One year full-time, two years part-time.
Start: September
Award: MSc
Entry: A 2.2 or higher honours degree in an engineering, multimedia, scientific, computing, or similar discipline. Applicants should also be familiar with object-oriented programming methodology.

Outline
Mobile applications are having a profound effect on all our lives. Where the mobile phone of the last ten years was just a communication device, today's smartphones are also personal managers and information providers. Over the next few years, we can expect these types of phone to become the basic devices of tomorrow. This advanced Master's programme has been designed to allow you to become a highly skilled professional for the mobile industry, by combining technology, interface design and application development for mobile platforms with a strong emphasis on creating applications of high usability and reliability.

Programme structure
Course content

• Embedded Real-Time Operating Systems (15 credits)
• HCI for Mobiles (15 credits)
• iPhone Application Design (15 credits)
• Mobile Web Development (15 credits)
• Research Methods and Project Design (30 credits)
• Communication Networks (optional; 15 credits)
• Economics of the Electronic Marketplace (optional; 15 credits)
• Object-Oriented Programming (optional; 15 credits)
• Project (90 credits)

Assessment
Assessment is through a mixture of written examinations and coursework, the relative weights of which vary according to the nature of the module. The final project is assessed by a dissertation.

Resources and facilities
The School is well equipped with a wide range of laboratory and computing facilities and software packages for teaching and research support. There is a variety of hardware and software for image acquisition and processing, as well as extensive multimedia computing resources. The School has facilities for designing embedded systems using programmable logic and ASIC technology, supported by CAD tools and development software from international companies, including Cadence™, Xilinx™, Synopsys™, Altera™, National Instruments® and Mentor Graphics™. The SMT laboratory can be used for prototyping and small-volume PCB manufacture. A well-equipped instrumentation research laboratory is also available.

Students studying communications have access to both commercial and in-house software tools for designing microwave, RF, optoelectronics and antenna systems (such as ADS™, CST™, HFSS™) and subsequent testing with network and spectrum analysers up to 110 GHz, an on-wafer prober, and high-quality anechoic chambers.

Students on the programmes in Computer Animation and Digital Visual Effects work in a dedicated, state-of-the-art suite, equipped with leading-edge PC workstations running Alias™ Maya and Foundary Nuke. There is also an audiovideo laboratory and two video studios with green screen and motion capture facilities. The school is also equipped with a 3D body scanner – one of only two in the UK.

Students on the Information Security and Biometrics Master's have access to a state-of-theart biometrics laboratory, which can be used for studying the characteristics of the different biometric modalities introduced during the course.

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SPP3 - Postgraduate Course #3

Successful Principles and Practice 3 (SPP3)

Postgraduate Course # 3

Interaction Design

http://www.ntu.ac.uk/apps/pss/course_finder/80907-1/10/MA_Interaction_Design.aspx?yoe=4&st=3&sv=4&sl=4

About this course
This degree provides you with an opportunity to push the boundaries of contemporary digital practice through the exploration of interaction between people, objects and environments using existing technologies, new developments and practices.

This will provide exciting opportunities to combine live and digitally created media. The taught elements of the course encompass new media developments and human interfaces, information spaces and interaction as an art form. 

You will be given opportunities to develop content and unique audience experiences using the full capabilities of new technologies in truly interdisciplinary ways.

We offer a great variety of MA titles, but best of all we give you the opportunity to work in a truly transdisciplinary environment. NTU gives MA students their own designated space, where you can meet students from different subject areas and obtain information and support from an MA coordinator and administrator. This makes it easy for you to work with your fellow students, learning the skills of collaborative and inter-cultural sensitivity.

Course content
You will develop, demonstrate and apply autonomous skills in research, analysis and practice through a structured programme which integrates scholarly and creative perspectives and processes.
Complete a new body of appropriately contextualised work that will display comprehensive knowledge and understanding of interaction design.
Practical and managerial expertise in project management and advanced research will be explored in the context of global cultural and creative industries.

You will complete the work proposed in your Learning Agreement; this is most likely to be a significant new body of practice accompanied by documentation of your research and a reflective journal. You may have chosen to write a dissertation and, if so, the length will have been formally agreed previously. In every case you will present your work appropriately, to an audience, in a professional, effective manner.

Importantly, you will be in an enabling environment and context that embraces, questions and explores the diverse fields contained with in interaction design. In particular, this course seeks to extend understanding of the ways in which practice works to incorporate cultural and technological developments.

Assessment
Assessment is carried out via coursework at the end of each phase, culminating in an exposition of student work towards the end of the course.

How do you study?
Lectures and seminars are delivered by NTU tutors and enhanced by the visiting lecture programme, which assists students in making professional contacts.

Students will receive individual and group tutorials, and be given opportunities to undertake interdisciplinary work as well as regular peer-review presentations.

Students will benefit greatly from the expertise of our teaching and supervisory staff, all of whom have exemplary knowledge and distinguished experience within their respective areas of practice. They will have ongoing contact with tutors, as well as 24-hour access to lecture notes and reading material via the University's virtual learning environment.

Resources and facilities
The MA is hosted by the School of Art and Design, giving students access to a range of excellent dedicated facilities within the School. Facilities are supervised by skilled technical personnel.

Opportunities for progression
A wide range of career opportunities are open to students, including opportunities to set up their own design businesses, secure prominent positions within companies in the are of new media, or find positions in event design, puppetry and digital animation.

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SPP3 - Postgraduate Course #2

Successful Principles and Practice 3 (SPP3)

Postgraduate Course # 2

User Experience Design

http://www.kingston.ac.uk/postgraduate-course/user-experience-design-msc/course-features.html

Qualification MSc
Duration Full time: 1 year, Part time: 2–3 years
Attendance Mixed, including block and day/evening sessions.  
Assessment Essays, presentations, research dissertations, user interfaces.  

Course structure
This programme runs as part of a suite of six courses available from Digital Media Kingston: MA/MSc User Experience Design, MA/MSc Games Development and MA/MSc 3D Computer Generated Imagery.

This new suite of courses are twinned across the arts and sciences to prepare you for employment in the digital media industry where teams of specialists work together to develop and author innovative digital media projects.

The courses have been specifically designed to utilise the best digital media expertise and resources from across the four faculties of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA); Art and Social Sciences (FASS); Computing, Information Systems and Mathematics (CISM); and Science (SCi). They have been developed in consultation with our industry panel, which includes representatives from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, DreamWorks and Samsung Design Europe.

The emphasis on project and team work provides an industry-focused learning experience where you can hone your own specialist skills in a professional context. Work placements, real projects, internships and an industry mentoring scheme mean these courses will arm you for entry into the fast-growing and highly competitive digital media arena.

What will you study?
In the introductory part of the course, common across all DMI courses, you will work with other students from diverse academic, creative and technical backgrounds to experience the commonalities in professional digital media practice.

The second part of the course looks at the core skills behind user-centred development, focusing on the analysis and design of multimodal, multimedia user interfaces that are easy to use and support compelling user experiences, and discover a range of relevant user theories (psychological, social etc) and their relevance to experience design.

The specialist modules focus on developing and contributing to projects in collaboration with other students from across the full DMI suite. The option modules include a design project, usability engineering, and/or mark-up languages, scripting and other 'high level' programming languages.

For your final project, you will take a professional role (eg user interface designer, user experience designer, information architect etc) in a team with other students to produce a professional piece of work.

Course structure
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

The full MSc consists of six core modules (two common to Digital Media Institute courses, and four common to Interaction Design), two option modules and a research project.

Core modules

• Digital Interdisciplinary Practice
• Digital Content Production Processes
• Experience Design I
• Experience Design II
• User Factors
• Usability Engineering

Option modules

• E-Technologies
• E-Business
• Introduction to Programming with Java
• Agile Development
• Craft Project
• Live Project
• Projects and Risk Management
• Requirements Engineering and Management

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SPP3 - Postgraduate Course #1

Successful Principles and Practice 3 (SPP3)

Postgraduate Course # 1

Mobile Computing
http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/pgprospectus/courses/mobile-applications-development.cfm

Aims of the course
The Mobile Computing MSc provides students with an in-depth understanding of the role of Software Engineering within IT dependent enterprises. Students develop capabilities in the analysis, evaluation and implementation of Mobile Computing principles as well as the appreciation of mobile platform project development issues, including design, development, communication, management, usability and related issues. The course addresses key aspects of Mobile Computing through integrated modules covering Mobile and Wireless Technology, Mobile platform Fundamentals and Mobile Applications Development. The course also aims to produce graduates who are equipped to both work in the software industry and pursue research in Mobile Computing.

Entry requirements
The standard entry requirement is an upper second or higher class Honours degree in computer science, information systems design or similar. Applicants with extensive and relevant work-related experience are also actively encouraged to apply. 

Course structure
Students will take five core modules, one optional module and a dissertation of around 15,000 words. 

Core modules: 

• Mobile and Wireless Technology
• Mobile platform Fundamentals
• Mobile Applications Development
• Information Security
• Research and Development Skills

Optional modules:

• Software Quality Assurance
• Advanced Software Engineering
• Large Scale OO DB Software Development
• Data Warehousing and Data Mining
• Web Mining and Web Search
• Relational and Object Database Development
• Internet Applications Design and Development
• Distributed Computing Paradigms
• Object-oriented Software Design and Development
• Applied Data Mining Techniques
• Software Project Management

Assessment
Students are assessed by a mixture of examinations, practical projects, in-course written work, group design critiques and presentations.

Career opportunities
On completion of the course graduates will be well equipped to work in some of the fastest growing sectors of the IT industry. Students will be eligible for high-end jobs such as technical architects and enterprise system consultants as well as placement within more general information systems development teams. The course also provides an excellent basis for further study and for those wishing to pursue a higher-level research degree, e.g. Ph.D., or embark on an industry-based research career.

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Research for Second Artefact - Personal Research Project

After the evaluation of my First Artefact, the outcome of the survey showed that there was no real public interest or engagement with QR Codes. I have therefore decided to design and develop my own advertising campaign to promote the use of QR Code with smartphone users in offering a free content or product.

To do this I've started researching various graphics and documents that mention mobile, tagging and QR Codes to get an idea of how they are used by users.

QR Code Awareness - http://www.austin-williams.com/blog/post.cfm/qr-code-infographic

Use of Mobile - http://www.prepaidmvno.com/2010/12/31/fortune-50-use-of-mobile-if-you%E2%80%99ve-got-it-flaunt-it/

Calvin Klein's QR Advert 'Get it Uncensored' - http://mashable.com/2010/07/13/calvin-klein-qr-code-billboard/

Microsoft Tag - http://tag.microsoft.com/consumer/index.aspx

Article on 'The QR-Ad, a new way of banner advertising' - http://mobile.kaywa.com/

The Future of Mobile Tagging -

<div style="width:425px" id="__ss_6508371"><strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="" title="PSFK presents Future Of Mobile Tagging Report ">PSFK presents Future Of Mobile Tagging Report </a></strong>

My advertising/educating campaign on QR Codes with use the following -

• Printed poster with infographics explaining how to use QR Codes
• A link to download a QR Code scanner
• A QR Code to download a product
• Web analytics to track the hits through the scanning of the QR Code

It's still just a rough concept, but I hope to develop it over the next few days.

Posted via email from City&Wool's Posterous

Technologies That Will Impact Location-based Service in 2010

QR Codes at 31%

Found through - http://socialwayne.com/tag/infographics/page/2/

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Colwyn Bay Hockey Club Fourth Mock Up

• The final mock up of the 4 wireframe designs
• The possibility of a left sided navigation menu, which would animate to display sub pages
• Content on the right side rather than left. Although I prefer the content on the left side
• Footers are all simple and clear

Posted via email from City&Wool's Posterous

Colwyn Bay Hockey Club Third Mock Up

• Another limited heading version, just testing the strength of the logo on its own. Prefer navigation on left.
• Don't think the icon/emblem can stand on it's own without the title. Maybe use just logo for mobile version of site?
• Main news highlight larger for emphasis.
• Tables on left too heavy. Personally prefer on the right.

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Colwyn Bay Hockey Club Second Mock Up

A few differences to the first mock up -

• Slightly more basic header, all centralized
• Search functionality and pitch temperature lower and more prominent
• Pitch temperature image to change with different temperatures or weather types

Posted via email from City&Wool's Posterous

Sit Here, Be Cool - Episode 8

Download now or watch on posterous

VIDEO0049.3gp (30742 KB)

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SPP3 - Web Designer Job #5

Successful Principles and Practice 3 (SPP3)

Job # 5

I'm adding in this extra job as I spotted that the first job would be working for http://pattersonmedical.com/

This job's working for the National Design Agency http://www.nda.ac.uk/  which could prove more beneficial that the first job, although this was posted in October.

Web Designer/Developer Intern

http://jobseekers.direct.gov.uk/detailjob.aspx?sessionid=05639522-c610-44bf-bbc5-d12bff24ee2a&pid=1&j=nps/59303

Job No:
NPS/59303

Wage:
NEGOTIABLE

Hours:
9AM TO 5PM MON TO FRI

Location:
NEAR COLWICK, NOTTINGHAM NG2

Duration:
Permanent

Date posted:
19 October 2010

Pension details:
No details held

Description:
The National Design Academy requires a keen intern to design and build a dynamic new website, including testing and fixing. The opportunity to further develop, improve and update the two existing websites which include e-commerce and CMS. A thorough knowledge of web design and delivery, compliance regulations and e-commerce is required to ensure websites are. compliant and accessible, plus a good understanding of SEO. This full time post will encourage creativity and provide an opportunity to further develop web design and webmaster skills. Video and audio skills would be an advantage. The role is initially for 6 months with the possibility of a permanent contract after this period. Must have a high BA BSc Hons or Masters Web Design Development with multi-media or similar and the experience to take over and further develop existing websites.

How to apply:
You can apply for this job by sending a CV/written application to Bella Riley at National Design Academy, recruitment@nda.ac.uk.

Employer:
National Design Academy

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SPP3 - Web Designer Job #4

Successful Principles and Practice 3 (SPP3)

Job # 4

Junior Web Designer

http://www.adtrak.co.uk/employment.php?a=uk

Adtrak LLP is looking for a Junior Web Designer to expand their Web Design Team, working within a vibrant and expanding company based in Nottingham City Centre just off the market square.

This is a great role for an individual to work within a fun and lively web department. You will be working on challenging projects and strong XHTML / Dreamweaver skills will be required. Projects are mainly centred around designing clients websites from initial concept through to coding and setting live.

The successful candidate will be self motivated, ambitious and eager to learn.

The position requires good knowledge of the following:

• XHTML
• CSS
• Photoshop
• Dreamweaver
• W3 Standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication

The following knowledge would be an advantage:

• Web Hosting, Domains & DNS
• Javascript & jQuery
• SEO / PPC
• Organisation Skills
• PHP/Coldfusion

Salary between £12k - £15k depending on experience.

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SPP3 - Web Designer Job #3

Successful Principles and Practice 3 (SPP3)

Job # 3

Web Designer
http://www.distinctionhq.com/Careers/Web-designers

We are looking for creative web designers with a passion for the web to join our team in Nottingham.

Core skills required:

• (x)HTML (5)
• CSS 3
• Javascript

Necessary experience:
Some relevant commercial experience working in, or with, a web or software company

Technical requirements:
Extensive experience working with HTML and xHTML
Excellent understanding of CSS 3
Good understanding of wireframing and project planning
Appreciation of best practice with xHTML and CSS
Appreciation of web accessibility standards
Javascript - including exposure to client-side libraries such as jQuery, Mootools, etc
A passion for web design and a desire to push boundaries and set new trends

Interpersonal skills:
Creative but logic mindset
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Highly motivated and detail-oriented
Desire to learn new skills

To stand out, you might also have:
Experience of using CMS platforms
An understanding of integrating database-driven content
Experience with Social Media networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter
Testing experience – Test-Driven Development, Unit Testing (NUnit, XUnit), Mocking

Educational requirements:
No specific requirements, although a flair for design is crucial

Location:
This is a full time role, working flexible hours, Monday to Friday in our Nottingham office.

Compensation:
Competitive, dependant on experience.

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SPP3 - Web Designer Job #2

Successful Principles and Practice 3 (SPP3)
Job # 2

Graphic Designer / Website Designer
http://www.cordius.co.uk/content/viewvacancy/vacancy/graphic-website-designer-nottingham/index.html

Location: Nottingham

Type: Permanent

Ref: JB/1248

HTML, XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP (Desirable), Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Web Developer, Artworker, East Midlands, Nottinghamshire, Nottingham.

Salary: £16000 - £20000 per annum, plus 25 days holiday.
Location: Nottingham City Centre
Start Date: ASAP

Headquartered in Nottingham, we are a growing company with a fast moving and supportive environment! With a major rebrand of our web estate already underway (6 global sites) and plans to commence rebuilding them all in the next few months, we have a requirement for a Graphic Designer / Web Designer at our Nottingham office.

Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities:
To work as part of the marketing team providing graphics skills and experience. Your role will report to the PHP developer and assist in the re-design and evolvement of our current websites. You will be expected to contribute ideas in discussions, produce concept designs that fit within our brand guidelines and then work with our developer to deliver these as new online content. This online work is likely to include buttons, forms, icons and navigation for the website, Flash banner adverts for online marketing and HTML email campaigns.

You’ll also be responsible for providing offline content, working with designs and artwork suitable for print. Work will likely include corporate brochures, press advertisements and direct mail campaigns.

Key Skills:
Educated to degree level (or equivalent), you will have strong graphics skills and be keen to develop your coding capabilities. A sociable person with at least 12 months experience in a graphics related role.

You should be able to demonstrate the following;

• Strong graphic design skills, use of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.
• Experience using Adobe Flash (animated banners)
• Creative flair and ideas
• HTML and CSS coding skills
• Understanding of Web standards
• Understanding of Print standards

To apply for this role, please email your CV (with portfolio or example web links) and covering letter to application4jb @cordius.co.uk

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SPP3 - Web Designer Job #1

Successful Principles and Practice 3 (SPP3)

Job # 1

Web Designer
http://www.kelsojones.co.uk/Vacancy/Design-and-Creative/Web-Designer/4110

Reference: 13776

Contract: Permanent
Job Category: Design and Creative
Location: Nottinghamshire
Salary: £25,000 per annum

Job Specification:
This is a fantastic opportunity to join the in-house studio of one of the world's leading suppliers of medical products. Based in North Nottinghamshire our client seeks to recruit a Web Designer with excellent attention to detail. The successful candidate will be responsible for the layout, visual appearance and usability of all of the company's websites, ensuring that brand continuity is maintained.

Job Accountabilities:
To work closely with the Digital Marketing Executives to devise and oversee ecommerce strategy.
Manage the scoping, design and feedback process for online creative and promotional real estate liaising with colleagues across marketing, product management and IT functions.
Testing web site functionality in different browsers and at different resolutions.
Implement all content and rich media changes on the company's websites; more specifically:

- Email creative design and HTML build.
- On / off site banners / imagery.
- Creation of new landing page concepts (for A/B testing purposes).
- Integrated video

Work closely with print designers to ensure consistency of brand identity and marketing campaign messages across all of the Patterson Medical websites.
Manage the rich media library.

Knowledge and Experience:
Strong Web-based experience.
Portfolio of previous design experience (web page, email, banner / display ads etc).
Experience of working within a developing team / redesign of a major website.
Understand how website design and content influences search engine optimisation, usability and accessibility.
Previous experience of design and build of email communications; including use of best practice techniques for deliverability and user engagement.
Good understanding of HTML, CSS, XHTML (Dreamweaver / Photoshop).
Knowledge of Flash useful.
Knowledge of JavaScript useful.
Knowledge of Google website optimiser or similar tools useful.
Must be able to prioritise, working to tight deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively.

Key Competencies:
Planning and Organisation Skills.

Problem Solving & Decision Making.
Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of media and at all levels.
Ability to work under pressure.
Acts on Initiative.
Teamwork.
Attention to detail.

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Multimedia & 3D Designer (Job)

OK, maybe this is a little more relevant to other pathways rather than us web designers, but I though I would highlight it anyway.

Reference: 13803
Contract: Permanent
Job Category: Design and Creative
Location: Nottinghamshire
Salary: £30,000 per annum

Job Specification:

Our client is looking for someone with the ability to be adaptable to market trends and flexible in their work-types and methods and most of all, be highly skilled in key programs, including:

• 3D Studio Max
• AfterEffects
• Premiere
• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• Video camera operation
• Encore

You will be an enthusiastic and communicative team member with a positive attitude; dedication and willingness to work hard often under high production pressure.

Our client has an in-house film studio and has been in the 3D market for a number of years so they are a mature player. They’re fairly keen to move with this vacancy, so if you feel you can fit this role, please apply urgently. We would also like to see an impressive portfolio of previous work and links to relevant work online.

via http://www.kelsojones.co.uk/Vacancy/Design-and-Creative/Multimedia-And-3-D-Designer/4139

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Successful Principles and Practice 3 (SPP3) - Coursework Brief

Just clarifying a running brief that's been set a while ago.

With regards to full-time jobs I'm going to be looking for general web designer roles, and with regards to University post-graduate courses I will be looking at courses around the subject of application, mobile and interaction design.

I've also been researching the design of portfolios for web designers - http://www.back40design.com/news/m.blog/22/web-design-portfolio and this is my current portfolio - http://www.cityandwool.co.uk/portfolio I think it needs some improving and checking over, but I'm happy with the simple grid design to display my work.
 
Successful Principles and Practice 3 (SPP3)
Coursework Brief

Task A
Find four real-word full-time Multimedia jobs that are currently being advertised or have been advertised in the last three months. Create a mock application for one of the four jobs.

Task B
Identify four post-graduate courses that are currently being advertised. Create a mock application for one of the four courses.

Submission Elements

• The job advertisements of each of the four jobs identified, this should include a job description if available;
• The course outlines for each of the courses identified
• Completed application forms for the job and course “applied” for
• Appropriate covering letters for the job and course “applied” for
• Your Curriculum Vitae;
• A one thousand word rationale outlining why you ‘applied’ for the specific job and course.
• An electronic Portfolio that acts as material to support your application

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Artefact 1 - A Survey on Quick Response Codes - Evaluation

To gain a better understanding of how users perceive Quick Response Code, I presented them with a survey consisting of 10 questions. This survey was then completed by 51 users. Although many users found it difficult to complete it due to a lack of knowledge on the subject, I found that the data gathered was useful in clarifying my second artefact. As technology and software play a big part in the success of QR Codes, I decided not to restrict the participants to any prior requirements and presented it to a mixture of users. This gave me a clearer picture on how well the technology had been adopted but also highlighted faults in the design of the survey itself. In not using any form of branching, all non-relevant questions where visible to all users. This included questions on scanning QR Codes although the user may not have a smartphone to do so. In choosing to use SurveyMonkey for the set  up and distribution of the survey it was easy and effortless. However if I were to re-design the survey I would have researched alternative online methods that would have supported branching, or possibly drawn upon my own abilities to created one myself. After a group discussion it was clear that some questions could have been improved in being more precise with scales and detail, in which I agreed. This included adding a visual element of a QR Code for users to see and example, and to change a large scale to a more precise, smaller scale to show more depth in the data. Although there were faults with the survey, which I could have improved, the outcome of the survey showed that there was no real public interest or engagement with QR Codes.

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Freelance Students - A Guide to Getting The Job You Want (PDF)

Download now or preview on posterous

freelancestudents_get_the_job_you_want_guide.pdf (1067 KB)

Get your own copy for free via - http://www.freelancestudents.co.uk/2700/a-guide-to-getting-the-job-you-want/

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An Experienced User of Social Networks

Being considered as 'an experienced user of social networks,' I was asked by fellow Multimedia student Steven Carroll to complete his questionnaire.

 

After spending some time to write my answers down, I thought I'd again share my answers as the may be of interest to someone. As always feel free to add your opinion by commenting on anything I've said.

 

1. Please tell me, which social networks you are a member of and your primary reasons for being a member?

 

Facebook 

• To stay connected with friends and family
• Be informed of social events
• A way of logging many good photo memories
• Chatting with friends 

Flickr

• Auto-posting function set up from my Posterous blog
• Sharing my photographs and designs with a more professional audience

Foursquare

• I have an interest in geo-location
• Competition with other Foursquare users in becoming Mayor
• Rewards and discounts for becoming a Mayor
• To some day be able to collect all my location date and create heat maps of my live on Foursquare (Could be considered as Foursquare art?)

Google Buzz

• A feed of all my professional social network activity (This means it doesn’t include Facebook)
• Came with my Gmail Account

Tumblr

• Auto-posting function set up from my Posterous blog
• Able to connect with a different audience, for example, I have friends that use Tumblr over any other blogging platform

Twitter

• Custom searches looking for keywords, for example; need web designer, know web designer and hire web designer
• Contacting potential clients
• Self-promotion
• Auto-posting new blog posts from my Posterous blog
• Tapping into a professional network
• A form of bookmarking websites (I tweet and re-tweet things that I may need to use in the future, or want to keep a track of in some way)

2. Have you ever clicked on an advertisement on a social network, if so why?  I am interested in if any of these factors influenced you to click, colour, images used, font style, interactivity or just the product.

 

When it comes to adverts on social networks, I’m a stereotypical bloke that likes things to be visually pleasing, direct to the point and relevant. Since social networks can tap into your personal information adverts I click on are usually very relevant to myself. In my case, Facebook likes to bring up adverts on the subject of web designing, drumming and hot single girls. All of which catch my eye because of two things; relevance of the product and the images used. Being a user that likes the visual aspects of an advert over how it’s written is the first step for me. Interactivity does play a part in some cases, however I think these days the classic ‘Win an iPod by shooting ducks’ type of interactive adverts have been overdone, and in most cases proves to be a distraction from the products or offer. With other factors like colour and font, I’m a sucker for good, slick design. Anything that clashes from a design point of view doesn’t entice me to buy their product or click on their advert.

 

3. If you’ve never clicked on an advert on a social network why not? I am interested in targeted advertising; social networks that use your information, does your information used influence you not to click?

 

Although I have clicked on an advert on a social network I want to address the point about targeted advertising.

 

For me targeted advertising can go either way. It can target a relevant audience in a more efficient way to a traditional way of branding everyone with the same advert and hoping for the best. However in doing this targeted advertising, companies are limiting the possibility for spontaneity by restricting you to liking the things, and only these things you’ve stated. For example, I’m a keen drummer and have been for years. I’ve seen my share of relevant drumming type adverts and may have clicked on a few too, but what’s these for me to break out of liking drumming and learning the saxophone? I happen to have an interest in learning the saxophone at some point but would does advertising lose out on targeting me to buy saxophone lessons? Ultimately this is an advanced step to targeted advertising, knowing that I play the drums but also like jazz and funk music, would this hypothetical super social network be able to calculate that I may like saxophone adverts? Maybe it’s probably because I haven’t stated that I like these types of music but ultimately having social networks use your personal information to target you with relevant adverts is a good think. At the end of the day it’s helping you save time searching for something yourself but you still have the free will to click on that advert or not. I personally do.

 

4. Would you like to make any other comments about direct-targeted advertising on social networks?  Your opinions matter as an experience user of social networks.

 

I suppose I’ve used the last question to creatively rant about that.

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Personal Research Project - Artefact 1 - A Survey on Quick Response Codes

Download now or preview on posterous

prp_artefact_1_qrcodes_survey.pdf (165 KB)

This is a copy of my presentation for my tutorial group tomorrow.

Full review of my first artefact will be uploaded after presenting this to my group.

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Personal Research Project Artefact 1 - Quick Response Codes Survey

Here's the data collected from my first artefact, my survey on Quick Response Codes.

On 2 February 2011, 51 users had completed the survey.

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Create an Instant Band Name and Album Cover - Design Exercise

I've just been introduce to a new game/design exercise by http://rainworksdesign.com/

Here are the rules -

1. Go to “wikipedia.” Hit “random… Read More” or click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
   The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.
2. Go to “Random quotations” or click http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
   The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.
3. Go to flickr and click on “explore the last seven days” or click http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
   Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.
4. Use photoshop or similar to put it all together. Make sure it’s a square. 500 x 500 pixels is ideal.

Examples of others can be found here - http://emptees.com/posts/14775-create-an-instant-band-name-and-album-cover

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Colwyn Bay Hockey Club - First Mock Up of Many

Just managed to push out this rough mock up of my first wireframe. I'm currently working on the others which will be uploaded in time.

I'm currently using stock photos from http://www.sxc.hu/

I'm also unsure about exact titles of pages at the moment but it gives my client a rough idea of what it will look like.

Creative criticism welcomed.

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Sit Here, Be Cool - Episode 7

It's a little later than planned due to my laptop not working over the past 2 weeks or so, but here it is.

My Survey on QR Codes - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DZMDWBW
A Creative Discussion on Twitter - http://blog.cityandwool.co.uk/a-creative-discussion-on-twitter-tweative
Andy Rutledge - The Employable Web Designer - http://www.andyrutledge.com/the-employable-web-designer.php

Recorded on an iPod Touch

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