Very Good Studio tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2008:/blog//1 2008-02-22T16:25:49Z I produce creatively informed design solutions for application both on and off line, working alongside companies and individuals that are leaders in their field. Whether developing new brands or creating professional and thought provoking communications the aim is to be effective, and always very good. Movable Type 3.33 Taylor Thomas tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2008:/blog//1.28 2008-02-22T16:06:53Z 2008-02-22T16:25:49Z As of January 2008 I am no longer Very Good. I have joined together with Marcus Taylor of High Brandwidth to become Taylor Thomas. Marcus is a very thoughtful and talented designer who is incredibly skilled applying his approach both on and off-line, equally happy in branding as he is in web design and development. He is also something of an impressive mover on the dance floor, should anyone be lucky enough to witness his impressive array of talents when inebriated. For more information, please visit www.taylorthomas.co.uk. As of January 2008 I am no longer Very Good. I have joined together with Marcus Taylor of High Brandwidth to become Taylor Thomas. Marcus is a very thoughtful and talented designer who is incredibly skilled applying his approach both on and off-line, equally happy with branding as he is with web design and development. He is also something of an impressive mover on the dance floor, should anyone be lucky enough to witness his impressive array of talents when inebriated. For more information, please visit www.taylorthomas.co.uk.

]]> Results Plus tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2007:/blog//1.27 2007-08-23T15:28:02Z 2007-08-23T15:32:08Z VGS has been assisting development of the Results Plus platform for Edexcel, one of the major examination boards for schools in the UK. The system allows schools and pupils to gain an in-depth understanding of their examination grades by displaying previously unseen data in a way that is easy to grasp and therefore incredibly useful. See Edexcel footage here. VGS has been assisting development of the Results Plus platform for Edexcel, one of the major examination boards for schools in the UK. The system allows schools and pupils to gain an in-depth understanding of their examination grades by displaying previously unseen data in a way that is easy to grasp and therefore incredibly useful. See Edexcel footage here.

Teachers and pupils can use the system to see which grades were awarded and how the pupils performed not only by subject but by detailed skills categories via the ‘skills map’ traffic light system. This allows users to identify exact areas of the curriculum where pupils are performing well or equally, where they are underperforming and need improvement.

Gathering and displaying data by individual, class & school and allowing users to draw comparisons, provides an unprecedented insight for pupils and teachers alike.

]]> Wasting Time tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2007:/blog//1.26 2007-07-26T13:50:16Z 2007-07-26T13:57:00Z Believe it or not, I am rarely considered a time waster. In this instance however (found within the pages of the London Lite newspaper), I am more than happy to adorn this moniker. Bubblesnaps was not exactly developed to further the pursuit of understanding... so if the cap fits... Believe it or not, I am rarely considered a time waster. In this instance however (found within the pages of the London Lite newspaper), I am more than happy to adorn this moniker. Bubblesnaps was not exactly developed to further the pursuit of understanding... so if the cap fits...

]]> Lloyd’s 360 Risk Project tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2007:/blog//1.25 2007-05-16T13:56:19Z 2007-05-16T14:11:48Z Animated backdrop for a debate chaired by the BBC‘s John Simpson on the changing nature of terrorism and political risk. Produced to echo the print collateral produced for the latest theme in the ongoing ‘360 Risk Project’ instigated by Lloyd’s of London. Click here to view the footage. Animated backdrop for a debate chaired by the BBC‘s John Simpson on the changing nature of terrorism and political risk. Produced to echo the print collateral produced for the latest theme in the ongoing ‘360 Risk Project’ instigated by Lloyd’s of London. Click here to view the footage.

]]> Icon Fonts tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2007:/blog//1.24 2007-05-06T11:25:49Z 2007-05-06T11:41:32Z A new collection of display fonts from Fontsmith. VGS worked closely with Fontsmith to develop a name for the collection as well as for the fonts along with establishing a direction for subsequent marketing materials. Named after cultural icons, these beautifully crafted fonts are designed to be used large and get noticed. They are available from the fontsmith web site. A new collection of display fonts from Fontsmith. VGS worked closely with Fontsmith to develop a name for the collection as well as for the fonts along with establishing a direction for subsequent marketing materials.

Named after cultural icons, these beautifully crafted fonts are designed to be used large and get noticed.

The first Icon Collection contains 4 fonts; Alvar, Kitty, Sinclair & Pele all available in various weights.

They are available from the fontsmith web site also developed by Very Good Studio.

www.fontsmith.com

]]> Arawak Energy tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2007:/blog//1.23 2007-05-06T11:15:08Z 2007-05-06T11:24:34Z Investor relations web site that aims to capitalise on the fantastic photography commissioned by the company. Whilst this is not of greater importance than the overall communication, structure, IR tools & branding, it serves to elevate the site from its competition and crucially, exemplifies the company’s impressive operations and assets. Investor relations web site that aims to capitalise on the fantastic photography commissioned by the company. Whilst this is not of greater importance than the overall communication, structure, IR tools & branding, it serves to elevate the site from its competition and crucially, exemplifies the company’s impressive operations and assets.

]]> Bubblesnaps on the box tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2007:/blog//1.22 2007-04-01T20:17:48Z 2007-06-13T09:04:20Z I noticed a flurry of activity on Bubblesnaps this weekend and it seemed to be coming from the BBC. Turns out that it was featured on their flagship technology programme ‘Click’. Short but very sweet, and you can watch the footage here. Or read a review on the BBC web site. I noticed a flurry of activity on Bubblesnaps this weekend and it seemed to be coming from the BBC. Turns out that it was featured on their flagship technology programme ‘Click’. Short but very sweet, and you can watch the footage here. Or read a review on the BBC web site.

Of course, it’s flattering to be featured on the BBC, with them being such a trusted source. It comes a short while before we get some updates up and running on the site - which see it moving slightly away from the emphasis on ‘E-cards’ and more towards a flexible widget system. We will also be adding a few new features such as a gallery. Watch this space.

Find the original Bubblesnaps entry here.

]]> My Currency tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2007:/blog//1.21 2007-03-20T08:53:34Z 2007-03-20T09:14:10Z I have posted this entry as it's interesting to see your work in this context. This video is from the 2007 DEMO conference in the US, and showcases a site recently completed by Marcus over at High-Brandwidth. I have posted this entry as it's interesting to see your work in this context. This video is from the 2007 DEMO conference in the US, and showcases a site recently completed by Marcus over at High-Brandwidth.

My Currency is a Web 2 San Fransisco based site which aims to combine the power of community driven sites with knowledge and advice regarding housing markets of any given area.

I worked on the flash based slider components for the site, whilst Marcus handled the overall branding, design, HTML, CSS etc.

]]> Fresh Start tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2006:/blog//1.18 2006-12-30T21:31:38Z 2006-12-30T20:42:59Z Not exactly the view from my desk (which is mostly comprised of screens) but nevertheless, one that I shall be trying to get used to on breaks (health and safety anyone?). Not exactly the view from my desk (which is mostly comprised of screens) but nevertheless, one that I shall be trying to get used to on breaks (health and safety anyone?).

After 10 happy years working for the fantastic Carter Wong Tomlin, I have stepped out on my own with a view to work alongside existing colleagues and contacts as well as forge new exciting relationships.

I continue to work with Carter Wong Tomlin on many projects as well as with an extended network of London based professionals from designers to programmers that offer an extended and flexible range of skills.

Though it looks remote, I am about 35 seconds (I've timed it) from a train platform that takes me into the heart of the city. This will be my temporary studio. It comes with tea & coffee making facilities and a ‘casual’ dress policy.

]]> Fontsmith tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2006:/blog//1.13 2006-12-29T15:19:58Z 2006-12-30T21:20:02Z Cheeky and irreverent typography studio, Fontsmith, commissioned us to craft a new online showcase for the growing family of Fontsmith products. Cheeky and irreverent typography studio, Fontsmith, commissioned us to craft a new online showcase for the growing family of Fontsmith products.

We aimed to represent the type foundry honestly, who often describe their fonts as if they were living people. Mock personal ads were created to convey the tongue in cheek attitude of the studio while at the same time underlining the quality of the product.

“Our fonts are professional, well designed, and have lots of personality” says Jason Smith, Fontsmith’s Director. “The web site reflects this.”

The new site also delivers important technical innovations. These include direct font download and licensing, a Flash-based type auditioning system and secure client login space.

]]> Bubblesnaps tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2006:/blog//1.9 2006-12-28T15:14:09Z 2006-12-30T20:47:36Z From an initial simple idea hatched many moons ago, Bubblesnaps is a site that allows users to upload photos, adding animated speech bubbles which are then sent as e-cards or added to web sites and blogs. From an initial simple idea hatched many moons ago, Bubblesnaps is a site that allows users to upload photos, adding animated speech bubbles which are then sent as e-cards or added to web sites and blogs.

From concept, identity and design through to build and legal issues, Bubblesnaps has been and continues to be a real labour of love.

The site continues to be developed whenever time permits, and also continues to gain publicity throughout the world.

]]> Needles & Haystacks tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2006:/blog//1.16 2006-12-27T21:17:28Z 2007-01-01T21:16:54Z Buzzshout is a site that announces web startups. Needless to say that there have been more than a few this last year prompting many to predict some kind of bubble bursting. Regardless, what's compelling is to view their logo surf page. Not realistic to see your identity in this context (look for Bubblesnaps) but interesting nonetheless. Buzzshout is a site that announces web startups. Needless to say that there have been more than a few this last year prompting many to predict some kind of bubble bursting. Regardless, what's compelling is to view their logo surf page. Not realistic to see your identity in this context (look for Bubblesnaps) but interesting nonetheless.

]]> Ensus tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2006:/blog//1.12 2006-12-26T15:18:31Z 2006-12-30T20:46:21Z A small web site and identity for Ensus who aim to build a bioethanol processing plant on Teeside in the UK. Bioethanol is produced through fermentation usually from crops such as wheat and is seen as important source of sustainable fuel. A small web site and identity for Ensus who aim to build a bioethanol processing plant on Teeside in the UK. Bioethanol is produced through fermentation usually from crops such as wheat and is seen as important source of sustainable fuel.

Seen as a precursor to a full investor-relations site, we aimed to establish an identity that reflected both the cyclic nature of the process and its environmental pedigree, and balance this with a technical, professional and investor-friendly feel.

The site is simple, accessible and built for easy expandability.

www.ensusplc.com

]]> Boden tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2006:/blog//1.6 2006-12-25T22:14:43Z 2006-12-30T20:48:37Z We helped the in-house Boden web team bring the Boden web site in line with their hugely successful catalogue, focusing on an html templated system that would balance the expression of the brand though the tone of voice of ‘Johnnie’ as well as a best practice e-commerce site structure. We helped the in-house Boden web team bring the Boden web site in line with their hugely successful catalogue, focusing on an html templated system that would balance the expression of the brand though the tone of voice of ‘Johnnie’ as well as a best practice e-commerce site structure.

The project also included studies and suggestions of how to best increase cross-selling as well as introduce innovative editorial features.

]]> Told you so tag:www.verygoodstudio.com,2006:/blog//1.15 2006-12-24T21:08:33Z 2006-12-30T20:44:04Z I can now proudly point clients towards the BBC to back up what I have been telling them for some time. That a web site is often judged within seconds of a user landing on the site. This article reports that it's much quicker than even that at a 20th of a second. Better make that home page count. I can now proudly point clients towards the BBC to back up what I have been telling them for some time. That a web site is often judged within seconds of a user landing on the site. This article reports that it's much quicker than even that at a 20th of a second. Better make that home page count.

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