BACKGROUND

Museums are always inventing methods to get their visitors to participate in exhibition evaluation. This experimental research aims to utilize interactive smart technology to get real time feedback from visitors in new technology exhibition spaces. How can the many stakeholders in a museum easily get access to visitor feedback as data that is meaningful and engaging information.

SOLUTION

Dr Anita Kocsis at the Faculty of Design, Swinburne University has developed new methods to better understand visitor’s response to new technology spaces. She has engaged with a group of professional digital UX designers to help extend her vision with a series of smart technology apps. My role as design lead in this group is to develop the user testing in conjunction with the brand identity that works across the domain of research and international museums. Recent updates include Asian language versions.

BACKGROUND

I was invited to design and create a identity and items for a leading international conference to be held in HK. The conference was to boost the professional persona for this new Department within City University in Hong Kong.  

SOLUTION

As the Conference items would be used across and range of items from a tiny badge to a large banner, the branded elements needed to have a strong identity of their own. Clean modern yet professional and strong. The Run Run Shaw building was used as inspiration for the main stylised element, blue, red green were used to bring out the three streams of the conference. Banners, Signage, programmes, screens were produced as required. It was a great success for the department  improving the profile within HK and through the museums of the world. 

Every year a conference is held that brings museum professional from around the world together to exchange ideas, papers and knowledge. This was a chance for the new Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre and the iGlam department within City University HK to reach out and engage these professionals by hosting the conference.

The conference branding brief had to project to an international corporate academic  community. The Brand signature was modern and inspired by the signature academic establishment hosting the conference. The Daniel Libeskin building is a iconic profile building at City university and this was reinforced in publicity and tone of the conference. The colatoral was designed to engage and excite the audience within the daily schedule but also capitalize on the identity of the space with the graphics and social media tools to facilitate a successful conference.

The branded items ranged from a small button warn by conference attendees to large banners and posters. Conference programme templates were created, the three distinct streams of the conference were created with their own distinct color theme. These were given to the 3 organisers of those streams, a range of conference way showing items were also produced as well as the conference speakers and promotional screens for use around the university. Also taken into consideration were the Chinese and English languages needed to be displayed to help the diverse conference attendees language needs within the conference items. The design in it’s context had to work across cultures and also across disciplines. 

Feedback concerning the colatoral for the conference was a success. The conference pack that contained the 3 conference track programme’s, badges, and other collateral helped attendees understand the daily flow of proceedings and the general flow of the conference. These items all worked towards giving the conference a professional and modern branded solution.

BACKGROUND

John Wardle Architects are one of the most respected “Design” architecture practices within Australia. 
Volker joined John Wardle Architects to enhance the brand, to evolve the in house processes where possible and enhance the various touch points the public would engage with JWA.

SOLUTION

Volker’s media design management knowledge was crucial to shaping John Wardle Architects brand. Volker was responsible for communicating the diverse facets of the practice to internal and external stakeholders. 

As Brand custodian Volker has evolved the corporate graphics with the external graphic designers and help manage the media profile of a leading architectural design practice. As design manager he led the team to develop strategy, design systems, content and projects such as the intranet and new website. Internal branded items such as submissions, tender documents, competition collateral were also part of this responsibility.

​Background

John Wardle Architects web site of approximately 6 years required an immediate overhaul, as the site no longer could service the brand nor its users. The site did not represent the multifaceted rich aspects of the practice. The site represented stasis rather than a launching point for activity or as a reference of knowledge. A site that does not evolve with its users supported by new technologies is at risk of appearing as a shadow rather a vibrant hub of activity.

Solution

For JWA to design a new site a number of research stages were required. The analysis of the digital brand and an analysis of its users required drilling down to specific user needs. Does a student or a journalist or an architect require different information and if so what forms does this take?

Studies in consumer competition and existing best practices were profiled. This aspect was accompanied by an analysis of the front-end attributes. Back-end functions were all reviewed as the function and continual update by internal staff was vital. Simple case study analyses such as Website Direction boards were created, with Likes, Dislikes, Aims, Audience, Aesthetic directions and Content directions. In negotiating with third party coders and designers we created a social media overview to allow the Design firm to understand the direction that JWA proposed. Managing the external suppliers and the internal visions of the partners was a process of concept iteration supported by design direction as a series of working meetings. The design and the CMS had to work in synergy. Ease of use in conjunction with reinforcement of the brand resulted in a successful launch with positive feedback. I have recommended user testing for a period of 2 months in order to review patterns of use and types of use. From this data we envisage new updates and improvements.

Background

John Wardle Architects required a central repository of commonly used information for all the staff to use. The existing structure presented a series of items such as drives, data and assets haphazardly.  Information was parked across multiple drives and folders making the task to find certain information less that ideal. There was also no ability to track usage or easily update assets.

Solution

I proposed an investigation with a small working party to establish needs of a busy architectural practice. Meetings were had to work out the structure and classification of the information at hand. I also presented a series of diagrams outlining the needs described by the group that articulated their thoughts. This helped to direct and refine the various usage patterns. We also engaging a programmer for a active custom made CMS. Specific demands of JWA employees were considered such as; a simple staff directory, seating plan for new employees, “out of office”, booking equipment, leave tables for both a single worker, or internal teams, in office social events, site visit social stories and galleries. Based on findings I aimed for an intranet that reflected the social activities of the practice servicing the daily demands of use.

The aesthetic of the user interface was kept neutral to facilitate future rebranding. Importantly the employees easily learned the layout design. It was simple to navigate, as the depth of the navigation was always shallow.  The intranet is well received by the employees and is a first active step in improving the companies’ internal practices.

iCINEMA - UNIVERSITY OF NSW | PLACE-Hampi
​
​BACKGROUND

PLACE-Hampi is a vibrant theatre for embodied participation in the drama of Hindu mythology set into a real-world landscape. PLACEHampi provides the setting for a stereographic virtual landscape  . PLACE-Hampi provides a framework for a new approach to the rendering of the cultural experience, whose aesthetic and representational features gives the general public a dramatic new appreciation of the many layered significations of such historical, archaeological, and architectural spaces.

INVOLVEMENT

Place-Hampi was first shown at the LIlle3000 Festival in France where is has travelled through out europe, recently it was shown in Berlin at the Martin-Gropius-Bau for the From Spark to Pixel. Art + New Media exhibition.

My role within this project was to produce all the promotional material for the installation, postcards, A4 information sheets, posters etc. Included within the Berlin exhibition was a survey sheet in both German and English, this was to form part of a qualitative survey of the installation. The overall feedback and success of the project in the eyes of the active participants attending this state of the art installation.

MELBOURNE MUSEUM | NAGAUR FORT, INDIA
​
​BACKGROUND

The Eye of Nagaur is a pioneering interactive digital multimedia installation made with state of the art phot​ographic and visualisation technologies. Looking through the ‘eye’ of its imposing three-meter high circular screen, viewers explore a constellation of ultra-high resolution panoramic digital images that reveal the beauty of this site. Using a revolutionary new Swiss panoramic camera - the Seitz Roundshot D3 - that expands the current boundaries of digital photography. Its 140 megapixel scanning back combined with a fisheye lens made it possible to capture spherical panoramas of Nagaur Fort in stunning resolution and with a beauty never before achieved. The Client was His Highness Maharaja Gajsingh  II of Marwar – Jodhpur, the Mehrangarh Museum Trust and The Helen Hamlyn Trust and the Lady Hamlyn. 

INVOLVEMENT

I worked for the Creators of this project in association with Melbourne Museum, My role was in this project to create the promotional products, interface design and installation content for the information screens, and help with the adjustment of the 16 images for this project, they were 4+gb single images that would prove to test both machine and software. Working in partnership with the main stakeholders, we were able effectively work the images into rich impressive panoramas. The Promotional material and print collatoral was effectively produced within the 10 day turn around time.

BACKGROUND

Freefold furniture is a bespoke design practice run by Toby Horroks, a well known architect and designer who is known for his cardboard creations.  

SOLUTION

Freefold is a name that embodies a ethos, folding, cardboard, the nature of the product and a simple design. The typeface reflects the folding nature of the material, the business card stock embodies the recycled nature of the product, and the card folds up to suggest the nature of the design outcomes. With bold pink geometric patterns that note the bold asthetic direction of the designs, theis empowered the ethos of freefolds direction of it’s creations and design outcomes. 

BACKGROUND

Katherine Ngu is a respected specialist pediatric Dentist who was looking to start a new practice. The identity was a cautious move as conservative choices in this industry were commonplace. This specialist had to communicate to a threefold user, children, parents and the dental fraternity. Katherine’s name as Identity had to translate to the demanding clients.

SOLUTION

I researched her mentors and contemporaries whilst thinking about her everyday vital communication with children. I created a branded icon that represented her three main clients, babies, toddlers and young boys and girls. The notion was to have a happy, fun, and inviting graphic that would appeal to both markets. By using strong elements like the orange colour, type and pattern we were able to also convey the feeling of a clean, modern and professional brand. The use of language based on conversations with children and adults assisted the identity. The identity has been well received both by clients, dental and hospital colleagues who refer young patients to her. Plans to open additional practices are under way. Elements of the brand Identity, 3 faces, boy, girl and baby were the target audience for this very specialized service. The basic branded identity pack is her professional face to industry and clients.

Identity and Branding is an evolving process. 
​
​My knowledge and experience grows with every job, from a small branding identity that helps get the company off the ground, to their larger cousins who demand complex messages to a sophisticated audience. Every design is a challenge, finding that spark, that essence, that special something for the client makes designing so great. To get a client to translate their passions and ethos through design is extremely rewarding.

Printed material is tactile and requires human interaction and can be kept and revisited over time. Far from being a forgotten medium print design has always been a vibrant and stable field. I like the discipline and the challenge that print design demands. I am always trying to design a unique statement suitable for the client.  
​
​Here is a selection of other printed  I have produced over time. 
​​

FLUBBAWABBA | Identity

BACKGROUND

A small group of creative professionals needed a quick identity to bring together their diverse skills to engage the publishing industry with a variety of creative projects and opportunities 

SOLUTION

As the time line was tight and the area they were targeting defined by their skill set, I set the task to create a simple yet dynamic look and feel to their corporate identity.

The target market was the digital children publishing realm, the design had to be professional, easy to read yet fun, colourful and have a level of interest that would help it stand out.

BACKGROUND

During my time at BBDA I was involved in the design and production of annual reports, performance reports and similar collateral. For over 10 years, I worked towards independently designing and producing the reports alongside the principal of the company.

SOLUTION

Annual reports like the web suffer small attention spans requiring maximum information. Ubiquitous information is vital and must express the brand, the content and the data.

The reports were well received and the challenge for every year was to invigorate the brand, convey the data and bring

information to the investor and or shareholder.

Some of the Reports where for

Victoria Police

Yarra Valley Water

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

Ambulance Service Victoria

Melbourne University

BACKGROUND

The high tech scanning solutions provided to women in this burgeoning medical industry needed a human and intelligent brand that could communicate to a demanding clientele. The client needed a brand from scratch that would translate from business card to signage and interior brand.

SOLUTION

Research into the technology, its usage and the demand was a primary element that informed the design process. Research into the medical brand assisted the client to suggest what was and was not appropriate. The design solutions focused on the client demographic and the predominant female associations. The palette and iconography had to be fresh and reflect a positive element that the technology could provide. The modern lotus reflected the spirituality and knowledge of the old and the electric vibrant green suggested the potential positivism that comes with the colours of early spring.

A Logo or mark can be seen at a glance or enjoyed over time. The identity tells a story about the company. I have included a selection of logo’s representing a variety of clients. These logos were created in various studio’s I worked in and each presented a different set of challenges.
​
​

25. Digital Publishing
​- Flubbawabba

24. Automotive service company
​- Auto Paris

23 Medical Practice
​- Northern Ultrasound of Woman

22. Medical Practice
​- SmileGroup - Dentist

21. Medium Business
​- Bloomfield Tremayne
​Architectural Placement Business

20. Dog Grooming - Canine Elegance

19. Multinational Travel Company
​- World expeditions adventures

18. Medical Dentist
​- Kidz -Square

17. Electronic Motion Edit Studio Business
​- Creative Urge

16. Local Government institution
​- Energy Project House

15. Digital Imaging Photo Business
​- Digital Lucidia

14. Interaction, Digital Heritage School
​- University of New South Wales

13. Beauty
​- Just Breathe

12. Education institution
​- Astrotours
​Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing
​Swinburne University

11. Technology Company
​- Busy Bee Consulting

10. Small Consultancy
​- Next Wave
​Management Consultancy

09. Government institution
​-AHURI
​Commonwealth Institution aimed at the Research and Education of planning future housing impacts...  

08. Government institution
​- Emily’s List 
​EMILY’s List Australia is a national organisation aimed at getting more progressive Labor women elected to Parliament.

07. Small Business
​- Heaven Scent
​Retail flower growers

06. Government institution ​- Anti Cancer Council
​Sun Smart
​- First Original Version before a small tweak

05. Early Original Logo
​- Auto Paris
​Automotive service company

04. Multinational Company
​- BP
​Direct marketing logo

03. Small Company
​- The Film Business
​Film Production company

02. LAW
​- APA Solicitors
​Simple and modern approach

01. Horticulture
​- John Patrick
​Landscape Gardening Firm

BACKGROUND

Bloomfield Tremayne are one of Australia’s leading specialist recruitment firms for Architects and Interior designers. The brand is positioned in the changing yet contemporary sector hence it has to be clear and discernible to a professional audience.

SOLUTION

I simplified the brand, keeping the palette contemporary with the use of architectural photography and a bolder logotype. This identity reinforced that the brand was a ‘stayer’ in the market aware of modern demands. The Identity had to cross all mediums, from corporate stationary, press ads, promotional items and the website.

The presentation folder designed to hold a series of customized information sheets, forms and contracts that would be given out to prospective clients, property developers and architects. With the use of specialty paper stock for most of the main stationary items, Bloomfield Tremayne have managed to stay refreshing and modern.

​BACKGROUND

The world famous jewellers house tiffany & co required the design of a animation piece and installation for the Melbourne International Fashion Festival.

SOLUTION

Our solution was to bring their icon designs back to life in a raw state, where shapes and pure colours could interact and flow into thematic sections. With the gobo lighting and multiple projections the space was enveloped in colour, movement and sound.

​BACKGROUND

Whilst working at Swinburne University, Faculty of Design         I was asked to construct and design a new website for the National Institute of Design Research, NIDR. In this case, the content and the design was delivered by myself. 

I combined content knowledge with design communication fundamentals. A programmer worked with me to deliver the site.

SOLUTION

The dual purpose of the site as resource and marketing tool was a primary objective. The site is also featured at Swinburne promotional events including student open days. The site is used by academics, sessional lecturers, students, design professionals and students. 

Prospective international students have used the site that features student work as well as a guide to the programs available. The site is also used in classes as a resource. At present a new staff member has been hired to maintain the site given the popularity of the site.

​BACKGROUND

World Expeditions is a world leader in adventure travel, with offices around the world, the client required a new website and revitalization of their corporate image. Over the years they had taken various corporate identity directions which had lead to a mixed and confused image. The website had been designed 10 years ago and was also looking it’s age. Multiple versions of business cards were used in different countries and no clear branded structure was in place.

SOLUTION

As this was their first step towards a new look, they had decided to totally redesign their static website with a dynamically driven one, where the various offices could be seen under a unified brand. This was working in partnership with Web Elements who were the backend developers of the site and myself bringing a new branded look and feel. But before that could happen I was asked to revitalize the logo, modernize the stationary and bring it all under one branded umbrella. Now all the offices and promotions work as one structured brand, now the website has a totally new look that is more approachable. We have also developed a World Expeditions co-branded website that works within Lonely Planet’s global site, this have been a very successful venture both brand image and market wise.  www.worldexpeditions.com.au
​Since this site redesign the website has been updated again evolving to it's next aesthetic evolution.

​BACKGROUND

While at Gill & Cetti, I contributed to an emerging real estate website targeted to the Australian market titled Buy My Home. I presented usability ideas focusing on innovative user engagement strategies. The main premise was to put the sale of a home in the home owners hands. One of the main functions of the site was to present as a resource whilst being a platform for brokering a sale.

SOLUTION

While there is nothing new to buying homes in the Australian market, or looking for homes via the internet, real estate agents in this case are secondary in the process with emphasis on the non institutional buyer and seller.

To give this site a user focused orientation I included emotional key points that could relate to the average buyer and seller without the domineering brand of a real estate agency. Ideally engaging the buyer and seller in a more holistic ‘home’ orientation would enable the user to engage on a different level. Features such as internet satellite map technology and the use of active real estate values to help people search, and sell their house was included. This holistic ‘home’ concept was used by zillow.com for the US market. I also suggested that commercial and retail assets could also be used to value add to the experience, allowing for a possible commercial revenue stream. Government and Educational reference points could also be added to the search areas to give the buying public a clear overview of the amenities available within a desired area.interested in.

packaging - fmcg

Users are not just interested in products; they are in search of positive experiences. Packaging today has the role of combining the brand with the experience. Products must be useable but also register with the client’s value and emotional responses. The experience may elicit a range of responses that are driven by aspirations or work on a fundamental human basis, evoking responses such as surprise, play, memory, security, trust, challenge and or seduction.

Package design has the power to connect with the consumer and communicate a brand’s message on a more intimate level. Package design is a brand and business asset that is fully recognized and vital to the modern vibrant and competitive market place.
​
​Future Product Concept | Gloop kids Products

BACKGROUND

The client wanted to develop a bath product that targeted adults buying for kids ultimately to be used by both adults and children. The market is saturated with predominantly low-grade children’s products that do not appeal to adults. The client wanted to experiment with a cross-market target where the adult gets quality and satisfaction and the child gets the fun.

SOLUTION

Attention for the wandering eye that is also a savvy customer is a competitive space. I used fundamental design elements that include clean type, simple space, strong organic colours and copy. These elements and principles of design help position the brand in a more modern space. The product is designed for dual placement on the shelf (kids and boutique bath). The package ultimately is of gift quality that can add as an interior enhancement to the bathroom using its colour.

COMBE ASIA PACIFIC | EXPRESS HAIR COLOR


​
​BACKGROUND

Combe Asia Pacific is a maker and distributor of “Restoria Express” successful hair colour range that sells in India, China, Singapore, etc. They wanted to update the range with a new look and feel to appeal to the middle age market of male and females, yet keep it at a price point most people could afford.

SOLUTION

As India was the first market for the product launch I had to come up with a look that would work in India yet translate to China and beyond. The idea was to generate to people a feeling of security, success and happiness, while feeling premium and a reasonable price. This was achieved mainly through the signature portraits. The use of colour, and texture, in either concept can be mixed. The portrait identities can be changed depending on demographic. The ideas were well received by the client and are in the approval process.

WARD GROUP | RESTORIA VITAMIN E CREME

BACKGROUND

The Ward Group Australia required a re-invigoration of the Vitamin E cream packaging. The product was hand made and thus treated accordingly. The team wanted a fresh clean modern look, with a different alternative presentation.

SOLUTION

My conceptual solution was to keep the clarity of the brand by including structure into the design and image. This is

intended to deliver a modern brand you could trust, a fresh product that would catch the eye, be easy to read and use.

The alternative choice was combining old world charm in a contemporary context. The space and structure presents a brand that was luxurious, feminine and honest. This concept is in the approval market process at the moment.

Australian Char Pty Ltd | Heat Beads

BACKGROUND

Recently Heat Beads have started a refresh of their brand image, the Heat Beads Sash had been developed to bring the brand image forward. Part of the push was to move the identity to the overseas markets. The Danish Client who distributes Heat Beads was very interested in a tie in with their local brand which looked modern and mainly black.

SOLUTION

In Denmark the Australian products are doing well due to the tie in with the royal family. Australian goods are seen in a very favourable light. Two versions were designed; one close to the current look and feel with a black smart modern tone, and another look that was raw inspired by the outback, using the look of crate paper. This was the solution the client absolutely loved and we keen to bring to the market.

​BACKGROUND

The client positioned a central feature in the Royal Melbourne Exhibition Buildings at the 2000 Flower and Garden Show. The brief required a representation of nature in its prehistoric form juxtaposed by a garden of the future. A strange world represented by a major central focus including multimedia content.

SOLUTION

We came up with the idea of constructing a mountain, where on one side “pre history” was represented, on the other was the “future”, and in the middle the public was able to walk through a multimedia tunnel. I researched and designed the motion design content of many botanical names and illustrations as well as provide palette cues for the installation.

The top image shows the inside of the tunnel that housed the plasma screens which were built in.

One side was the ancient forest side, lush, very green and dense and on the other contrasting side futuristic fauna, Japanese inspired flowing brook, housed flowers under glass domes, vivid colours, a total contrast.

I like to travel whenever possible. Travel enables me to see other perspectives and yet keep my feet on the ground. The destinations I have travelled to: Europe | Stockholm, Helsinki, Vienna, Budapest, Munich, Berlin, Saltzburg, St Moritz, Zurich, Paris, London. In the United States | New York, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Hawaii. Locally I have been in Asia/Pacific | Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Wellington, Auckland. I lived in Hong Kong for two months (jan/feb 04) working on a project which was a eye opener and really gave me a view on the whole HK/China economic boom and design aesthetic. I found the dynamic culture and the clash of new and old very fascinating.

My Renault 15 is one such car where the influence of the "option mag" race tuning street style has touched the 70's style of my R15. It has a blend of racing tech and the classic feel of the French 70's coupe that really gives it a distinctive purposeful look.

I have always had an interest in Renaults. From a young age I helped my father restore 60's, 70's Renaults, this extended to my R15 and it's evolution into a tarmac-racing car. Over the years I have competed in various motorsport events in my classic 70’s tarmac R15 (competed in Dutton’s Grand Rally Car Rally, 1996, 1998, 2000.) and various hill climbs like Rob Roy and racing tracks like Phillip Island and Calder Park in Australia.
I also own an unrestored Alpine A310 and have in the past also owned such cars as Ford XB coupe, 1968 R16TS etc. 

The last images on the page are of the Gordini Day in La Chatre from a few years back where I traveled to France and had a fantastic two days in the sunny French country side seeing all the cars in abundance in their natural surroundings that I had grown up with. Its always a wonderful time mixing with like minded people. One event I hope to go to is the French Blue day in Japan, it seems just as amazing on the other side of the world.