faunasphere
challenge
to create a big fish game that appeals to wider audience than casual gamers and an mmo that appeals to a more casual audience. to provide a voice for user experience in feature development and game design decisions.
solution
i am working to create the best possible in-game user experiences with emphasis on ui design and user testing. i also concept and design with the marketing team, using our relationship with big fish games to reach out to casual gamers while spreading awareness to classic mmo players at gaming conventions.
discovery
i have learned to design for both a demographic and industry with very different expectations for user experience, integrating my outside knowledge of interface design to drastically improve the product.
zune.net
challenge
to enhance zune's online community and social network, ultimately hoping to take the web from a mere marketing site to the hub of all media interfaces [xbox, zune device, zune client].
solution
we created new media browsing and exploration experiences, fueling the growth of the social network that differentiates zune in the industry.
discovery
i learned the art of designing within a creative environment driven by development.
tidy cats site redesign
challenge
tidy cats wanted to reinvent their online presence, creating an emotional connection with their consumers by positioning themselves as a lifestyle brand rather than a cat litter brand.
solution
we created a site with multiple areas of interest where users could share, discuss and learn more about their cats and their behaviour, while also discovering which of tidy cats products best fit their lifestyle.
discovery
i enjoyed the freedom of conceptual and visual experimentation, and refined my ability to pull the unrealistically imaginative back to the practical.
tidy cats cast of characters viral campaign
challenge
tidy cats wanted to promote their new series of commercials in the interactosphere, using a microsite and accompanying viral campaign.
solution
we took advantage of the commercials' comedic nature and lolcats' spreading popularity to market the brand to a younger demographic with a series of placement ads, social media, and ecards.
discovery
never underestimate the draw of adorable talking kitties.
final fantasy iv
challenge
square enix wanted a multi-phase microsite built for the united states release of final fantasy iv on the nintendo ds. we were challenged to create a sense of intrigue for new users while keeping engagement with square enix's existing fan base.
solution
after researching other game sites, specifically those square enix had done for previous releases of final fantasy iv on playstation and in japan, we developed a three phase approach to introduce new users to the game while providing existing fans with extras, driving all users to pre-order and then to buy the game.
discovery
the project landed at another agency after a couple of weeks' worth of work; however, i continued with design, resolving to finish the process for my portfolio.
tidy cats breeze
challenge
tidy cats wanted to introduce a new product independent of their traditional line of cat litter. the new product was to have its own brand and web presence while still clearly being marked as a product of cat litter giant. the main purpose of the site and other interactive promotions was to educate and promote the breeze product.
solution
we created a site based on three target goals: introduce, educate and share experience. users were introduced to the product with a short animated video, they learned about the system with interactive diagrams and step by step processes, and users were prompted to share their experiences in a forum experience.
discovery
i learned the ins and outs of running a project from start to finish while coordinating with both the client and the developers, all while battling a bucket of crazy who was determined to ruin it all. it was really quite epic.
infuz identity exploration and site redesign
challenge
infuz was in desperate need of rebranding their outdated site, and the creative team was tasked with designing and building a better brand and site in six weeks' time.
solution
after squandering much of our time running in opposite directions, we had several absolutely beautiful designs that we hadn't the resources to build in the few days that remained before our impending deadline.
discovery
i learned the best way to cope with impossible goals and deadlines is to reduce them into smaller, possible goals. i honed my ability to accept mistakes and welcome them as part of the process.
tidy cats tough bag viral campaign
challenge
tidy cats wanted to jump on the viral train after seeing our success with the yesterday's news campaign. they decided to do this while promoting their new tough bag packaging.
solution
we promoted tidy cats' new 'tough bag' with a series of web video commercials, an email campaign and a microsite.
discovery
i tried on my art director hat for the first time, pitching ideas and designs to the client while coordinating our copy writer, illustrator and production team. i also directed my first commercial films.
petcentric place
challenge
nestlé-purina wanted a way to better understand their consumers' wants and needs while also expanding awareness about their ever-evolving pet brands.
solution
we imagined, designed, and built a social network around the existing petcentric newsletter, allowing users to share information, pictures, and videos of their furry family members with other pet lovers. this gave purina insight into the lifestyles of their consumers while also granting them a new channel to share relevant content.
discovery
working between opposing social network fans, i learned to compromise between opposing models without settling for the lowest common denominator. i also gained a renewed appreciation for clean design and intuitive layout when presenting massive amounts of content.
yesterday's news
challenge
yesterday's news wanted to increase brand awareness and loyalty.
solution
the agency designed a video campaign. i came on board to help with the supporting site, banners, widgets, emails, etc.
discovery
i learned how to jump into the middle of a quickly moving process, influencing the design direction to yield measurably better results.