Studio Visit Bolser Leeds

Bolser started off as a marketing agency near Leeds airport. It is a family run business. I popped in for a studio visit where we talked about several subjects that were essential for me to understand which path I want to take after my degree. It was a Senior designer, Ryan who talked to me about what Bolser produce.

The whole purpose of the visit was to understand a designers part when working in a studio producing design for new formats. This is something I am interested in but didn't know too much about. I jotted down notes from the chat so the following will be bullet points of what I learnt whilst there.

- The program used to create apps for Andriod and Iphone formats is Appcelerator.
- Each format needs its own design and coding, if its something simple the Andriod and iphone can be shared.
- Bolser mainly produce for Nokia formats

Design Process for creating an app
- Brief, all designers meet and brainstorm ideas
- The coding team create API of what the app needs to do
- User Flow chart - Site map (designer)
- Wire framing- omnigraffle, Program used
- User Interface sits on top of programming
- Preset Templates from smashing magazine for different formats
- User exceptance testing. Two people test the app in the studio and tick off the API, and note any problems before sending the app off.

The above was really useful, I also was given a rough idea of each stage of the design process. The app was for O2 a rewards scheme but for a new Nokia. It seems the designers do get more time than expected to produce the visuals.

We then looked at my PDF and he seemed really happy with the work I had produce, he directed me to the smashingmagazine.com for free UI & Website presets which will be really useful for my third year.

We then Spoke about new technologies such as NFC, which is a new tagging system which is expected to become popular in the next year or two, I have started to research into NFC and would like to use this when possible in my third year. DC Blog

Then finally I asked if you was looking to employ a designer for Bolser What would you expect and like to see.
- A lot of Visuals
- Creative Ideas
- And if it was to be built would the app work.

Ryan then asked if I had sent emails to other agencies and I explained that I had but it was hard to get replies, Bolser is a family run agency and are always happy to talk to young creatives, Ryan also suggested to email madebypi and the Engine Room.