This week the team met to review John’s round 3 design comps and copy. Of course we focused on the design over the copy as our research tells us and Courtney and I innocently acted out.
I am very impressed with John’s progress on the website design and think that the colors, logo, and some of the website layout has come together very well. I would like him to be more innovative with the contact form and think outside the box. I sound like a broken record and have repeatedly told him that I don’t think having the contact form as a main navigation or as an equally weighted call to action with other calls to action is acceptable. As previously noted we had at one point discussed having the contact form in the footer to be included on all pages. I am still a fan of this concept or something more innovative than is currently being presented.
The overall design, logo, paper background, and many of the design elements are strong. Our CEO is a paper connoisseur so I think he will enjoy the textured paper design element and have fun with print marketing pieces using textured paper to coordinate with the website and create a stronger eClick brand.
I reviewed the big idea mantra that I launched the project with to see how the project is measuring up so far:
1. Entertaining and amusing – remains to be seen with header artwork
2. Visual rather than verbal – thought the copy was a little on the heavy side
3. Said something important and meaningful about the brand being advertised - thought John was doing an excellent job of branding eClick
Next week we are to discuss design comps, copy and progress with public relations. The Press Release has not been distributed yet as Cary has decided to hire a PR firm.
Business Week ran a very interesting article last week: Idea 2009 that discussed the design winners of an international design contest.
“Design is not just about making things pretty,” says Claudia Kotchka, former head of design at Procter & Gamble (PG), who was one of this year’s judges. “Designers are about making the world a better place…More than anything else, design builds a business.”
I couldn’t agree more and am excited to see the progression as John polishes the design throughout August. He will be handing the final design comps to the website developer at the start of September.
From what I have seen so far, it does look a little copy-heavy to be a visual-based site, but nothing is finalized yet, and I’m interested to see where it goes too.
Thanks for your insights Ginger and of course agreeing with me.