Monday, 18 March 2013
Thursday, 14 March 2013
Client Projectttt
After spending yesterday adding content, seems I have actually saved it as it's not there so yesterday was a brilliant waste of time. Seeing Shaun today to show him the site so far. Made a domain so can now view it live & also finally managed to make it responsive although needs some work on postions & that.
Seeing Claire today to show her the progress as she couldnt meet yesterday, sent her emails of screen shots and she seems pleased with it but can now show her it live. Just need to work on responsive code and re add content
On the content page I added her address as map of business which is her house, she didnt want this on but is happy to keep her phone number and likes the email form link
Seeing Claire today to show her the progress as she couldnt meet yesterday, sent her emails of screen shots and she seems pleased with it but can now show her it live. Just need to work on responsive code and re add content
On the content page I added her address as map of business which is her house, she didnt want this on but is happy to keep her phone number and likes the email form link
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Artefact 3
Haven't been up to date with research for a week or 2 as I just came to dead end with is after the 2nd artefact. After seeing Simon yesterday I explained how i didn't think artefact 2 would lead on to a good question for artefact 3, he then asked what I want to do when I leave the course & I told him about joining the police. He said using this could be a good artefact as it will be interesting to me and can make it relevant to my research project.
I am going to look at the police a s a community, how a situation (such as the riots) could lead them to using the internet such as their website and social networking. How has it changed from a few years ago to now?
I am going to look at the police a s a community, how a situation (such as the riots) could lead them to using the internet such as their website and social networking. How has it changed from a few years ago to now?
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
Close To Client Deadlines
Less than 2 weeks to client deadline, been in contact with Claire a lot & she seems to like what I have done, meeting with her tomorrow so she can see it live & then I can make any final changes before Monday then start on evaluation.
Friday, 8 March 2013
Lightbox Gallery
Claire wanted a gallery page to showcase the cakes she has made, I used the lightbox gallery which isn't working on IE at the minute but i'm working on it.
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
Just Wondering
Why I agreed to do a responsive site, can not for the life of me get it to work, about ready to cry.
Friday, 1 March 2013
Client
Haven't posted about client project for a while, still ongoing with it, meet with Claire regularly to discuss ideas. Explained to her about responsive sites and she decided she wants that, so going to start working on doing that. She liked the lightbox gallery to show the cakes, contact page hasnt been done yet but she wants it connecting to her social networking sites & if possible to also do that on the homepage.
How the homepage currently looks:
How the homepage currently looks:
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
Artefact 2 Evaluation
Following my first artefact of the questionnaire from business owners, I wanted to look into the extent of how much they used their online presence to sell their business. I looked into 15 of the 30 companies from the results of my first artefact I wanted to find out more into what they used digital media for e.g. advertising themselves or selling their products. How well do they use the opportunities of the web and establish the levels of effort, investment and relevance the business put into their website / social networking site. I also looked at companies that had both a website and Facebook page and then either or to see if this made a difference. The image created of comparing the sites can be seen in a previous post, I looked at how relevant the information was, the general design and layout, how often the site was updated. It was surprising that even though all companies from the questionnaire answered that their business had some sort of online activity that only 2 out of the 15 I looked into had a generally good website that was used to the full degree. Narborough Hall and Marks Electrical had the ability to not just view products but also order them online. Companies that ticked they had a Facebook page, the majority of them didnt actually use them at all. Claire's Cakes had 700 like on her Facebook page, often updating images and introducing competitions for her online views.
Marks Electrical were a business I interviewed for my actual research project and they said how much social networking had improved their business. Angela Adams, manager of Marks Electrical explained that the website which was set up 10 years ago for customers to buy the products online has massively boosted sales, with around 70% of sales being online. The Internet as a whole has a massive impact on the profits of Marks Electrical. The website allows an online booking service for the product to be installed the next day. An automated email or text is then sent to the customer to tell them of delivery times. It allows it to be quicker and easier for both the customer and business. This shows me them using the web to a full extent, being the local business that has the highest turnover (annually of £18 million) that I researched into leads me to question if using the digital media opportunities reflects on the success of the business.
The results also showed that some businesses established 15-20 years ago use social networking, some don’t although do have websites. Showing me that time businesses established doesn’t effect online presence. My results show that all local businesses have an online presence of some sort, however the extent to which they use them to good degree isn’t applaudable. Many websites are very basic, simply designed with no links to social networking or ability to buy products. Many create a Facebook page so the content has the potential to generate favourable search engine results for the business and brand.
Marks Electrical were a business I interviewed for my actual research project and they said how much social networking had improved their business. Angela Adams, manager of Marks Electrical explained that the website which was set up 10 years ago for customers to buy the products online has massively boosted sales, with around 70% of sales being online. The Internet as a whole has a massive impact on the profits of Marks Electrical. The website allows an online booking service for the product to be installed the next day. An automated email or text is then sent to the customer to tell them of delivery times. It allows it to be quicker and easier for both the customer and business. This shows me them using the web to a full extent, being the local business that has the highest turnover (annually of £18 million) that I researched into leads me to question if using the digital media opportunities reflects on the success of the business.
The results also showed that some businesses established 15-20 years ago use social networking, some don’t although do have websites. Showing me that time businesses established doesn’t effect online presence. My results show that all local businesses have an online presence of some sort, however the extent to which they use them to good degree isn’t applaudable. Many websites are very basic, simply designed with no links to social networking or ability to buy products. Many create a Facebook page so the content has the potential to generate favourable search engine results for the business and brand.
Friday, 22 February 2013
Artefact 2 Findings
Findings from Artefact 2..
Although all 15 companies I researched into had some sort of online existence, only 2 of them actually used the website to the full degree and their Facebook pages were frequently updated with the public also engaging, Marks Electrical had over 13,000 likes.
Websites were used predominantly for advertising and social networking to encourage online “word of mouth”. The only site avaliable to buy products were the two that had both a frequently updated facebook and website with good layout and design. (Narborough Hall & Marks Electrical)
My results showed that some businesses established 15-20 years ago use social networking, some don’t although do have websites. Showing me that time businesses established doesn’t effect online presence.
Hair and beauty services rely massively on social networking & word of mouth.
Although all 15 companies I researched into had some sort of online existence, only 2 of them actually used the website to the full degree and their Facebook pages were frequently updated with the public also engaging, Marks Electrical had over 13,000 likes.
Websites were used predominantly for advertising and social networking to encourage online “word of mouth”. The only site avaliable to buy products were the two that had both a frequently updated facebook and website with good layout and design. (Narborough Hall & Marks Electrical)
My results showed that some businesses established 15-20 years ago use social networking, some don’t although do have websites. Showing me that time businesses established doesn’t effect online presence.
Hair and beauty services rely massively on social networking & word of mouth.
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Artefact 2,
Artefact 2:
To what extent do local businesses use the opportunities of having an online presence, to advertise and sell their business?
After comparing the local businesses online existence, be it Facebook or a website or both, it became very apparent that although id did exist it was rare for the site to have good aesthetics or be regularly used by both the business and the public (many had under 20 likes on Facebook pages.) Marks Electrical had the best concept website, being able to order online, look at stock and links to the social networking pages which had over 13,000 likes.
To what extent do local businesses use the opportunities of having an online presence, to advertise and sell their business?
After comparing the local businesses online existence, be it Facebook or a website or both, it became very apparent that although id did exist it was rare for the site to have good aesthetics or be regularly used by both the business and the public (many had under 20 likes on Facebook pages.) Marks Electrical had the best concept website, being able to order online, look at stock and links to the social networking pages which had over 13,000 likes.
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Artefact 2 Website Images
Just for need of anyone to see the images, as the document I have created with them all the images are quite small so this is just for them to be compared as a larger image.
Some companies will show both facebook and website, what works well, what doesn't. If they have either a website or facebook then the companies that use it to the full extent and others that don't...
Some companies will show both facebook and website, what works well, what doesn't. If they have either a website or facebook then the companies that use it to the full extent and others that don't...
Sunday, 17 February 2013
Aretfact Twoooo
Still a little unsure how this will work, but leading on from artefact 1 in which I found 29 out of the 30 businesses from questionnaires had some sort of online presence, i wanted to find out more into what for.. advertising themselves..selling their products. How well they use the opportunities of the web and ascertain levels of effort, investment and relevance the business put into their website / social networking site.
I'll look at companies that have both a website and Facebook page and then either or to see if this makes a difference, the time the company was established may make a difference, the type of industry the company is may also impact the results.
i'm going to take screen shots and compare the aesthetics, layout, frequency of content updates and just the general amount of effort put into the use of digital media.
I'll look at companies that have both a website and Facebook page and then either or to see if this makes a difference, the time the company was established may make a difference, the type of industry the company is may also impact the results.
i'm going to take screen shots and compare the aesthetics, layout, frequency of content updates and just the general amount of effort put into the use of digital media.
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Artefact 2
For my second artefact I plan to compare the websites and social networking presence of the businesses from my questionnaire results to see to extent they are using the opportunity of digital media to do so for their business. I'm hoping it will give me an insight into how it also effects the customers which could potentially lead on to artefact 3
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
jQuery Slider
Trying to find a good j query slider for the home page, have this basic one at the mo but browsing for better onesss
Also going to see if Claire wants social network links on home page
Also going to see if Claire wants social network links on home page
Monday, 11 February 2013
Artefact 1 Evaluation
Artefact 1:
For my first artefact I gave local business owners a questionnaire to fill in to find out to what extent they use the opportunities of the digital world, to advertise their business. I thought doing a questionnaire would be a bit useless and draw results that I was already expecting, however on reflection it showed some interesting information about companies use of the digital media and certain things that could effect it, for example when established and the industry of the business. All 30 companies sampled used either social networking or websites or both, with 29 using a website. This high level of online activity suggests proprietors recognise the importance of the digital age they operate in. Websites were used predominantly for advertising and social networking to encourage online “word of mouth” I found that service industries focus more energy on social networking, especially hair and beauty companies.My results showed that businesses established 15-20 years ago don’t use social networking, although do have websites.All 30 used business cards which always included links to their website and social network sites. Clearly not all business believe social networking to be a necessity, however the fact that all 8 service businesses established in the last 5 years, show it’s a growing phenomenon.
My research project focused massively on both how the companies advertised themselves and how they used digital media to achieve this, as well as selling the products and services. The questionnaire results show that that all clearly think having an online presence improves their business but how much? and how much are they using the opportunities of the media to do so?
My results have lead to onto artefact 2 in which it left me wondering that although the local businesses have some sort of online presence, to what extent are they using the web to sell the business? I want to compare all 30 companies websites and social networking sites to ascertain levels of effort, investment and relevance.
For my first artefact I gave local business owners a questionnaire to fill in to find out to what extent they use the opportunities of the digital world, to advertise their business. I thought doing a questionnaire would be a bit useless and draw results that I was already expecting, however on reflection it showed some interesting information about companies use of the digital media and certain things that could effect it, for example when established and the industry of the business. All 30 companies sampled used either social networking or websites or both, with 29 using a website. This high level of online activity suggests proprietors recognise the importance of the digital age they operate in. Websites were used predominantly for advertising and social networking to encourage online “word of mouth” I found that service industries focus more energy on social networking, especially hair and beauty companies.My results showed that businesses established 15-20 years ago don’t use social networking, although do have websites.All 30 used business cards which always included links to their website and social network sites. Clearly not all business believe social networking to be a necessity, however the fact that all 8 service businesses established in the last 5 years, show it’s a growing phenomenon.
My research project focused massively on both how the companies advertised themselves and how they used digital media to achieve this, as well as selling the products and services. The questionnaire results show that that all clearly think having an online presence improves their business but how much? and how much are they using the opportunities of the media to do so?
My results have lead to onto artefact 2 in which it left me wondering that although the local businesses have some sort of online presence, to what extent are they using the web to sell the business? I want to compare all 30 companies websites and social networking sites to ascertain levels of effort, investment and relevance.
Black To Pink
Claire has said she wanted the text to be pink not black..
May need to changed the navigation colour as it may be too much pink now.
Changed the hover to beige.
May need to changed the navigation colour as it may be too much pink now.
Changed the hover to beige.
Saturday, 9 February 2013
Friday, 8 February 2013
Artefact 1 Findings
All 30 companies sampled used either social networking or websites or both, with 29 using a website. This high level of online activity suggests proprietors recognise the importance of the digital age they operate in.
Websites were used predominantly for advertising and social networking to encourage online “word of mouth” Service industries focus more energy on social networking.
My results showed that businesses established 15-20 years ago don’t use social networking, although do have websites.
All 30 used business cards which always included links to their website and social network sites.
Clearly not all business believe social networking to be a necessity, however the fact that all 8 service businesses established in the last 5 years, show it’s a growing phenomenon
Websites were used predominantly for advertising and social networking to encourage online “word of mouth” Service industries focus more energy on social networking.
My results showed that businesses established 15-20 years ago don’t use social networking, although do have websites.
All 30 used business cards which always included links to their website and social network sites.
Clearly not all business believe social networking to be a necessity, however the fact that all 8 service businesses established in the last 5 years, show it’s a growing phenomenon
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Basic Fonts & Colours Mock Ups
Basic mock up to send to Claire to understand what fonts, colours and navigation she likes.
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Font
Claire got back to me on the font to use. She wants to "yummy cake" for headings and then just a basic serif font for content.
unsure if to leave black or another colour, going to see other colours i'm using on the page to see how well it will fit in.
unsure if to leave black or another colour, going to see other colours i'm using on the page to see how well it will fit in.
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Fontsssss
Some fonts to use for client site, sent them to Claire to see what she likes best for headings etc etcccc
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Artefact 1
Questionnaire I sent to business owners for my artefact:
Are you:
Age:
Is your industry mainly service based?
How long has your business been established?
Does your business have a website?
Does your business have a Facebook Page?
Does your business have a Twitter Page?
Do you have business cards and posters to advertise your business?
If so does your literate include website and social network links?
What do you think is the most successful way to attract new customers to you?
Why do you think using the internet is important for your business, if at all?
Are you:
Age:
Is your industry mainly service based?
How long has your business been established?
Does your business have a website?
Does your business have a Facebook Page?
Does your business have a Twitter Page?
Do you have business cards and posters to advertise your business?
If so does your literate include website and social network links?
What do you think is the most successful way to attract new customers to you?
Why do you think using the internet is important for your business, if at all?
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
Wireframes
Wireframe idea, just basic for 5 page site have emailed them to Claire & she is happy with them but going to design some more & mock ups for her to choose from. I showed Claire my previous work and the options
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
Coloursssss Etccc
Claire already has a business card she uses although will change it after the website as she would like to include the new logo on it.
The current business card looks like this:
Claire would like to stick to the theme of the cream, pink and brown colours, I had a look at colour themes on Adobe Kuler. I searched for “cakes” to see some themes I could perhaps discuss and use with Claire.
The current business card looks like this:
Claire would like to stick to the theme of the cream, pink and brown colours, I had a look at colour themes on Adobe Kuler. I searched for “cakes” to see some themes I could perhaps discuss and use with Claire.
Friday, 18 January 2013
Cake Sites, Ideas & Inspiration
http://www.charmcitycakes.com/
http://www.liggyscakes.co.uk/
http://www.dotscupcakes.com/
some sites we found, that Claire thinks would work well for what she wants. The simplicity and clean look is what she wants.
http://www.liggyscakes.co.uk/
http://www.dotscupcakes.com/
some sites we found, that Claire thinks would work well for what she wants. The simplicity and clean look is what she wants.
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Student Briefing Document.
Creative Brief for: Claire’s Cakes
Brief drawn up by: Claire White
Company Employee Contact Details:
Claire White
07595761848
clairebearscakesleicester@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Clairebears-Cakes/110371029092593
Twitter = @clairebearsc
Project Objectives: to design and implement a clean stylish website, to raise my profile & gain more custom.
Background overview:
Clairebear’s Cakes was Established April 2012. I make my own cakes, for many different occasions. I like to use the internet to show what I am capable of making. I would like to raise the profile of my business, I currently has 700 likes on Facebook. I would like to link my Tumblr, blog, Facebook & Twitter to the website. In the future, I would like to set up a tea room, although would like to create the website and awareness of the business first. My aim is to provide good service & satisfy the customers so they come back for more and hopefully recommend me.
What is the purpose of the product?
“My customers can now view my gallery of cakes and occasions and order them whilst word of mouth will raise my profile”
Target Audience:
The main audience is typically females aged over 20, wanting cakes for their children, friends and partners. I will often word my status’ on Facebook to relate to the audience, for example knowing valentine’s day is approaching I will use this to sell more cakes. Cakes can be brought from many different businesses so mine needs to stand out and if using rapport with the audience they will want to use me again & hopefully spread the word about the business. Women are much more likely to do this than men.
What is the single most important thing to say? “Clairebear’s cakes, a taste of heaven.”
What kind of relationship will you be looking to establish with the student? Living in the same village we can meet up quite often, once a week if needed to discuss ideas and if any work is needed after University course has finished then updating the site and any other websites needed, I’ll be happy to ask.
What is the deadline?
The university deadline is 22/03/13. Claire is fine with this also being the deadline for her.
1) 21/01/2013 meet to discuss about the business and what Claire wants.
2) 28/01/2013 look at moodboard, wireframes and colour theme ideas to see if they fit with what Claire wants. Any mock ups of the site to be shown too.
3) 11/02/2013 home page & about page should be complete, present and discuss.
4) 25/02/2013 gallery of cakes and contact page to present & discuss.
5) 11/03/2013 present final product, any changes or amendments to be made at this stage
6) 18/03/2013 deliver final product, in plenty of time for university deadline.
Other notes: Business card has been given for logo & colour theme ideas to use.
A check list provided for the student”
Do they have sufficient reference sources: previous ads, brochures, competitor ads, books, videos or Web sites? Yes
Do they have contact info / links to people, research or resources that can help the creative team? Do we need a supplemental brief / info for a long format, social media, direct response, or new business pitch project? Yes
have we made it clear what must be in the communication, and what might be in the communication? Yes
Brief drawn up by: Claire White
Company Employee Contact Details:
Claire White
07595761848
clairebearscakesleicester@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Clairebears-Cakes/110371029092593
Twitter = @clairebearsc
Project Objectives: to design and implement a clean stylish website, to raise my profile & gain more custom.
Background overview:
Clairebear’s Cakes was Established April 2012. I make my own cakes, for many different occasions. I like to use the internet to show what I am capable of making. I would like to raise the profile of my business, I currently has 700 likes on Facebook. I would like to link my Tumblr, blog, Facebook & Twitter to the website. In the future, I would like to set up a tea room, although would like to create the website and awareness of the business first. My aim is to provide good service & satisfy the customers so they come back for more and hopefully recommend me.
What is the purpose of the product?
“My customers can now view my gallery of cakes and occasions and order them whilst word of mouth will raise my profile”
Target Audience:
The main audience is typically females aged over 20, wanting cakes for their children, friends and partners. I will often word my status’ on Facebook to relate to the audience, for example knowing valentine’s day is approaching I will use this to sell more cakes. Cakes can be brought from many different businesses so mine needs to stand out and if using rapport with the audience they will want to use me again & hopefully spread the word about the business. Women are much more likely to do this than men.
What is the single most important thing to say? “Clairebear’s cakes, a taste of heaven.”
What kind of relationship will you be looking to establish with the student? Living in the same village we can meet up quite often, once a week if needed to discuss ideas and if any work is needed after University course has finished then updating the site and any other websites needed, I’ll be happy to ask.
What is the deadline?
The university deadline is 22/03/13. Claire is fine with this also being the deadline for her.
1) 21/01/2013 meet to discuss about the business and what Claire wants.
2) 28/01/2013 look at moodboard, wireframes and colour theme ideas to see if they fit with what Claire wants. Any mock ups of the site to be shown too.
3) 11/02/2013 home page & about page should be complete, present and discuss.
4) 25/02/2013 gallery of cakes and contact page to present & discuss.
5) 11/03/2013 present final product, any changes or amendments to be made at this stage
6) 18/03/2013 deliver final product, in plenty of time for university deadline.
Other notes: Business card has been given for logo & colour theme ideas to use.
A check list provided for the student”
Do they have sufficient reference sources: previous ads, brochures, competitor ads, books, videos or Web sites? Yes
Do they have contact info / links to people, research or resources that can help the creative team? Do we need a supplemental brief / info for a long format, social media, direct response, or new business pitch project? Yes
have we made it clear what must be in the communication, and what might be in the communication? Yes
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Artefact 1. Questionnaire.
For my first artefacet I have chosen to produce a questionnaire to give to business owners on what extent do local businesses use the opportunities of the digital world, to advertise their business?
Going to go around leicester city & villages with the questionnaire and get as many results as possible, also going to ask a varied of different sectors within businesses to get a wide range of results. Questions I want to find out
What is the main reason companies use the internet for?
Will it differ depending on the industry of the business?
Does when the company was established have any affect on the amount of internet usage?
Is social networking now a necessity for a business to be successful?
Going to go around leicester city & villages with the questionnaire and get as many results as possible, also going to ask a varied of different sectors within businesses to get a wide range of results. Questions I want to find out
What is the main reason companies use the internet for?
Will it differ depending on the industry of the business?
Does when the company was established have any affect on the amount of internet usage?
Is social networking now a necessity for a business to be successful?
Monday, 14 January 2013
Claire's Cakes
my external client is from a woman near my vilage who wants a website creating for her cake/baking business. I didnt really want to do a cake site but the other options were for people I knew which I also didnt want to do as I felt they would be too easy on me as they are my friends. I had some other offers for companies such as carpets, sheet metal but thought I could do more with a cake site so have finally got a client.
p.s i HATE the name of the business "clairebears" but she won't change the name of this as she said she feels quite established from that.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Clairebears-Cakes/110371029092593?fref=ts
p.s i HATE the name of the business "clairebears" but she won't change the name of this as she said she feels quite established from that.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Clairebears-Cakes/110371029092593?fref=ts
Friday, 11 January 2013
External Client
Put an advert in the shop I work in and left a few tweets to have some options for clients. Think i'm going to go with someone who approached me a while ago about making her a site. Really want to get a head start on this project to allow time for artefacts and any changes on this site if needed.
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Back To Deadlinessss
back at uni, still awaiting research results but did ok for exhibition images context 3 with a 2:1 :)
not half as much workload this term, client presentation due in on the 31st jan, final project and evaluation on 22nd march.
artefacts for research to be done throughout the term with presentations to be shown in tutorial with Simon.
not half as much workload this term, client presentation due in on the 31st jan, final project and evaluation on 22nd march.
artefacts for research to be done throughout the term with presentations to be shown in tutorial with Simon.
Thursday, 3 January 2013
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