Will Lester

Client: HobbyCo

Agency: Didymo Design

Brief: HobbyCo is a hobby and toy store that has retail outlets, online store and a B2B distribution service. HobbyCo's problem was that the B2B online presence was significantly less successful than their established consumer retail stores.  

Solution: As the designer in a small development team we worked to align HobbyCo's distribution business with the success and image of the HobbyCo retail and online business. This was broken down into a re-brand as well as new eCommerce website that would encourage new customer to the business. The design of the re-brand responded to direct client direction. We were able to offer the client options to improve content and the choice was made to allow new customer to view all the available distribution products. This design change showcased the services and products that  HIMP provides. For more detailed information customers are prompted to sign up to obtain information for example pricing and stock. The store structure was modeled closely on the HobbyCo existing online store along with the new HIMP logo and branding. The end product was that HobbyCo had a stronger and more informative web presence that linked more successfully with their retail outlets. The upgrade and redesign of the site improved user experience providing engagement, clarity, consistency and a greater access to product information.   

Client: Intelledox Infiniti GO

Agency: Guardian Software Development

Brief: To prototype and develop a user experience and interface for Intelledox's Infiniti an iOS smart forms and data collection app 

Solution: The client required a user interface design for offline iPads that would integrate with their existing suite of smart form products while having an aesthetic that would feel native to a tablet device. This would improve user accessibility and flexibility. Our team identified that the key to this project was developing an interface that was intuitive for end users to navigate when filling in smart forms. The design also needed to be adaptable to accommodate the wide range of data fields and size of forms. The new form view consists of collapsible heading allowing users to focus their attention on the section they are completing. The user can then navigate the different sections of the form using large contextual buttons on the left and right of the screen. A horizontal style of navigation was used as it mimics the way physical forms are filled out across multiple pages. The visual ascetic is a blend of Intelledox branding and iOS design elements with reference to Apples HCI guidelines. The design and development solution focussed on user experience and usability, allowing business users to conveniently collect data and complete smart forms offline and on the go.        

Client: UNSW School of Chemistry

Agency: Didymo Design

Brief: Create a visual concept for re-designing the UNSW School of Chemistry faculty webpage

Solution: With reference to the clients supplied design material the website redesign concept aims to bring a clean, functional and modern aesthetic to the chemistry facility website. As the key designer the first steps involved reviewing the existing site and other faculty sites, interviewing the client and gathering feedback about user experiences. A number of UI improvement opportunities were identified and trialled. The end design restructured current information into subcategories that are colour coded for easy user recognition and navigation. Large Images are combined with colour overlays to break up the content heavy pages, create visual excitement and make it more approachable to new users. Interactive scrolling banners are used to promote upcoming news and events to students. The goal of the redesign was to create an exciting, professional functional website for current and future students. This was achieved; the input and feedback from the client and user group was invaluable throughout the design process.

Client: Didymo Design

Agency: Didymo Design

Brief: Create a website design that clearly communicates Didymo Design services and promotes their work

Solution: The client identified that clear communication is a key aspect of this website design. Design choices included using a dark blue theme to create a simple backdrop for iconography and portfolio case studies. Iconography has been created to communicate Didymo Designs services as well as categories of the type of work they produce. Custom composition of screenshots have been created to compliment the website's minimal design and bring focus to the project work. The end goal of this design was to shift the focus away from the technical detail of their day to day work and focus on the services that customer are looking for.  A good example of how visual elements can focus attention and influence user impressions.    

Client: Gungahlin Children's Centre (GCC)

Agency: Inspired Action

Brief: Design and create a online presence for Gungahlin Children's Centre that ties into their existing brand 

Solution: A promotional booklet was created to capture the values and culture of the GCC service. Strong aesthetic direction from the client produced a visual concept that lead to the development of associated print collateral, further extending the service brand to new and existing customer. The client was also interested in exploring the idea of having a web presence. The client specified they did not need any business functionality and wanted to use the site more like a digital business card. After clarifying the client’s goals an interactive digital version of print booklet was developed. The aim was to give users an exploratory journey like experience, of the GCC service. A parallax horizontal scrolling website was used to give users the experience of following a journey that tied into images and copy. A separate landing page was developed for mobile. This mobile page contains a blurb of what GCC offers and recommends users access the site on a desktop for the full interactive experience. This was a compromise solution due client budget constraints.  This project was a success due to the relationship developed between client and designer - the client had established aesthetics and ideas and worked collaboratively throughout the design process.   

Client: Guardian Software Development

Agency: Guardian Software Development

Brief: Interface design update that takes advantage of iOS 7 features developments

Solution: The interface refresh was design for the existing iPhone app, Moment Montage. The redesign with reference to the Apple HCI guidelines reflects the stylistic direction of iOS 7 and incorporates new features into the app. Visual emphasis is placed on the users singular moments captured as well as their current montage (collection of moments). The UI also uses the iOS interface overlay function, allowing users to tag their moments before or after capturing them using the iPhone camera. This allows users to create montages based on common tags like beach or food.  Working closely with the developer and product manager informed the design process with a focus on enriching the user experience.