Mobile Apps vs Mobile Website
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...
HTML5. What is it, and what can it do?
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. ...
Vivo Group jumps on the iPhone 5 Bandwagon
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 ...
Converged Media; Redesigning the Media Landscape.
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. ...
5 Ways to Incorporate User Experience Design
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,...
Mobile Website vs. Mobile App, Which Do I Choose?
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...
Top 5 Productivity iPad Apps for Web Designers
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...
QR Codes Decoded: What is a QR Code and Do I need it?
At Vivo Group, we've noticed a distinct technology trend emerging this year, one that is blurring the lines between our physical and online worlds, and evident in gamification, face recognition and NFC technology. It's called Augmented Reality, which describes how our real world is being enriched with the virtual; where the use of technology provides knowledge and tools to enhance the capacity of people to perform ‘real world’ tasks. One of the most widely used forms of augmented reality is evident in QR codes - which are connecting users to digital content when they’re away from their PC (but still have access to a smart phone). What is a QR code? A Quick Response (QR) code is a two-dimensional matrix code, designed to be read by a QR Reader application on an iPhone, Android or other camera-enabled smart phone. Once the image has been scanned, the software deciphers the encrypted information to activate a response in your device, such as opening email, sending an SMS or...
#Geekish 3: What is Flash?
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 interactiv...
Vivo Group offering free* social media strategies for selected clients
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...
