Our New Site
We started the project about 6 months ago, but as we always need to put client’s work first our project kept taking a bit of a back-seat. Nevertheless, we ploughed on when we could and managed to get the site up and running 2 weeks ago.
Of course, we didn’t go ‘half-in’ on this design, we wanted something that would be very different to the other design company websites (which often feel very similar) and we think we’ve achieved that. But, with that desire to be a little different came a number of challenges.
Video
Having video as the main element on the home page means carefully designing and compressing it to run on both desktop systems and mobile. Further we compressed the entire site to ensure it loaded in a reasonably quick manner.
We also wanted to get across our passion for our craft, so we felt comparing it to the pursuits people go ‘all-in’ on, would get across the passion we have for design, and what it can achieve for our clients.
Whether it’s getting up super early to catch the right set of swells, prepping a vehicle to cross continents, meticulously planning your mountain hike, or practising that guitar riff again and again, those same passions are at the route of why we design and how we design.
An Obsession
Following that core concept of ‘the obsession’—which also forms the backbone of our campaign for the next 2 years—we produced matching brochure, leaflets, and new stationery to ensure consistent look, feel, message and tone across all our marketing materials.
We also came up with the interactive idea of balancing function and form, something very close to our hearts at Caffeine. So, each page has an image relating to that content along with the ability to play with the slider; meaning the image goes from plain but functional, to functional and highly decorated. We felt this was a nice illustrative way to get across how design is a balance of the two. Getting that balance right is critical to the success of any marketing tool.
The user journey through the site was designed to be clear, with our services in plain view, followed by our portfolio, staff bios, and of course the very kind testimonials we receive regularly. We then ensured the menu was easy to use, but also minimalist and clear.
Further it was imperative that every page has access to the contact form, so no matter where you are on the site, you can contact us quickly and simply.
A Start
So, we’ve not finished it yet, but we’ve got the core up and running, and considering how busy we’ve been over the last year, that feels like a real accomplishment.
What’s great about the web is it’s never finalised. We can test new ideas, try out optional home pages and more. The next step will be to optimise the site further for Google and Bing, and then look at additional elements, more portfolio items, new sections, and of course, regular news and blog items like this one…
We’d love your feedback, so please do drop us a line and let us know what you think of the new site.
Jeff
Visions...
When discussion with friends turns to books, when I let people know that I enjoy sci-fi novels, I get a certain look...
Read More
Designing With Purpose
One belief we’ve always held close to our heart at Caffeine is that design must not only look good, it absolutely must have purpose.
Read More
Look Big - Quick Look...
The beautiful illustration work by Jeff Östberg really caught my eye and make this a lovely book to flip through.
Read More
Brand Values
Can you remember the values your business settled on? Are they really a part of your daily life in work?
Read More
Everyday Magic
A quick post for you today showing you some amazing photographs from the German photographer Lucas Zimmermann.
Read More
Case Study: Barnardo's
A third sector organisation that needs no introduction came to us frustrated at their existing external designer.
Read More
Case Study: Acuity Law
Acuity Law is a dynamic law company, with a modern organisational structure and an agile, fluid team-centric model.
Read More
Case Study: Firing Line
Firing Line are a regimental museum that pride themselves on engaging storytelling though their exhibits and artefacts.
Read More
Our New Site
Typically, and this is probably true for many businesses, it took us ages to get our own new site launched. But launched it is...
Read More
Case Study: Forbes
We were approached to look at reinvigorating the brand as a whole, starting with the main element of the logo and then the supporting parts.
Read More
Case Study: FWC
Cardiff based Fabulous Welshcakes asked us to create their full brand and suuporting materials. They are our oldest client...
Read More
Attract Business
Utilise our skills and experience to help you stand out and attract business.
Read More
The Power of Colour
We are surrounded with colour. Every day our lives are enhanced by the colours of nature around us.
Read More
Just My Type
I recently had the pleasure to come across a little gem of a book dedicated to the world of typefaces.
Read More
Delicate Paper Flowers
Pretty awesome paper flower creations.
Read More
VAT on Print Work
Did you know that VAT is zero on some print items, but not others?
Read More
The Designer Says
“I want to make beautiful things even if nobody cares.”
Read More
Information Is Beautiful
The Effectiveness of Infographics
Read More
Leica M Monochrome
Take a look at this thing of beauty and tell us you don't love the magic and romance of monochrome photography...
Read More
What Makes A Designer
What makes a designer a designer? And why can't anyone do it?...
Read More
Property Releases
Something to Watch Out for...
Read More
Social Media
So, you’ve decided to do it, or it’s been foisted upon you, or you feel you have to be involved with social media because everyone else is. Now what?
Read More
Details, Details, Details
It’s a painting right? Well it take’s a little while to accept it, but it’s actually a hyper-realistic painting by the artist Jason de Graaf.
Read More
Fab Free Font
Lovely retro font from Fontfabric
Read More
Elegant Ampersands
More a Graphic Than Type.
Read More
Why-Why-Why...?
Really? Why do designers think that I want to be seen in this?
Read More
Design vs Style
Design & Style. Is There a Difference?
Read More