2013 Trends and Classics

It’s a brand new year so let’s look back on some broad trends and some old consistencies.

Digital North is entering its 19^th year of business; we have seen a lot of changes over those years. This past year (or so) has for us really seen the turning point of the template. Word press of course has been around for years but this year we have really seen its impact on the business world. More and more businesses are jumping onto that system rather than a custom CMS. A word of caution though, some designs can be harder to program and the user interface that Wordpress isn’t as simple as our PHP CMS systems.

Going along with that template world is the preference for large blocks of graphic coloured space and loosely set design items (In my mind the two are connected). Simplicity seems to be the word of the day with clean straight lines and not a lot of design-y extras.

We have also seen the rise of the app and mobile site. If you’re not using a smart phone we are not talking to you, but for everyone else it’s have it my way, from iphone to ipad, galaxy tab, windows RT… ect, ect, ect… it’s all about the user having right looking content on the platform they are using.

In the end these trends come and go and we will continue to watch, respond and add to the greater online world but remember; the classics never change, you can’t beat a clear marketing direction, a focus on the user experience and clean navigation will get you there every time.

Oktoberfest

You say the word Oktoberfest around KW it brings to mind many images. Usually fun ones, beer, costumes, polka, parties and so on. You normally only hear the word around October, well maybe September and often with the words “are you going to”.

To us at Digital North Oktoberfest is an ongoing discussion as they are one of our clients. We work together often and are usually building some new online addition to the site for the next festival.

So when we received the email telling us of Mark Kreller’s death, we were shocked.  And to be honest I have trouble finding the words to express the loss.

Mark was a friend and colleague. We met over 18 years ago at CHYM when our offices were next door to them, we worked with him at the OAC, we built his logo for Kreller communications, kept in touch over the years and got to work together again on Oktoberfest for the last several.  Mark’s passion for the festival and for this community was remarkable, he was a joy to work with and his stamp will echo for years to come.

He made us better; he made the work we produced for Oktoberfest stand out and all I can say is he will be missed.

So much so that now, and I’m sure for years to come, when we say Oktoberfest, we will remember Mark mixed in with those images of fun and friends and polka and beer.

Thank you Mark for all the memories.

time to mobilize

So here is the simple statistic.  In 2011 manufacturers shipped 487.7 million smart phones but at the same time only shipped 414 million computers, that includes laptops, desktops and tablets combined. So here we are in the days where mobile devices have taken the lead. As you already know, these are not cheap kid devices. They are fast little processors with customized to the user applications which are cheaply purchased on the android, BB and itunes stores. These apps cover games, work related, database driven apps and a huge variety of user specific needs in pretty much any arena.

So, how do you think this is going to affect your website?

Ever taken a look at your site through your Blackberry curve?

Go ahead, I’ll wait…

Yeah, pretty tiny huh?

Even sites displayed on the giant Samsung galaxy s2 are underwhelming. Customers will have a tough time navigating websites designed to fill 20+ inch monitors laid out to fit resolution of 1024 or more across with multiple level dropdown java enabled menus, and don’t even get me started on flash, which doesn’t work on apple products.

So what are you supposed to do?

Well welcome to the mobile site world, one more marketing bit you are going to need. The mobile website can be designed to fit your companies brand and marketing approach, but is simplified to meet the devices requirements and more specifically your customer’s wants.

The good news is you don’t need additional hosting or a new domain name. The site works from your existing server and domain hosting. More important is narrowing your approach to what the customer needs  and wants are, be it your contact info, your product or distributor list is of paramount importance.  Keep in mind the site will appear a little different on each different phone platform (android, apple and blackberry). Just remember less is more.

You can see an example of a mobile site, just point your browser at our page, DNM.ca and see the difference. Give us a call and we can show how to mobilize your website.

It’s a game, it’s an app its fun. It’s foursquare.


So one of the newest bits of smart phone fluff we have been experimenting with lately is called foursquare.


Foursquare is a smart phone app that combines location GPS mapping, a bit of competition, some marketing and a whole lot of over sharing. So you know the facebook crowd will love it.


 The premise is simple. You create a profile, connect with your friend on facebook, chose to or chose not to share with your online social media points like twitter and facebook, and as you visit locations you check in with your foursquare on your phone. You earn points and badges the more places you visit, visit a location frequently and you become the mayor. Points are on a rolling scale so if you don’t check in your points vanish.  Hence the competition portion of the app.


The social point to this is you can leave tips and comments about the location your visiting. Is the waiter a bit surly at your local pub? Find a great sale item at the mall? You can mention it when you check in. The marketing side lets companies leave coupons and special offers that reward check-ins. 
It’s a great way to locate a restaurant or specific serve in your area and get reviews before you go.
The downside to this app is its GPS centered so if you’re worried about someone stalking you give this a pass and for heaven’s sake don’t check in at home.


Over all it’s worth checking out, since it’s free you can’t go to far wrong, but don’t be surprised if you find the interest level thinning out over a few weeks.