M.O.S

Background

Ministry of Sound is an iconic, world-renowned brand, synonymous with dance music.

The club opened in London in September 1991 as a pioneering and unique venue at the forefront of a youth culture revolution, and over the past 17 years has played host to the biggest artists and DJs in the world. The record company which followed is now the biggest independent label in the world with countless No.1 albums and singles, and award-winning videos.

Today you can access Ministry of Sound through a range of products and media. It has international venues, national and international tours, releases over 170 compilations and chart topping singles annually, a radio station, collaborations with mobile networks, a music download site, electronics/audio ranges, clothing, vodka, fragrance ranges and ministryofsound.com.

The brand was established with a vision to do things better than, and different from, everyone else, and this belief is carried through everything we do. We are not afraid to break new ground, be provocative and challenge convention.

The Challenge

We have a history of unusual and creative brand awareness campaigns, from guerilla advertising to virals, all based around the distinctive logo. With so many new and varied products coming out, we feel it’s time to do this again, reminding people what the brand is all about and what it stands for.

We want to see exciting and innovative uses of the logo, that will gain the maximum amount of attention and get across to people what a unique and creative brand this is. We are open to all solutions and will pick and action the best idea for summer 2009.

The challenge is to demonstrate how the existing logo can be applied to different environments and media spaces. The brief is not to redesign the logo itself.

You can find the logo in the project pack at ycnonline.com

Brand Attributes

— Authentic. Coming from an original vision, remaining always relevant and giving you something to

believe in that ultimately makes you feel good.

— Iconic. The desire for people to love us and hate us while competing with others to be the best.

— Hedonistic. Fearlessly seeking pleasure through intensifying the here and now.

— Confident. The belief in our knowledge and expertise and the conviction to pursue an ideal.

— Maverick. Behaving deliberately non-conformist because it ‘feels right’ to nurture an

entrepreneurial spirit.

Deliverables

Please adhere to the deliverables guidelines in the Awards section at ycnonline.com. Full details on the judging process and associated timings can also be found online.

Castrol

The Brief

Create awareness of which oil to buy for cars. Make Castrol stand out

Concept/Proposition

The challenge is to create a range of packaging solutions that improve the stand-out, pouring experience and navigation of the Castrol brand, resulting in improved consumer loyalty and affinity.

We are keeping things deliberately very broad. For the purpose of this exercise there are deemed to be no manufacturing restrictions.

Target Audience

You may wish to consider males/females separately, or produce something that appeals to both.

Considerations

Areas I need to investigate to deliver an effective solution.

Mandatory Requirements

If you wish you can incorporate the Castrol logo into your work, available in the project pack online.

Deliverables

For guidance on how to submit your work please adhere to the main deliverables information at http://student.aisforawards.org

Any additional supporting information referenced in the brief, including artwork and logos, can be found in the project pack at http://student.aisforawards.org

Studio Deadline

Tba

Castrol

— Castrol

Create a range of packaging solutions that improve the stand-out, pouring experience and navigation of the Castrol brand.

Context

As vehicles have become more complex, sophisticated, and reliable the level of owner interaction has reduced significantly and oil changes are carried out by specialists in automotive workshops.

There is, however, a continuing need to ‘top-up’ oil between services to replenish that which is ‘burnt off’ during everyday usage. As a category, oil has become more complex with a range of products to suit different needs. This has resulted in it being very difficult to easily identify and navigate the category. In fact, research indicates that consumers spend eight minutes on average at fixture, considering their purchase.

However, despite this, on average 84% of people drive their car with lower oil levels than recommended. Having the correct level can result in fuel economy gains of 2-3 mpg, and reduced wear and tear on the engine.

Finally the consumer experience of pouring oil is always rated as below average using traditional packaging solutions.

The Creative Challenge

The challenge is to create a range of packaging solutions that improve the stand-out, pouring experience and navigation of the Castrol brand, resulting in improved consumer loyalty and affinity.

We are keeping things deliberately very broad. For the purpose of this exercise there are deemed to be no manufacturing restrictions.

Target Audience

You may wish to consider males/females separately, or produce something that appeals to both.

Mandatories

If you wish you can incorporate the Castrol logo into your work, available in the project pack online.

Deliverables, Artwork and Additional Information

For guidance on how to submit your work please adhere to the main deliverables information at http://student.aisforawards.org

Any additional supporting information referenced in the brief, including artwork and logos, can be found in the project pack at http://student.aisforawards.org

YCN Student Awards 2009/10 | http://student.aisforawards.org

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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.

MadeByPi Leeds

Another app/webs based agency in Leeds I have sent an email to today.

Engine Room Leeds

This is an agency I have emailed today. Really concentrate on new technologies and apps. Quite like this idea of presenting the concept for Asda and to see how professionals also present.

Progress

After a week I have heard back from one agency, Bolser based in Leeds and today I payed a day visit to find out what knowledge it takes to design for new technology formats. I was also reccomened to try another two agencies in Leeds to find out more information in apps.

PocketApp London

London Office

7 Swallow Place

London

W1B 2AG

UK

Tel: +44 20 7183 4388

Fax: +44 20 7379 0801

Email: contact@pocketapp.co.uk

Bolser Leeds

Bolser

Leeds

bolser
3

Moorfield Mills


Leeds


LS19 7EA

apps@bolser.co.uk

From initial idea to final testing, we take care of the entire mobile application development process. We develop foriPhone, iPad, Windows Phone, Android, Ovi (Nokia) andBlackberry. PRINCE2 project management makes sure everything runs smoothly, on time and on budget. And because our background is in marketing, we can help you make your mobile app work as part of a larger strategy.

To see our expertise in integrated campaigns go to the mainbolser.co.uk website.

Signature Digital Leicester

Signature Digital


6 Dominus Way,


Meridian Business Park,


Leicester,

LE19 1RP

Tel: 0116 326 0900


Fax: 0116 326 0905


Email: info@signaturedigital.co.uk

Our creative team provide everything you need for the web... and we don't even look that strange! Why not arrange a meeting to come in and talk to us - we'd love to meet you. Call us on 0116 282 2181.

What can you expect from Signature Digital

Services that grow your business

We deliver when we say we are going to deliver

Expert advice, a strategy, a plan

No Jargon, the answers you need in plain English

Services that you can easily manage in-house

We give you a competitive edge

Increasing your sales and enquiries

Hedgehog Lab - Newcastle

Hedgehog lab

Suite 12 & 13, The Kiln

Hoults Yard, Walker Road

Newcastle Upon Tyne

NE6 1AB

United Kingdom

info@hedgehoglab.com

We help build software for mobile, the web, and desktop. We love to work with clients who want a honest, transparent supplier to help build their next website, implement a bespoke software system or need advice on scaling their web platform.

What do we stand for?

We have our own unique take on writing software and how business should be run. Our core values define why we take pride in what we do.

Build software people love

We aren't content with building software that are merely useful or good. We want to build the best products that our customers will love and rave about.

We care immensely about the products we build, and we pay attention to every detail from usability to quality of what we deliver. We want to build affordable, usable software that doesn't involve learning.

Turn customers into fans

We strive constantly to exceed all expectations. Customer Service isn't just an operational tool to us. We believe exceptional customer service is a competitive advantage and a core part of doing business.

People are our greatest assets

Although our business is building software, we believe that our people are our most valuable intellectual property. We believe that if you create a great working environment for people and empower them with the right tools, great products and service will be natural outcomes.

Size doesn't matter

We believe that hiring more people doesn't necessarily equal better performance or signify growth. We would rather work with 5 exceptional people who have immense talent, than flood our organisation with mediocre people churning out sub-standard products.

Red- C Landan

Red C 


81 Rivington Street 


London 


EC2A 3AY 


United Kingdom

info@red-c.co.uk

Red C is a full-service provider of digital and mobile publishing solutions – including digital editions of magazines, books, journals, gallery exhibition catalogues and a wide range of other print publications. We've become known as iPad magazine app specialists in London.

We provide fast, technologically advanced and cost-effective solutions that propel our clients into the digital publishing arena.

EVERY TITLE IS UNIQUE

The Red C team does not believe one solution fits all. We're happy to produce simple digital editions (the traditional swipe, pinch and rotate PDFs) but encourage our clients to keep future-proof their technology – as it's by far the most effective way to grow and continue to engage a user base.

We also believe that titles need to be able to adapt and grow within the digital arena. Via the Red C platform our clients' digital editions can easily be updated with both data and functionality – at any time.

INVEST IN TECHNOLOGY THAT'S GOING PLACES

HTML5 is rocking the apps world – hailed as the future for publishing apps, its advantages are many: apps can be published to multiple platforms, pages resize beautifully on rotation, no font limitations. Yet some editions are best placed as specific native versions – such as Fabergé's Art Journal for the iPad, which is a striking showcase for the contemporary art and stories surrounding the brand's fascinating heritage. Flagged by Apple as the no 2 New & Noteworthy iPad app for over a month, it is reaching its target market perfectly – in fact downloads have far exceeded expectations.

Technology can be a minefield, but Red C specialists can advise you as to the most suitable and likely to succeed options for your brand and budget.

Red C Publishing Services:

• Low one-off cost: Red C has invested over a quarter of a million pounds in building a system that cuts costs dramatically for our clients.
• Fast: our proprietary system enables extremely fast turnarounds – i.e. within a week for a simple magazine app.
• Cutting-edge technology: simply replicating print editorial in a digital format is great, but not enough. Tablet and smartphone users have high digital expectations. They expect to see interactive elements, embedded movies and live information.
• Bespoke stylish design: or Red C will work directly with your in-house designer.
• Inbuilt advertising: monitise your app by linking the ads to webpages within the app.
• Detailed analytics: in-depth app usage and advertising statistics by region.
• NO tie-in.
• NO ongoing commission.
• NOT just one fixed solution: Red C can convert your publication into a native iPad, Andriod and Blackberry app and/or an HTML5 web app that will work on all tablets and touch devices. Plus we're always open to new ideas.
• Multiple routes to market: for example, for magazines (via Apple's subscription model) or keep 100% of subs revenues by selling via your own site.

Prices

Standard iPad Magazine App

£2000 Setup fee for each magazine
Plus
£3 per standard image page
£5 per hotspot page (hotspots can link to web pages or PDF’s)
£200 per video
£100 per dynamic HTML5 page

Custom iPad Magazine App

Please fill in our enquiry form for a free quote

New email to be sent for day Visits

Dear Sir/ Madam,

The reason for contacting you was for help with some research within my degree.

I am currently studying BA Graphic Design at Leeds College of Art, and within my second year I would like to prepare myself for after I finish my third year. The reason for contacting ….. is because I would like to research into the different design stages when creating Apps for new technologies. This is an area of design I would like to find out more about to give me a greater understanding for when I return to College in late September.

I appreciate that your extremely busy with work at the minute but I was wondering if you could possibly have a look at the attached PDF with a few pieces of design work I have produced just to get professional feedback as this would immensely help me progress my work further. Or even better would it be possible to visit the studio to talk about the design cycle and stages for developing Apps?

Thank-you for your time

Kind regards

Paul Brandreth

Third Year?

Over the summer I have left design work for a few weeks and started to think what would I want to be working as after my third year. At the start of the summer I wanted to concentrate on typography as image. I experimented a bit with typography but struggled to find places where it could be used within industry unless it was freelance. Now I have looked at what I can produce well and I think my strength is information graphics, layout and typography. I have been thinking where this could be used which would be challenging and I could find interesting. After winning the YCN with an app, I have decided to research and look into design for new technologies such as the iphone, android and ipad. I plan to find out the basic information and gain a greater understanding of how apps and the format needed to work to for these outputs. Then I would like to visit studios to find out the process of designing the apps. As this would be something I would be interested in.

Response from Rooted Design - Bristol

Hey Paul,

sorry for the slow response, it was nice to get your email.

Different agencies will tell you different things, and will look for different things in your portfolio. Most of my work is within the Arts and Cutural sector of society, so my advice will possibly be very different to any you might get from more corporate design studios who work with finance, business to business etc.

Personally, regardless of the sector you're aiming for, I like seeing evidence of real creativity in a persons work. A lot of designers fill their portfolios with weighty industry names (Nike, Barclays, Sony etc) that they've done some work for, in order, presumably, to get more of the same kind of work. I'm rarely impressed by that stuff because those kinds of companies are so laden with guidelines that it's almost impossible to do anything vaguely creative for them. You're much more likely to be able to flex your creative muscles working for a start up, or for other creative indiviuals or companies. Don't be too averse to designing for free either. 90% of designers will tell you never to work for free, but for me, if it's going to look good in my portfolio then I'll definitely do it for free if there is no chance of getting paid.

You're in your 2nd year so you have a little while to think about it, but for me, I was never interested in working for a big design agency churning out fairly generic work - this is the best way to get paid well, but I prefer to get by modestly, and maintain some creative integrity. That said, it's nice to have a balance to keep afloat. 70% of the work I do is low paid but artistically rewarding, the other 30% is for solicitors, parmaceuticals and the entertainment industry. Without that 30% I'd be very poor, but without the 70% I'd have lost my soul.

After you're studies, if you can afford to, get an internship somewhere decent. I never did this, as they didn't really exist when I finished uni, but they will give you some work to do, which you can stick in your portfolio and it will look great on your CV. Regardless of the design route you want to take, if you can get in with a decent agncy somewhere straight after uni then go for it, even if the work isn't exciting. You'll learn so much about how the industry works, and this will be really valuable if you decide to go freelance.

I hope that helps a bit, not sure if it's what you were after. The PDF you attached looks good and professional, but as I mentioned above, personally I like to see something exciting and wildly creative in a portfolio, even if it's for a person or company I've never heard of. One thing I like to do when things are a little quiet on the work front, is to approach companies that I'm interested in, or that I've seen designs for that I feel could be improved, ie billboards, websites etc, and send them a carefully worded letter suggesting I design something for them, on the basis that they only pay for it if they like it. This has had mixed results for me, but whatever happens you end up with something that you are pleased with that can go straight into the portfolio.

All the best with it & good luck with your final year.


Peter Moffat
www.rooted-design.co.uk

Placement

Over the summer I have been trying to gain a work placement. I have tried over twenty agencies but getting a reply is hard enough never mind asking for a placement. I have now decided to ask for a day visit to studios and take it from there to ask for a placement.