Client stories Sitting comfortably? Take a quick peek at some visual case studies of communication design and consulting work we've done over the years... 1
Sustainability reports for Ford Motor Company We have been involved in the design of Ford's online sustainability reports from 2002 to 2010, communicating the changing role of sustainability in Ford's global operations and progress over the years. The focus has always been on accessible communication, providing clear, simple information following industry guidelines, while meeting high standards of accuracy and usability. The brief Present complex information in a simple way, while retaining the depth and meaning of information Follow Global Reporting Index (GRI) guidelines and later the Global Compact (UNGC) index Be clear and transparent, highlighting material issues and showing progress against goals Answer the needs of a wide range of stakeholders Reflect the company's principles and values Set a benchmark in sustainability reporting. Information architecture Web design/layout Design of diagrams & charts Project managed by Flag Communication (UK) Data tables are as simple as possible, clearly annotated, and with text alternatives Diagrams illustrate complex concepts Interactive features engage users, bring data alive Ford's 2007 Sustainability Report won "Best Sustainability Reporting" from the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (Ceres) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in North America. 2
Interactive Value Chain website for Benetton A dedicated Investor Relations website focused on Benetton's value chain showing clearly where this global organisation adds value in each aspect of its business. The value chain was intended to educate stakeholders about Benetton's approach, as well as to report on progress against specific objectives. The brief... Design an Investor Relations website that focuses on the Value Chain Follow Benetton's brand values Keep it fun, lively and engaging Use multimedia and interactivity to engage stakeholders and help make the topic interesting. Information architecture Web design/layout Design of diagrams, charts and icons Colourful design to reflect the Benetton United Colors concept, with colour coded sections Icons represent interactive tools/actions Lots of links to encourage exploration within the value chain site and to related Benetton brand content elsewhere Brand imagery integrated into the site Loose, flowing lines in diagrams to suggest movement and progress 3
Branding & communications for Flinders Group As a rapidly growing business, Flinders Group was looking for a holistic approach to branding, printed marketing and website to present a strong, unified image. Credos designed the logo, branding approach, website, stationery and marketing materials, as well as providing consultancy on internal communications. We also developed internal information systems an intranet, timesheet application and client relationship management (CRM) system. The brief... Design logo and branding approach for the Group, allowing for planned/future spin-off companies Stand apart from industry competitors provide a suite of integrated marketing materials that help establish a bold foothold in the market. Logo design and branding consultancy Graphic design of stationery, printed marketing materials, document templates, presentations Web information architecture, visual design, web production, CMS training/support Programming bespoke timesheet & CRM system Communication consultancy & support 4
The tagline charting vision, delivering success is reflected via the use of navigational imagery and a blue-green colour palette circular icons represent the six main areas of expertise, and this circular device works as a navigation tool as well as a linking visual element consistent colours, fonts, and imagery form a strong visual connection between the corporate website, printed materials and staff intranet The staff intranet, timesheet system and CRM are enhancing productivity and streamlining information flow throughout the business. 5
Staff benefits intranet for Prudential Corporate intranet for a new staff flexible benefits system; providing information on the scheme and allowing staff to select personalised benefits online. The sub-site was launched as part of the corporate intranet, with its own branding and accompanying online learning site. The brief... Promote a new staff flexible benefits scheme and educate people about how it works Design the interactive application (the online system for selecting benefits, linked to staff logins) Make the process of selecting benefits as simple as possible, to minimise training and errors Reflect the core brand and follow corporate brand guidelines Information architecture Web design/layout Interaction design User testing & analysis Image research and selection Project managed by Flag Communication (UK) 6
Won British Association of Communicators in Business (BACB) Gold award for best interactive media project site structure and navigation reflects users decision-making process the system was rationalised to make all selections available from one simple account screen visual indicators were used to help people understand the scheme, eg a gauge to show direct effect of benefit selections on salary available thorough testing with users, evolving the interface in line with feedback people-focused imagery and clean layout to make the system friendly and intuitive. 7
Sustainability report for Wal-Mart We designed an online sustainability report and ethical sourcing report for one of the world's largest retailers. The brief... Simple, accessible sustainability report clear messages, transparent facts reflect the company brand and ethos. Web design/layout Icon design Information design of charts Just four main sections to keep it simple and address main stakeholder groups Colourful icons represent main sections Unfussy layout, with panels separating different types of content Imagery reflects the people and the business 8