It’s common knowledge that web-enabled mobile devices have transformed the way we interact with technology and information. Today, more than ever, users are searching the Web, purchasing products and networking with their peers on smart phones and tablets. However, most businesses don’t prioritise creating a mobile presence to equal their Web presence. This represents a missed opportunity to harness the ever-growing mobile market. As more consumers wake up to the idea of mobile connectivity, businesses also need to evolve and adapt by providing a new connection to users with mobile communication needs. It’s time to give your website a mobile makeover. But the question remains; create a mobile website or a mobile application? Mobile website v mobile application The two most prevalent means of reaching consumers on mobile devices are mobile websites and mobile applications. Both apps and mobile websites can be accessed on a handheld device such as an iPhone, Android or Blackberry, however the similarities...

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We all know that iPad apps can be a major distraction. But, believe it or not, there are thousands of apps that will help, not hinder your productivity. So we’ve undertaken the mammoth task of sifting through Apple’s catalogue of apps to bring you our top five applications for the web design and development niche that inspire, boost productivity and organise ideas. These apps are guaranteed to help you get the job done. iMockups The must-have mobile wireframing and mockupp app for your web, iPhone and iPad projects. Draft wireframes in one easy-to-use interface with intuitive functionality and a multitude of colour options, text styles, borders and backgrounds. Better still, iMockup allows you to export your work via email. Adobe Ideas 1.0 This app will become your digital sketchbook, allowing you to capture and explore your inspiration on the go with vector-based drawing tools, zoom control, brushes and layers. The ideal companion for the Adobe desktop suite, the app allows you to save your files as PDF, vector or raster file formats to edit in Illustrator or Photoshop later. Air Display Wish your scre...

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Web design is paramount, as it communicates your brand, company ideals and reputation all at once. More importantly, it serves as a window through which your audience sees and perceives you. Therefore, less-than-perfect web design can mean the difference between your audience choosing you or your competitor when making purchasing decisions. The challenge for web designers is to balance eye-catching design with properly functioning interfaces and applications to meet specific user needs and goals. Here are our top five tips for creating more usable (and beautiful) web pages that meet the needs of the intended end user. 1. FUNCTION BEFORE FORM It's not just about beauty, it's about function. Before you begin designing, it's essential to think about what each page will offer, as a web page exists to provide something that's useful or interesting to visitors.  Think - what are you offering your visitors? Why should they take time to peruse your site?  Separate topics into defined sections, and keep text direct and to the point to make it easy for your visitors to find and absorb the information they need.  2. FIRS...

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Flash. Isn't that what streakers do on the cricket pitch mid-game?  Well, yes, but we're referring to a vector animation software that facilities rich, interactive content including video, games, presentations and advertisements in multimedia design that just aren't possible with HTML alone.   In fact, you've probably encountered it before. Ever seen an animated, online advertisement or played a game in your browser? That's Adobe Flash, and it has spawned a whole new generation of fast, interactive websites and mobile applications.   Who uses Flash?   Flash is predominantly used by professional website designers to create high quality and lightweight animations, images and layouts to increase the visual appeal and interactivity of a site.    When is F...

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I've just become the Mayor. Of Vivo Group, that is. I didn't have to run for parliament, and I didn't have to convince my peers that I was the right person for the job. In fact, all I had to do was 'check-in'. This phenomenon is called 'gamification' and it is increasingly becoming our reality.   What is Gamification?   Gamification is a trend in social networking, or the use of game-play mechanics for non-gaming products and services. Today, companies are actively integrating gamification into their user engagement and networking strategies by offering challenges, leader boards, achievement badges and physical rewards for participation in real-world tasks. Basically, the gaming engine comes first, and the social platform second.    So, at what point did...

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Times are changing, and Vivo Group are changing with them! We have found recently that more clients are realising the importance of social media, and requesting it alongside their online strategies and website development. As a result, we have broadened our scope at Vivo Group by offering social media marketing and strategies as one of our core services. To celebrate this exciting direction we would like to offer companies a three month FREE trial, valued at over $2,000.00, whereby Vivo Group creates and/or manages their social media presence.  This would also include the creation of a custom Facebook and Twitter page in addition to a complete social media strategy. If you are (or know of) a company that could benefit from implementing and including social media as part of their ma...

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Charlie Sheen started his career as a film star, and is looking at finishing it as a mentally ill media menace - is that #winning?  For the past few weeks his interviews, outrageous quotes and web-series “Sheen’s Korner” have had us laughing at - not with - the highest paid television actor.  Vivo Group wanted to join in the fun and capitalise on the hype, and so Slap Sheen was created. Slap Sheen is an online game with a basic goal; to slap Charlie Sheen.  Set in a (not as-yet trashed) hotel room, littered with wads of cash and suspect white powder, players can try their hardest to slap some sense into Sheen.  With Sheen saying his infamous catchphrases, you will be ‘bi-winning’ when you get to slap him here and slap him there (note: no...

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Next month, in March 2011, we are welcoming our e-newsletter, Frank, into the Vivo Group family.   What does it mean to be frank?  No, not what does it mean to be Frank Sinatra hanging out with fellow Rat Pack cool cats, but what is the the action of “being frank.”   To be frank is to be honest and clear cut; to call a spade a spade.  Frank will act as a compulsive analyser, and attempt to answer your questions before you even ask them. What’s new in digital media? What have Vivo Group been up to lately? Who has the newest, smartest social media strategy around? What are our friends up to? What is currently floating around in cyberspace? Flash... Java... Huh?  I do not know what you are talking about, please translate from Geekish! ...

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Red and Yellow are busting some wannabe ghetto gangstas in M&M’s new digital marketing campaign, ‘Pastel Pretenders.’ Three punks, dressed up as pastel-coloured, bling loving M&M’s are trying to steal street-cred from Red, Yellow and their friends.  Obviously, this can’t happen, and Red and Yellow are seeking help from their audience, or eaters (whichever way you look at it), to help catch their wannabe doppelgangers. So the actual $20 000 competition involves you purchasing a pack of Pastel Pretenders, and either instantly winning, or entering second chance draws online, but their micro site is also a lot more fun.   Upon entering there is a video, giving audiences their first peek at the Pastel Pretenders gang, and their obvious lo...

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