Case Study - Start Licensing
We approached Distilled with a loose brief and they helped us refine this offering a number of design styles for our website. This approach worked well, it helped inform our decision making and allowed us to consider the image we were going to project. Throughout the development process Distilled were helpful and answered our questions in a way we could understand. As website novices they made the process very straightforward. Start Licensing
Start Licensing specialises in representing intellectual property owners rights in the commercial licensing marketplace.
This case study looks at the work we did for Start Licensing, and offers an insight into the design and build process that all clients go through when working with Distilled.
With all website design projects we begin by creating a range of designs that we feel best suit the companies needs. We often design visual outlines (wire frames) during the early stages to ensure all imagery and content is well considered within the layout, and that all vital elements have been included. This part of the process is often driven by how sure the client is of what they would like. For example, if a client feels they have a very clear idea of what best suits their business, we can assess the design to determine if it will meet all their needs. Alternatively, as with the Start Licensing design project, the client was not certain exactly what he wanted, so it was useful to create a selection of different designs that catered to his companies needs.
The company's key values and how they needed to be positioned within the market were considered throughout, along with their brand messages, target audience and current brand logo.
Initial Designs
The initial designs are as follows:
Design 1:
This is the most corporate of the four designs and uses a strict navy blue colour pallet. The logo is clearly aligned in the left hand corner, positioned alongside a three-dimensional man juggling triangles from the 'Start Licensing' logo. To give an immediate overview of what the company does, a short slogan is used: 'a results orientated licensing agency'.
Design 2:
This design has a greater sense of space. Here the home page has been split into two sections reflecting the separate brands and licensing sides of the business.
Design 3:
Throughout the third idea, the corporate navy colour of the client's logo is paired with brown and tan tones. This colour combination warms the cool navy blue but maintains the businesslike feel of the site. Slogans are used more heavily here and with additional imagery, help to give the company a voice.
Design 4:
The bold slogan at the top and the strong use of red give a dramatic, eye-catching contrast to the navy blue. We created a modern feel in this design by combining curves with scenic imagery.
Each design includes the same information but has a different visual tone.
Chosen Design
The client favoured Design 1, so we now worked to develop this further. Once the general visual tone has been decided upon, an iterative process of design changes and client feedback continued until we reached the final template, shown below. The client was fully satisfied with this design; after receiving 'design sign-off,' we built the original flat designs into a fully working website.
