To find out more, watch the video intro by clicking on the image above and then head over to view the full presentation on Prezi.

Alternatively, for full details, drop me a line.

Developing sites in this way, although initially more time consuming, creates a future proof platform for publishers that far outweighs the cost of developing different solutions for each family of devices.

The proliferation of different devices is a problem that confronts all web site owners.  Where once we could safely assume a minimum screen size, browser type and hardware, there are now literally thousands of possible combinations.

This introduces some tricky challenges in presenting web content in an accessible and interesting way across devices that ...]]> Today, users are consuming on-line content on an ever increasing range of devices.  The relatively new discipline of “responsive design” has a lot to offer publishers.  By designing a series of flexible grids, content can be dynamically formatted to automatically work on the widest range of screen sizes from the largest desktop displays through to the smallest mobile handsets. 

Developing sites in this way, although initially more time consuming, creates a future proof platform for publishers that far outweighs the cost of developing different solutions for each family of devices.

The challenges

The proliferation of different devices is a problem that confronts all web site owners.  Where once we could safely assume a minimum screen size, browser type and hardware, there are now literally thousands of possible combinations.

This introduces some tricky challenges in presenting web content in an accessible and interesting way across devices that may have completely different: -

• Screen sizes and resolutions
• User interfaces – touch screen/”rollerball”/keyboard
• Functionality – GPS location, compass, cameras etc.

What does this mean for publishers?

For content publishers, screen size is the most important element to be tackled. Users simply won’t engage unless we can provide a great reading environment regardless of device.

The iPad is reasonably straightforward.  It’s a great device for browsing and because of the large screen size, if you design sensibly, there is no reason why you shouldn’t direct users to your normal desktop site.

The rise of the smartphone has resulted in an exponential growth in mobile traffic. Social media has had a huge impact too, with more than half of all Facebook and Twitter activity now happening via mobile devices. With the majority of posts containing  links, this is driving increasing amounts of mobile traffic back to content sites.

To add further to the problem, there are a new generation of mid-size devices being launched. The new Kindle fire has a 7 inch screen, 33% smaller than the iPad but significantly bigger than even the largest smartphones.  How will we serve content to these users? Do we treat these devices as a small iPad or a large smartphone?

Until relatively recently, to serve all these users successfully, we would have needed to build custom solutions for each device format.  For publishers, whose main priority is delivering content to users in the most appropriate format, then responsive design may well hold the answer.

What is responsive design?

Luckily, the proliferation of portable devices has brought with it a new breed of browsers that are smarter than their legacy desktop cousins.  These HTML5 enabled browsers can dynamically check the screen resolution and adjust the layout to suit.

For small changes, these changes are quite gradual, resizing fonts and images to create the best reading experience.

Larger variations in screen size produce step changes by adding or removing columns to reduce the site width. We’re only using 2 columns here but reduce the width far enough and you’ll see that it eventually gives up resizing the elements and reduces the site to a one column design, perfect for mobile.

It does this by “stacking” the design elements into a predetermined list. It also changes to a more mobile friendly navigation unit suitable for use on touch screen or Blackberry devices.

A lot has been written about responsive design, if you want to find out more about the technical details then this e-book is well worth downloading.

Alternatively if you’d like the layman’s explanation, check out this great video from our partners at Squiz

Creating responsive sites

The good news is that if you already have a site built on a reasonably up to date content management system (CMS) then you can probably redevelop the front end to use responsive templates.

This works best if the site is relatively simple in design as in the new grid layout, the elements will need to “stack” elegantly and consistently.  This route also has the advantage of not having to migrate any content and allows you to continue with your existing editorial systems and processes.

The one potential downside is that more complex pages might need a major overhaul, especially for mobile screen sizes.

Building from scratch

If you don’t currently have a site, or are considering a full redevelopment anyway, there is even better news.

By building the site using responsive techniques from the outset, you will be able to minimise complexity and leapfrog the previous generation of legacy web/mobile/tablet solutions.

Start simple

The key to developing a responsive site is to start simple. By definition, you are forced to design with mobile and touch screen devices in mind from the outset.  This results in simpler, more elegant designs that are device agnostic and  ”touch friendly” from the start.

The big benefit for content rich sites is that text and images are relatively straightforward to deal with. Fonts and image sizes can be scaled proportionally to work well on all screen resolutions.  Video, if handled correctly, can be set to play natively within the device interface, removing any issues of screen resolution completely.

Add more functionality later

Once the issue of screen resolution is addressed, thought can be given to the different device interfaces.  For example, gesture support can be added to allow touch enabled device users to swipe through image galleries.  If you are using a touch screen device you can see this in action on the slider in the next section.

More complex functionality might require more effort. Complicated forms could require a little more thought and location based functionality would need an element of device specific development.

The holy grail?

That might be going a little far!  Responsive design still has it’s limitations and if you want to build custom functionality that has deep integration to the device capabilities then your best route is probably still to build an app.

However, for publishers who want to access to the widest range of users, across multiple devices, with the least amount of effort, we think that responsive design is a great place to start.

It’s certainly more cost effective than maintaining multiple website versions (or apps) and it makes it simple for editorial to publish once to many devices.

The users get a great experience regardless of the resolution of the device they are using and, unlike an app, the content is social. Links can be shared, and read by the recipient, regardless of  device.

If you’re still not convinced, don’t just take our word for it, take a look at these examples: -

(Note: If you’re using a touch screen device, try swiping through the images above)

Update – Jump suite is now responsive!

One of the factors that deters people from taking the responsive route is the time and cost of the initial planning and design.  That’s why we’re happy to announce that from today, responsive design is now an option on our Jump Suite web platform.

Just as with the “off the peg” Jump suite module, we’ve already been through the thought process and built a working template that will fulfil the needs of most content publishers.

We’ll have more details and a full demo site up and running soon but in the meantime, if you’d like to find out more about how we could help you transition your existing site or build a new one, please contact us.

With the current economic situation, as a board, we were naturally wary of setting specific targets this year.

Last year’s total surpassed all of our expectations so this year we focussed on our goals of recruiting additional teams and raising corporate sponsorship to cover the cost of the event.

In the end, we surpassed those targets and the final total is over £160,000 more than we raised last year.

The reception in London was hosted by Norton Rose, adjacent to the sleep out area on Potters field and the Compound Media team joined 819 other sleepers in London, Reading, Cambridge and Edinburgh.

This was an opportunity to meet some of the young people we’re aiming to ...]]> This years Byte night has been the most successful ever staged with over 800 people sleeping out to raise money to tackle the causes of youth homelessness.

With the current economic situation, as a board, we were naturally wary of setting specific targets this year.

Last year’s total surpassed all of our expectations so this year we focussed on our goals of recruiting additional teams and raising corporate sponsorship to cover the cost of the event.

In the end, we surpassed those targets and the final total is over £160,000 more than we raised last year.

On the night

The reception in London was hosted by Norton Rose, adjacent to the sleep out area on Potters field and the Compound Media team joined 819 other sleepers in London, Reading, Cambridge and Edinburgh.

This was an opportunity to meet some of the young people we’re aiming to help, raise some money in the charity auction and participate in the traditional quiz before heading outside at about 11pm.

Thankfully it stayed dry although quite cold and we chatted with the other sleepers for a while before finally bedding down at around 2am.

It’s amazing how much light and noise there is in London, even when most of the traffic has died down so sleep was uncomfortable and fitful. We awoke, grumpy and tired at around 6.15 and headed off for showers and comfy beds. Something the young people we’re helping don’t have the luxury of.

Thank you to all our supporters

A big thank you must go out to all our supporters, this is my 9th year sleeping out and every year I’m amazed by your continuing support.

We’re also very proud that over 95% of all the money raised goes directly to Action for Children. Thats very unusual for a charity event and a testament to the hard work of everyone involved.

It’s going to be a tough one to beat but we’ll all be back next year to give it our best shot!

While Farrers have had a web presence for many years, the previous version of it’s website had been built more than 5 years ago. However, all websites need to be refreshed and updated periodically.

The style was “of its time” but had become dated. It didn’t properly reflect the more modern image of this 300 year old legal practice.

The firm wanted to build a site that would address some of the misconceptions about its brand through improving the user experience and refreshing the design.

The result is a site that is easier to navigate, more dynamic and provides a platform for thought leadership targeted to specific audiences.

Compound Media worked with the Farrer ...]]> Over the past few months we have been working with Farrer & Co, one of the UK’s most prestigious law firms to update and enhance their web presence.

While Farrers have had a web presence for many years, the previous version of it’s website had been built more than 5 years ago. However, all websites need to be refreshed and updated periodically.

The style was “of its time” but had become dated. It didn’t properly reflect the more modern image of this 300 year old legal practice.

Improving the user experience

The firm wanted to build a site that would address some of the misconceptions about its brand through improving the user experience and refreshing the design.

The result is a site that is easier to navigate, more dynamic and provides a platform for thought leadership targeted to specific audiences.

Compound Media worked with the Farrer team to scope the project and manage the agency selection process. We led the site architecture phase of the project and then project managed the agency and Farrer teams through to testing and launch.

Web, mobile and email newsletters

The project included adding mobile capability and integrating a new email newsletter system into both the site and the firm’s CRM system.

The Farrers site is now live, providing a clean, modern showcase for the firm’s individuals and their areas of expertise.

The project also aimed to create a platform for the future. Now that the core site is complete, further developments will be launching over the coming months.

A full case study will be available shortly, in the meantime, why not take a look at the new Farrer site and let us know what you think?

You should be thinking about using QR Codes.

Surprisingly, they have been around since 1994, originating in Japan to be used for tracking automotive parts.  QR stands for “Quick Response” and the best way to think of them are as printed versions of hyperlinks.

We’re all familiar with the way hyperlinks enable us to explore the web, QR codes allow us to extend this linking to the real world.

They work in a similar way to barcodes but with a lot more flexibility.  They can contain a wealth of information such as: -

Using a wide variety of freely available apps, QR Codes can now be scanned by anyone with a modern smartphone.  This provides an excellent ...]]> Do your target audience have smartphones? Are you already providing them with high quality print products? Do you want to connect with them digitally?

You should be thinking about using QR Codes.

What are QR codes?

Surprisingly, they have been around since 1994, originating in Japan to be used for tracking automotive parts.  QR stands for “Quick Response” and the best way to think of them are as printed versions of hyperlinks.

We’re all familiar with the way hyperlinks enable us to explore the web, QR codes allow us to extend this linking to the real world.

They work in a similar way to barcodes but with a lot more flexibility.  They can contain a wealth of information such as: -

• URL’s
• Geolocation data
• Text
• Phone numbers

Using a wide variety of freely available apps, QR Codes can now be scanned by anyone with a modern smartphone.  This provides an excellent method of eliciting an instant response from a user.

Scanned a URL? You’ll be taken to a website, a phone number? Dial it instantly, geolocation data? Show me the store on a map and give me directions.

How are they being used?

The possibilities are only just starting to be explored but here are some examples of how QR Codes are finding their way into our daily lives.

1 – Product information

They can provide quite utilitarian functionality such as this Japanese McDonalds packaging which has a QR code linking to nutritional and allergy information: -

Hint: - Most of the codes in this article (even the ones in the pictures) can be scanned from the screen using your smartphone (or clicked on) to link through to the destination URL.

2 – On-line shopping

Slightly more advanced, this Ralph Lauren example provides direct access to their on-line store: -

3 – In social media

Diesel are using them as part of an innovative social media campaign allowing people to “Like” real world products on Facebook: -

4 – As billboards

They have even been used as giant billboards on buildings: -

5 – A step too far?

Creating codes

There are several on-line resources that will help you to generate QR Codes for free.  As an example of how simple this is, all you need to do is add the required URL/text and kaywa.com will create a shiny new QR code for you.

If you’re using the link shortening service bit.ly then a QR code is generated automatically for each link you create.

By carefully coding your links (as we do in the Jump Suite Smart Tracking), then users that scan them will appear in your Google Analytics as having been referred from the related printed material, store collateral, building signs, etc.

What does this mean for publishers?

These examples are just scratching the surface of what’s possible.  To find out what this means for publishers, why not download an app to your phone now and scan this code to find out?: -

Alternatively, click on the image if you’re reading this on a mobile device (or if don’t have a smartphone to hand)

The most obvious opportunity for publishers is to use codes within magazine articles to link back to associated on-line content.  Some potential ways this could work would be: -

For retailers, once product related content is hosted and live, the codes could extend to in-store linking back to product reviews or video previews.

In Japan and increasingly in the US, QR Codes are being used in outdoor ...]]> This article is the second part of a series exploring how publishers might use QR Codes to extend the real world of print to the digital universe. If you haven’t already, you probably ought to read the first part of the article before starting here.

If you scanned the QR Code to get to this page, welcome back! Easy wasn’t it?

Opportunities for customer publishers

The most obvious opportunity for publishers is to use codes within magazine articles to link back to associated on-line content.  Some potential ways this could work would be: -

• Special offers
• Video content
• Competition entry forms
• Email newsletter sign up
• Follow us on twitter
• Links to a Facebook fan page.

For retailers, once product related content is hosted and live, the codes could extend to in-store linking back to product reviews or video previews.

In Japan and increasingly in the US, QR Codes are being used in outdoor advertising such as window displays, billboards, movie posters, cars and busses.

They have even appeared on TV shows such as The Only Way Is Essex linking to exclusive on-line content.

An art form?

Because the codes are designed to withstand some damage (think coffee cup rings, fingerprints etc.) up to 30% of the code can be obscured or incomplete.

Designers have exploited this and produced some fantastic looking codes integrating various design motifs and colours (See below)

Designer QR Codes

This means that one of the potential objections of adding them to beautifully designed magazines (that they look ugly!) can be resolved with a little planning and imagination.

Opportunities

With smartphone penetration increasing exponentially, the ability of users to scan codes and get instantaneous access to content/ offers is exploding.

For smart agencies, the possibilities to create joined-up offline and on-line campaigns are almost limitless.

The humble hyperlink, largely taken for granted on-line has found a new way to influence and enhance user behaviour.

What do we think?

We believe that there are some exciting opportunities for content agencies that have experience in print and can “think out of the box”.

Clearly, in order for the experience to work effectively, clients will need to have to have a solid mobile platform. That is becoming a pre-requisite though now for anybody that uses email or social media marketing tactics.

It also creates some interesting opportunities to measure the value of your print assets in a way that has simply not been possible in the past.

We have a wide range of experience in scanning technologies, mobile platforms and measurement.

If you would like further information on how we can help you join the two worlds together, please drop us a line or sign up for our email newsletter “Joined-up”

We’ve been engaged on a wide range of consulting projects from creating a self-service booking system for a fashion photography business to architecting an exciting new web presence for a prestigious law firm.

We’ve also developed and launched Jump Suite. A unique cross-media platform designed specifically for customer publishers. It enables fast deployment of web, mobile and tablet sites with integrated email newsletters, social media and analytics.

In fact there’s so much to explain, we’ve launched a completely separate site to help you find out more about how it can help you provide digital solutions to your clients.

We’ve also taken the opportunity to spruce up the main site. there’s a new, clean design with ...]]> It’s hard to believe that it’s only 12 months since we last re-vamped the Compound Media website but a lot has happened in that time!

Consulting projects

We’ve been engaged on a wide range of consulting projects from creating a self-service booking system for a fashion photography business to architecting an exciting new web presence for a prestigious law firm.

Jump Suite

We’ve also developed and launched Jump Suite. A unique cross-media platform designed specifically for customer publishers. It enables fast deployment of web, mobile and tablet sites with integrated email newsletters, social media and analytics.

In fact there’s so much to explain, we’ve launched a completely separate site to help you find out more about how it can help you provide digital solutions to your clients.

New clean look

We’ve also taken the opportunity to spruce up the main site. there’s a new, clean design with more imagery and a simplified navigation that makes it “finger friendly” for use on tablet devices.

The new site will enable us to be much more client focussed. There will be more regular blogging about publishing strategy, site architecture and the many challenges posed by the shifting digital content landscape.

Talk to us

It’s now easier than ever to engage with us with blog comments, twitter feeds on each page and a sign up facility for our new monthly newsletter “Joined-up”.

The new layout allows us to better support our efforts on Byte Night too, with details on how to sign up and quotes from members of the team.

Coming soon

The new site allows us to take advantage of the Jump Suite platform and we’ll be launching a mobile version of the site in the next month.

We’ll also be adding more in-depth case studies and launching our new “Joined-up” newsletter.

We hope you like the new site, if you’ve got any comments then please let us know.

Thanks,

Mike

For the past four years, we’ve been helping customer publishers create high quality, content rich websites for their clients.  We’ve had some great successes but it’s often been a struggle to get past the initial phase of the on-line companion site.

That’s why we created Jump suite.  It’s a fully integrated suite of products that delivers content across web, mobile and tablet devices with email newsletter integration and deep links into social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

With web publishing at the core, the suite is completely modular allowing you to use whichever mediums are the most appropriate for your clients.

In our “Off the peg” product, we’ve used our 12 years of on-line publishing experience to ...]]> We’ve been working hard over the past few months in order to bring you an exciting new concept in on-line publishing – “Jump suite”.

For the past four years, we’ve been helping customer publishers create high quality, content rich websites for their clients.  We’ve had some great successes but it’s often been a struggle to get past the initial phase of the on-line companion site.

That’s why we created Jump suite.  It’s a fully integrated suite of products that delivers content across web, mobile and tablet devices with email newsletter integration and deep links into social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Modular

With web publishing at the core, the suite is completely modular allowing you to use whichever mediums are the most appropriate for your clients.

In our “Off the peg” product, we’ve used our 12 years of on-line publishing experience to create a framework that can have you up and running in 4-6 weeks instead of the usual 3-4 months.

Once the web module is deployed, you can expand your offering across multiple platforms or build exciting on-line tools to add even more value to the core content.

“Baked in” analytics

Smart tracking allows editorial teams to see where users have originated whether that’s from search, email newsletters, social media sites or even print!  They can then make informed decisions on content strategies based on the most popular content and most valuable users.

Scalable

The platform is scalable from the smallest companion website through to complex bespoke developments which means that the suite can grow with you and your clients, protecting your investment.

Take a look around the Jump Suite site and let us know what you think.  If you’d like to find out more, contact us and we’ll be delighted to show you more.

Competition was fierce with Kelly Maxwell the eventual winner very kindly donating her prize back to the Byte Night cause, thanks Kelly!

That, along with the raffle of a signed Jenson Button photograph and various other devious methods to extort money from all that attended helped us raise over £2,100 on the night.

A big thanks has to go out to Rich from GPMD for leading the charge in organising the event and also to Fanni for her (and Intendance) support.

We hope to organise a second event in the new year to kick start our campaign for 2011 and Kelly has already agreed to defend her crown so watch out for that date and sign up for a great ...]]> The inaugural Byte Poker tournament in aid of Byte Night was a huge success with 50 players trying to out-wit each other for the £500 first prize.

Competition was fierce with Kelly Maxwell the eventual winner very kindly donating her prize back to the Byte Night cause, thanks Kelly!

That, along with the raffle of a signed Jenson Button photograph and various other devious methods to extort money from all that attended helped us raise over £2,100 on the night.

A big thanks has to go out to Rich from GPMD for leading the charge in organising the event and also to Fanni for her (and Intendance) support.

We hope to organise a second event in the new year to kick start our campaign for 2011 and Kelly has already agreed to defend her crown so watch out for that date and sign up for a great night.

In the meantime, check out the pics from the event on Flickr

With the advent of the credit crunch and the increasingly high profile of their work, the British Bankers Association decided that they needed to update their website.

Using a first generation content management system, the site had grown over time to contain more than 10,000 pages in a structure that had evolved in an ad-hoc manner.

Working with Bladonmore, Compound Media led a process to create a new site architecture to better meet the needs of their members and also allow effective dissemination of information to the media.

We started out by managing an audit process to document the current site and then ran a series workshops to define the content strategy, site architecture and wireframes.

The resulting site has bought the organisation right ...]]> The new British Bankers Association website went live a couple of weeks ago after a major overhaul led by Compound Media.

Redesign

With the advent of the credit crunch and the increasingly high profile of their work, the British Bankers Association decided that they needed to update their website.

Using a first generation content management system, the site had grown over time to contain more than 10,000 pages in a structure that had evolved in an ad-hoc manner.

Working with Bladonmore, Compound Media led a process to create a new site architecture to better meet the needs of their members and also allow effective dissemination of information to the media.

The process

We started out by managing an audit process to document the current site and then ran a series workshops to define the content strategy, site architecture and wireframes.

The resulting site has bought the organisation right up to date and allows the content creators to publish directly to the site rather than the previous requirement to update via a by a single webmaster.

A full case study will be published in the next couple of weeks but in the meantime, why not take a look at the site and let us know what you think?

Image - Mark Garth from Flickr