A WEB STUDY PROCESS is a process where we study about the competitor’s website in order to have fully understanding of the content. The process breakdown is :

a. Web Notification
b. Interface Studies
c. Flowchart Deconstruction
d. Content Reference Analysis
e. Study Compilation

Below is a detail summarize on the process. Please bear in mind as if we are doing Hospital Website for a client.

A. Web Notification
We need to list down a series of competitive website that have the value base on recognition, level of detailing, branding, business achievement and accessibility. For example, we list down 3 website that is Hospital Putrajaya (http://www.hpj.gov.my/hpj/) , Hospital SJMC (http://www.sjmc.com.my), KPJ Johor (http://www.jsh.kpjhealth.com.my/introductionnew.htm) and Puteri Specialist. (http://www.psh.kpjhealth.com.my/). And if we thinking of having jackpot, go for the portal that list all the related website. In this case, we can try to surf the Malaysian’s Hospital. (http://www.hospitals-malaysia.org/)

B. Interface Studies
From the selected website, we need to print screen every main page, but bear in mind, not all page. This mean that we will only print screen the different structure of interface only. For example, we print screen the page of News only, not News and Activities because the content structure is more less the same. Rule of thumbs, print screen any page that you feel the uniqueness and different esthetic.

C. Flowchart Deconstruction
This is the phase where we deconstruct the flowchart of the website. This mean that we are building a website flowchart from the existing website which is a reverse engineering process. The most efficient way is to get the sitemap of the web and re-compare with the overall flowchart.

More info:
http://www.backe.com/slides/flowchart.html
http://www.kelie.com/planning/flow_chart.html

D. Content Reference Analysis
This is the phase where we copy all the content into a single doc file for future reference and copywriting usage. The process is a little bit tedious and need concentration. For the documentation, imagine you are extruding the flowchart into the content detail.

E. Study Compilation
This is the last process where you compile all of your studies into one document file / keynote presentation for later usage. Depends on your creativity how to manage your studies result.

I discover that there is “the smallest website in the world” today. It is about 22 x 22 pixel and the powerful things about this website is the navigation. You can actually navigate although it has a limited content as for its existence function.

It also has html and flash format where you can play pacman game and etc. Our discussion (me, mel and don) is how about we create “the smallest website of the world of the universe” ? If you create a 22 x 22 px then when someone comes with 20 x 20 pixel, your website will be consider as “the smallest website of the world that bigger than the new smallest one”. So what is the smallest site of the world of the universe?

1 x 1 pixel.

How we going to achieve that?

Apart from the reconstruct the secret campaign (search, type reconstruct), we in the mid of reconstruct our main website, the secretlabmedia.com for the vast global move. Stay tuned for the latest update.

It’s a current trend to deliver product info via web using video animation. One of the recent extensive video animation i found that i think really grab my attention is the Nokia e90.

It’s a bullet by bullet content driven with animation loaded in the content bar. A good color scheme and of course by a good product.

They say, functionality meets beauty.

http://www.nokia.com.my/A4498141

Agency: Struck.
Art Director: Brandon Knowlden
Copywriter: Rich Black
Letter Press: Athenaeum Press

source : http://www.robonut.com/blog/

It’s a common business practice to exchange business cards with people that we meet. Indeed, it is even considered rude by many when a card is not offered. The business card is a great way for people to remember you (and vice-versa) as well as to have contact information especially telephone number and email. In some countries, such as Japan, there is a formal ritual involved in how cards are presented and how they are received. In Canada and the USA, the ritual is a little more casual. It doesn’t reflect well on you if you do not offer a card to new people that you meet.
You should always carry a small supply with you – keep a few tucked in your backpack or briefcase, laptop case, wallet, suit coat inside pocket, glove box, etc. Avoid embarrassment!

What to Include?

At the very minimum, you should include your full name (and preferred name or nickname), complete address (including Country – not everyone may know where Salmon Arm, B.C. is), affiliation (if you so choose), telephone, fax, and email information. Some people also include some information about themselves such as a professional designation (e.g. Harry Chong, P.Eng) or education background (e.g. Peter Doaks, P.Eng., BASc (Electronics), MASc (Physics, PhD (Business)). You may even want to include a saying or a brief message (e.g. “Web Design Specialist”). Photographs are sometimes used as well – this may help people remember you (especially if you are good-looking!). Finally, a corporate logo or symbol can add some color and flare to a card as long as it doesn’t take up too much real estate or make the card appear tacky. However, it’s a good idea not to make a business card too busy.

If you want to cram extra information (additional affiliations, clubs, interests, addresses, etc) on a card, you might consider putting this on the reverse side. The reverse side can also be used for translations of your name into Japanese or Chinese – this is a welcomed by your foreign hosts.

The Personal Name Card

In the event that you are not fully engaged with a company or other organization, it’s a good idea to have a personal “name card”. Actually, this is a good idea even if you have a regular business card. It can come in handy if you meet new people or just want to let old friends keep in touch. In addition to your name, address and contact information, you might wish to say something about yourself, e.g. SFU Engineering Student, Professional Snowboarder, Amateur Photographer or something like that – but don’t get too carried away with silly things like “handsomest dude in town” unless you really believe that it’ll get you somewhere.

Appearance & Style

Some computer software, e.g. Microsoft’s WORD, allows you to design your own business card. This can be a low-cost way of getting a few cards quickly. It’s especially useful if you’re not sure about the design or layout – it let’s you try a few different ones and make frequent changes. A word of caution – use a laser quality printer and good quality paper stock. Many ink-jet printers may produce a card that fads or runs – especially if it gets wet (like someone spilling coffee or a networker with very sweaty hands). Many office retailers (e.g. Office Depot, Staples) carry paper that’s designed just for business cards. There’s nothing worse than a flimsy card with faded printing that was cut out with scissors! If you use many cards, eventually it’s worth getting a professional printer to make them for you.

The most important item on a card is YOUR NAME. This should be in a large font that’s easy to read without the recipient having to don reading glasses. Other information can be in a smaller font size but should be clearly legible and machine-readable (e.g. by one of those fancy new Business Card scanners). I’ve received cards in which it is difficult to read the email address or phone number.

As for colors, it’s best to stick with a dark font on a light background (again, for readability – by the recipient or a machine). Dark, rich colors can add a touch of class!

Regarding size, the North American standard is 2.0″ X 3.5″. In Europe there is less of a standard and most cards are slightly smaller. Some are quite large and these are a pain to stuff in one’s pocket or card holder. Stick with the norm in your country – and use these even when visiting another country.

Electronic Cards

In today’s high tech world, electronic cards are becoming more popular. Small CD readable cards with a short video and other information (e.g. product brochures, corporate data) are nice but they should also include some basic printed information (not everyone has a CD reader – really!). Such cards may also be bulky and breakable so it’s always a good idea to use these in addition to – not instead of – a regular card.

Palm Pilots and Pocket PCs have a neat feature that allows you to beam contact information from one device to another. You should store your own name and contact information so that when you do encounter someone with such a device you can beam each other to avoid having to type in each other’s information. Again, this should not replace the traditional card exchange.

How Many?

How many cards should you order and how many should you carry with you? Always order an ample supply so that you don’t run out. It’s always better to have too many than to run out of them. Always carry two or three times as many with you than what you think you really need. And, stash them in different spots so that if you decide to change clothing, you won’t inadvertently be without a few in reach.

The Frog and The Prince

The book by Darcy Rezak of the Vancouver Board of Trade titled, “The Frog and Prince” has a great section on business cards (indeed, I “stole” some of his ideas here) as well as being a good guide for networking.

I love it when students (hint, hint) stop me in the hallways or at the coffee bar and introduce themselves and give me their cards. It’s easy for me to remember these students.

Finally, just remember – a good, clean, simple card is hard to beat!

(Reprinted with permission from the June 3-16, 2002 issue of the Mid-Missouri Business Journal)

Every business could use a logo, whether it’s used only on items such as business forms and cards, or as part of a greater integrated marketing program.

What Is a Logo?
A logo is a visual tool that represents something, such as a business, place or event. It can be a picture, type treatment or a combination of the two.

Logos can do several things:

Convey something about the business or what the business does
Identify the company in a consistent and impactful way
Help position the company in the marketplace.
A logo or identity program should be one of the first things a company thinks about. Since a logo or trademark usually creates the “first impression” of a business to the marketplace, choosing the wrong image can have negative consequences, not only in terms of sales, but in long-term brand equity.

What Should a Logo Convey?
A logo can convey something about what the business is or does, as well as other intangible qualities the business wants its audience to believe. In general, most people feel comfortable about a business that has a well-developed logo. It shows that the business is serious about its image and gives credibility to its owners. In addition, a logo can show qualities like reliability, elegance or creativity through the choice of mark, color and typeface.

Who Is the Audience for the Logo?
It is imperative that the company owners target the primary audience for their goods or services. The same is true of their logo. Is the audience business- or consumer-oriented? What is the level of sophistication that needs to be employed in the design? Are there other factors to consider?

The Design Process
The design of a logo can be seen as a process. The first step involves the concept of the design. It may be as simple as jotting down a few things on a napkin, or in the case of large companies, numerous meetings with design firms and focus groups. This stage is where the business owners and design team isolate several items that symbolize the company and through a series of refinements, isolate the image they want to convey.

It is, in fact, not just making a logo; it is creating an identity. Positioning the company is explored here to ensure that the identity development is in line with the business goals.

The second stage involves taking the concept and implementing the graphic style. In some cases, a professional design team can be helpful in developing and producing a workable design, or family of designs. Most firms will present several initial ideas and then revise until the final logo is agreed upon. Colors, typefaces and usage will be worked on at this point. Developing corporate standards is important as well. Deciding how the logo will be used, how it will reproduce, what formats it will exist in and other issues should be decided at this point. Consideration also must be paid to how reproducible the logo is. Some logos look great in color, but the color does not translate when it is reproduced in black and white. Others look fine in large format, but type disappears or pictures disintegrate when used at a small scale.

The third stage involves producing the final logo and implementing its use in all company materials. When businesses develop a logo for use in a variety of ways, such as brochures, ads and Web sites, for example, the use of color, type and other elements in the design should be closely examined for consistency.

Mistakes Companies Make
There are numerous mistakes many small and mid-size companies make in their logo and branding process. Many companies feel that they have to have a picture in their logo. Strong type treatments with the company’s name and tagline can often convey a clearer message than a poorly rendered or reproduced mark.

A logo should be adaptable to various media, especially when a company actively advertises in both print and on the Web or television.

Some companies feel pressured to use colors that are a personal preference or ones that a printer or newspaper recommends instead of basing their decision on the image they wish to convey.

Likewise, some companies choose a typeface by scrolling through the list on their computer without considering how it will impact their identity, or without looking for something more unique.

It is also important that a logo be consistent in its use. Too often, companies will have a logo they use on their internal forms, another that a print shop set for their business cards and yet another treatment that the phone company typeset for their listing and display ads.

This may not seem important to the company owners, but unintentionally it sends a message that the company may not be well established or well run.

Logo design is much more than just putting a picture or type together. Understanding the basic process will aid you in your efforts to have an impact and an integrated look for your business, no matter how large or small.

Logo design is the illustration of the business. It is considered to be the tool which gives the first impression of a business. Before starting a business much consideration is given to the
logo design. The logo should be designed according to the name of the company and the business product. Logo design has many advantages including:

Logo design promotes the business in the market.
Logo design helps in attracting potential customers to the business.
Logo design gives a unique identity to the business
Logo design is as important to the business as the business name.

A suitable logo is chosen before the launching of the business in the market. It is important that the logo design is unique for the identification of a particular business, not a typecast logo.

The Design

A logo design should be eye catching and simple. It should be designed using simple color pattern and short text; it is unprofessional to make the logo unnecessarily flamboyant. Logo designs can be created by the business owner using software or a hired professional. Having a logo designed by a professional is a wise investment because the designers have the knowledge to create logos befitting the business. It is also necessary that the company logo be innovative and a similar logo design is not being used by any other business.
There are also many types of logo design software. These are computer programs that are represented with a friendly user interface and help in generating logos according to the color and size specification of the business. The most up to date software incorporate several files with predefined logo designs. The disadvantage of using this software is that they might produce similar types of design for different businesses. Once a logo design is created it can be registered and copyrighted for the business it represents.

What to Avoid

The pattern of the logo design is very important. An eye catching design pattern indicates the professionalism and productivity. It should not appear cheap or showy. A business should avoid heavy decorations and different combinations of color in the logo design. The key to a good logo design is simple color patterns and innovative ways to deliver the product to the customers.