It's a question that we are constantly asked by clients - an Application or Mobile Website? At Vivo Group, we believe that the choice is company and goal specific. It is a topic of much debate, the fact that users are increasingly choosing to turn to their mobile device (be it smartphones or tablets) as the first point of call to access information. As such, we strongly believe that all information should be converted to suit the changing landscape and host information the way that clients wish to access it. That being said, it is fundamental that a mobile application, or site be developed. Therefore, once and for all, this blog will outline the respective functions and features of each to help you make your own informed decision. First off, lets start by defining each option;   Mobile Website A mobile website is similar to the normal website, however it is optimized to display on a smaller screen and interface. Mobile websites typically only display the sites most viewed information and are accessed through the devices standard web browser (i.e. Sa...

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HTML5. Everyone’s talking about it, everyone wants to use it. Bugger all people know what it is or what it can do, so let’s break it down. HTML5 is the latest version of HTML - the code used by web developers to create web pages. Think of it as the newest model Holden Commodore. It’s got 24” wheels, 10 reversing sensors and automatic wipers - all as standard features, and all in all, an improvement on the previous model. In much the same respect, HTML5 picks up a handful of extremely useful elements that both simplify web development and enhance a user’s online experience. The W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) is an international body responsible for maintaining web standards and have been developing HTML5 over the course of the last few years. ...

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  With all of today's hype, you probably find yourself extremely confused and don't know where to start. Fret not, Apple fans amongst the Vivo Group have been able to provide a concise wrap up of all things iPhone 5. Some feel that with the absence of Jobs, the fanaticism associated with new Apple product releases has significantly declined. Fewer leaks meant new features, when unveiled, were a surprise - rather than a clarification of rumours, resulting in a rather ho-hum launch.   Nonetheless, there are still some noteworthy updates and upgrades; Aesthetics New 'Lightning' charger Earphone connectivity at the bottom of the device New earphones Lighter (20%) Thinner (18%) Longer Bigger screen ...

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The acceptance and success of social media has dramatically shaken up how advertisers traditionally define Bought, Earned and Owned media. The once clear cut lines between the three media types are now seen as a blurry mess. Strengthened by Altimeter Group's research, it has been forecasted that the three "distinct media are beginning to converge, [and] soon they'll be inextricably entwined". Based on this forecasted amalgamation of media, the industry has dubbed the new term "converged media". This change has been caused by the new empowered consumer, who is now consulting the new types of media (Facebook, Twitter, Forums etc) to finalise their buying decisions. With this foreseen convergence in mind, it is fundamental that marketers keep up. In doing so, it is essential that marketers have an understanding of the traditional forms of marketing, and how they are converging in the digital scene.   ...

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Ever clicked on a marketing offer, to be taken to the business’ homepage with no mention of the offer? Dropping users onto the homepage is essentially asking them to fend for themselves, however we know that users are time-poor and unwilling to navigate complex websites. Therefore, a more effective approach would have been to create a dedicated landing page to house the offer, giving you the exact information you require in no time at all. Now you’re a captive audience, and more likely to download/purchase/subscribe.   What’s a landing page? Landing pages have been likened to a pick-up line, as they’re short, concise and focused on “closing the deal” - i.e. asking users to perform a specific task such as subscribing, downloading or purchasing. Therefore, landing pages are critical for promotion-specific marketing as they provide a focused experience designed to accomplish a singular conversion goal.   Know the purpose of your page They key to effective landing page design is knowing who you’re talking to, and why the landing page exists in the first place. Firstly, developing goals for your landing page is paramount. Common landing page objectives include: Communicating brand values of the organisation; Achieving a conversion i.e. sign-up, registration, download, sale; ...

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The world wide web is powered by the end user. They choose which websites to visit, what information to consume, and what products to purchase from whom. In this way, a website’s success does not hinge on design or information alone; it relies on how the user perceives it. This perception is particularly important as technologies and methodologies advance, and web-based systems move from static mediums to complex, interactive experiences. Basically, your website’s success boils down to whether you can retain your target user’s interest through considered systems and tools. Enter user-experience design, or UX design.   What is user experience design? “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works” - Steve Jobs The term “user experience” refers to how a person feels when interacting with a system, be it a website,...

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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 simil...

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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 Di...

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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.  ...

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