Austrian World Summit - Sustainable Web

May 27, 2023| Digital, Event

Austrian World SummitSustainable Websites

The Austrian World Summit is an annual climate conference, with a broad global viewership, that connects influential voices and presents concrete solutions.

This year I had the privilege to attend the conference and listen to inspiring speeches by host Arnold Schwarzenegger as well as other international speakers.

‘We Have The Power’ – this year’s theme of the Austrian World Summit made me think about sustainability in the field of digital design.

Everyday we can take part in promoting sustainable practices and restoring the natural balance of our planet. Taking action towards a more sustainable future should also be considered when creating digital products. There are various steps you can take to deliver a more sustainable web project.

Did you know that currently the global internet usage makes up about 3,8% of global CO2 emissions?*

Energy efficiency

In order to build a sustainable website it is crucial to pay attention to the energy consumption when loading and using the website. Reducing the amount of energy that is required to do so can be achieved by taking multiple steps:

  • optimizing images and videos
  • using efficient code
  • minimizing the use of third-party scripts and plugins, and
  • designing for accessibility and usability

 

Hosting services

The daily use of the internet might make one forget that in the background there actually is loads of data being transmitted around the world, which leads to energy consumption. For that reason consider selecting a hosting provider/ data center that is as close as possible to your potential user base. That way you are shortening the distance that large files travel through networks to reach individual users.

Furthermore, choose a provider that is dedicated to utilizing sustainable energy sources and has a robust policy regarding the environment.

 

Considering implementation of sustainable web design and development not only benefits the environment, but it can also improve overall user experience, website performance, and ultimately lead to cost savings.

*sustainablewebdesign.org


Pantone Color 2023 & Connect

January 6, 2023| Branding

PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta

Powerful and Optimistic

Another year has started, another color has been defined to describe what 2023 will have in store for us.

Get ready because 2023 will be electrifying! As you can imagine descending from a red family Pantone 18-1750 Viva Magenta is a brave and fearless, yet optimistic color that stands out while being all-inclusive. Whether it’s an expression of self or joy, we are the narrators of positive strength.

“[…] Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known.”

Leatrice Eiseman (Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute)

Pantone Official Website

(Header picture – courtesy of The Pantone Color Institute)

PANTONE CONNECT

As a result of licensing issues between Adobe and Pantone, Pantone color libraries have been phased out of Adobe Creative Cloud software and creatives find their discontent when opening a work file and finding Pantone colors appearing in black (after November 2022).

Adobe users who are dependable on Pantone color definitions might be forced to subscribe to the Pantone Connect plugin, which comes in pricy 15€/monthly & 90€/yearly* options.
*Pricing list


A Digital Must-Have: Design Systems

November 10, 2022| Digital, Branding, Design

A Digital Must-Have: Design Systems

Design Systems allow digital products to be on brand and stay consistent through evolving product development and various creators.

To give you a better idea, you could more or less say it is a guidebook of all your core elements and assets that make up your digital product, which may be a website or an app, for example.

A well know design system methodology, you might have already heard of, is the so-called ‘Atomic Design’ by Brad Frost. What this basically comes down to is to define your single elements and assigning those (according to their roles) to specific collections (see below) to assemble the whole digital product.

Brad Frost, Atomic Design

Atoms: Single elements like text, button

Molecules: Combination/ group of atoms, that combined create a function

Organisms: Again, a combination of molecules that create a complex section

Templates: Building a layout by using organisms (more like a wireframe)

Pages: High level fidelity instances of templates

What makes a Design System effective and what are its benefits? 

Consistency 

Consistency in brand development is key for various reasons. The most important in this respect is brand recognition. Users will be able to much better connect your digital products with your brand, hence this creates a better experience and brand reputation. Furthermore, everyone working in your team can build with ease from and on the existing guidelines.

Cross functional collaboration 

A comprehensive developed and implemented Design System makes it so much easier for cross team communication (designers, developers etc.) to be on the same page. Additionally, it allows any new member to seamlessly get integrated by understanding the design language.
By doing so it will save your teams time and yourself money, in the long run.

Identifying problems & scalability

Developing a Design System might be challenging in the beginning, figuring out all, and only the necessary components, but will help you identify flaws and problems. Investing in it will allow ease of scalability and work flow.

What should be included in a Design System? 

Basically, it is up to you how much you want to contain and define in your Design System, but of course there are certain components that should be featured nevertheless.

Style Guide

The style guide describes your visual design language. Consider defining it based on your brand guideline, since you want to keep your overall brand style consistent with your digital products. This should be your color, typography, imagery and sizing.

Component Library (UI kit)/ Pattern Library

A comprehensive collection of all components in use. Structure your library in a way so that those elements can be easily found when reusing them throughout your digital product.

Documentation

Give instructions on how to make use of your elements in the Design System, as well as how to address issued that may arise in the future.

Do you need help with your Design System?

GET IN TOUCH

Pantone Color 2022

December 9, 2021| Branding

PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri

Dealing with unprecedented change

For over 20 years The Pantone Color Institute has been the leading color expert, setting color standards and color trends; influencing and collaborating with various industries, be it within fashion, graphic design, packaging and many more.

2021 marked a slight turning point after 2020, and the global transition brings new challenges, opportunities and possibilities. As so many things shift over into the digital world our transformed lives set new ways of limits to reality and exploring the digital space.

Pantone 17-3938 Very Peri was chosen as ‘Color of the Year’ 2022 to help us stay in good spirits and curious about the changes in our lives and to embrace the future as it comes.

The familiar qualities of blue with a violet red undertone display a new complexity that expresses our emotions and thirst for new possibilities.

“As we move into a world of unprecedented change the selection of Very Peri brings a novel perspective and vision of the trusted and beloved blue color family […]. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions.”

Leatrice Eiseman (Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute)

Pantone Official Website

(Header picture – courtesy of The Pantone Color Institute)


DG Art Exhibition - Vienna, AT

July 24, 2021| Arts, Event

Art exhibition July 22

The Gallery Steiner – Vienna, AT
July 22, 2021

I’m excited to share news about my side activity as painter!

Recently, on July 22 I had the fantastic opportunity to showcase some of my artworks at an exclusive Vernissage. The event took place at the national and international renowned Gallery Steiner, in the first district of Vienna, Austria.

If you happen to be in Vienna the art show will be ongoing until August 14, 2021.

At that point a huge thank you to everyone that came and who supported me all the way!

If you’re interested please visit my website and Instagram account.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information or if you are interested in a painting!

To view my art works: Art Studio
Follow me on Instagram: daniellag.art


E-Mail Marketing – A Successful Tool

April 21, 2021| Branding

E-Mail Marketing  A Successful Tool

Especially over the course of the last year, with everything transitioning to the digital world even more- due to social distancing, remote work and lockdowns- getting your customer’s attention via online media has become pivotal for almost any business.

To highlight the use/frequency of email marketing, in 2020 alone around 306 billion emails were sent and received every day worldwide. (Statista, 2021) Furthermore, an interesting trend developed, with 43% of emails being opened via mobile device, whereas desktop email client use has declined by 18%.

Advantages of Email Marketing
  • Cost Effective
  • Access to Customers 24h, 365 Days
  • Available to Any Business

Grow your business and keep your users involved

Via email marketing you can either:

    • Acquire new customers
      The visitor of your website might be generally interested and curious to connect with your brand. A good way to attract them further is by offering a tip, a discount, an e-book etc. with their (first) welcome mail.
    • Involve, inform your current base
      Be strategic about the amount of emails and their content value.
      If it makes sense for your business use an occasion, like holiday promotions to send out an email- the subscriber might even count on it!

Personalized Emails

If you collect additional personal information other than the email address you can make use of it by personalizing your email. This can be as simple as in the greeting or subject line.
This will have an impact on how you communicate with the user, so he feels directly approached and cared for.


Interactive Emails

Emails, such as that include videos, gifs, are much more likely to be viewed, scrolled to the bottom and clicked.


Abandoned Cart Emails

It happens so often that people (you might be catching yourself now – I know I do!) want to buy something in your online store, but stop before going through with the final step of the actual purchase.
Keep in mind there is a fine line though between sending out a ‘reminder’ or ‘pushing too hard’.


Overall the designs vary from business to business and same concepts are working as before.

Email Trends (for 2021)
  • Big, Bold Typography
  • Gradients
  • Emotional Design
  • Textured or 3D Illustrations/ Animated Illustrations
  • Monochrome Layouts
  • Modern ‘Chaotic’ Layouts

 

Last, but not least always optimize the emails for mobile use!

Do you need help with E-Mail Designs?

GET IN TOUCH

LV Super Bowl – Commercials 2021

February 6, 2021| Branding, Event

Super Bowl Commercials 2021

It’s already been one year?! And what a year it has been! Nevertheless, Super Bowl 55 is knocking on our doors, and we could not be any happier having this super event take place, in these uncertain times.

After an exciting, as well as difficult season we are awaiting the Kansas City Chiefs with star QB Mahomes vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with (some call him legendary) QB Brady.

Fun Fact: It’s the first time in the NFL’s history for a team to have a home game- since the event will take place at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (You better watch out for a massive pirate ship!)

© Raymond James Stadium

Even though the stadium could fit ~75,000 spectators due to the pandemic only 22,000 fans will be able to make their way into the stadium. Without a doubt broadcasting and online streaming will come to full effect expecting 100million people in the US alone.

ADS

This year’s costs for a 30 second Super Bowl ad are no surprise at all. CBS opened the bidding at $5.6 million, same as FOX did last year.
Given the pandemic however, companies have been hesitant to buy one of the slots and some of the biggest brands, that would never miss out on a chance to advertise their products to such a broad audience have decided to take themselves out of the run. Therefore, ad spots didn’t sell out until mid January; Compared to last year they were already in November right after the bidding started. Some could even make a ‘deal’ by paying $5.5million.

Of course, you will still see a number of big brands not shying away from creating/ sending ads that are carefully playing with emotions or their fun factor.

We’ll see what the verdict will be, so far these are some of my favorites.

DORITOS – Flat Matthew
Agency: Goodby Silverstein & Partners

AMAZON – Alexa’s Body
Agency: Lucky Generals

BUDLIGHT – Legends
Agency: Wieden & Kennedy

SQUARESPACE – 5 to 9 by Dolly Parton


Pantone Color 2021

December 12, 2020| Branding

PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray +

PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating

Let's move forward

For over 20 years The Pantone Color Institute has been the leading color expert, setting color standards and color trends; influencing and collaborating with various industries, be it within fashion, graphic design, packaging and many more.

What a year 2020 has been! Marked by a world wide pandemic and social discrepancies it is important to see ‘the light at the end of the tunnel’ and to be ready to move forward in good spirits (when the time is right). The powerful color combination is also an attest to these times of resilience, have each and everyone’s voices be heard and ultimately think of new ways for a better future together.

Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray in combination with Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating were chosen as ‘Color of the Year’ 2021 to embark in stability and move forward powerfully.

“The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude. Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.”

Leatrice Eiseman (Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute)

Pantone Official Website

(Header picture – courtesy of The Pantone Color Institute)


UX - Make Your Website Count

June 4, 2020| Digital, Branding

User Experience:Make Your Website Count

Crafting a compelling experience that goes beyond the design

As with other products/services, User Experience (UX) in relation to websites is simply how people feel when they use such. Nevertheless, UX is more than ‘just’ a pretty website. Of course, it is essential to be aesthetically pleasing, but it also needs to consider emotional satisfaction. Being driven by needs and experiences the use of more technology comes into play and therefore it is essential to keep it as user-friendly as possible.

UX Strategy

You can measure the quality of the UX strategy based on these three main factors :

  • Usefulness
  • Usability
  • Branding

UX defines and meets the user’s needs by following guidelines, hence it is not necessary to reinvent the wheel. On the contrary, use standards that have been developed over time, that the user is already adapted to, eg. a logo is found on the top left or middle and when clicking on it you get back to the landing page.


UX Strategy In Detail

Considering the following will help to get the most out of your web design regarding UX.

1. Usefulness

What is the goal of your website? It is crucial to understand the purpose of your site and its usefulness to the user.
The layout of your site should be set up accordingly.

2. Usability

As mentioned in the introduction, visiting and navigating through the website is basically all about the frictionless experience of a user.

3. Design

The Design and UI (User Interface) refer to the aesthetic quality and obviously go hand in hand with the UX of your site. If your website looks up to date, you keep your user engaged and interested, build trust and visually tell your brand story within the website.

4. Responsive Optimization

This popular, fancy word means nothing more than having your web design layout adjusted to different viewport sizes e.g. desktop, mobile, tablet. After all 52% of website traffic accounts to mobile devices.

5. Performance

Make sure that everything on your website functions properly. Also check links and buttons, to make sure they point to the correct links.
Always keep an eye on your website load. People’s browsing on the web has become very efficient and if your website doesn’t load fast it is very likely that the user will abandon it and look somewhere else.


The Very Benefits of UX (and UI)

A website presents the challenge to provide the user with essential information about your business, services or products, but also gives the opportunity to act as a 24h sales channel that can inform, convince and excite.

  • Gain User’s Trust
    A well build and appealing website can in fact leave a positive impression with your users, and will help gaining credibility of your quality services/products and trust in your business’s values.
    Having a website that is the opposite might result in negative associations with your business.
  • Build A Relationship With Your Customers
    A good website will not only tell the story of your business, but also engage your users in it, so they will become a part of it. Creating such meaningful, maybe even sharable, experiences will improve the overall customer relationship, loyalty, and brand awareness.
  • Save on development costs
    Having a structured and well thought-through website, does not only benefit your visitors, but also yourself (the owner).  Firstly, it will improve your SEO immensely and secondly, when updating your site with new content it will be done a lot quicker and efficient!

Do you need a new website or redesign?

GET IN TOUCH

Brand efforts during COVID-19 crisis

April 14, 2020| Branding

Brand efforts during COVID-19 crisis

The communication to customers in a crisis is key

The way brands position their message during the COVID-19 crisis is more important than ever before.

There are plenty of ways for brands to find an opportunity during this crisis, nevertheless communication needs to be empathetic, authentic and human. In this uncertain times honesty and transparency are essential and you may even want to invite a dialogue with your customers.

Setting the wrong tone, even by accident, may be perceived as not being able to comprehend or undermine the scope of the crisis, which will be remembered by (potential) customers.

Show that you take action in supporting the community during this pandemic

When possible for the business to take specific actions during these challenging times will be received as extremely positive and makes them live up to their brand and core values in a very compassionate way.

© Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Canada

I’m extremely proud to mention this company that I recently started working together with. Rocky Mountain donated CA$500,000 worth of handcrafted chocolate across Canada to non-profit organizations, frontline health care workers, food banks, and community groups.

© Christian Dior

LVMH, France

With Europe being strongly affected by the virus the giant group LVMH became extremely engaged in the fight against COVID-19. They switched their factory productions from famous fragrances of Dior, Guerlain and Givenchy to make hand sanitizer gel for hospitals.

Louis Vuitton, as well as Dior manufacture non-medical masks in their workshops.
The jewellery brand Fred donates 20% of its online sales to the initiative “Visières de l’Espoir”, which uses 3D printing to produce face shields for hospital medical staff.

© Nike

Nike, USA

Nike has also been extremely committed to give back during those hard times, not only by donating $1.6 million to eg. humanitarian organizations, medical care, food banks, but also by making use of their innovative know-how. In collaboration with the Oregon Health & Science University they developed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the form of full-face shields with air-purifying respirator (PAPR) lenses to protect against the coronavirus.
The aspiration was to create a PPE in the most simple way (9-step process) and making use of available material, such as Nike’s collar paddings for footwear and cords for apparel.

Small businesses around the world

Apart from naming some of the most well-known brands it shouldn’t be unsaid here, that there are numerous small businesses- that might even struggle themselves- but are relentless in offering their know-how, skill, production facilities to provide masks, hand sanitizers etc. to support their communities! Those do a fantastic job and are an incredible inspiration!

Offer a gift of value to members & nonmembers

Offer discounts to show that you value and appreciate their business.
Be flexible with your customer and maybe even offer special rates. To name a few: in the fitness sector some offer free work out classes, mobile companies provide unlimited data for free or wave late fees, insurance companies reduct their rates for their contracts.

Shift the focus of your business

If the business allows, delivery might be the way to go. Finding creative ways to keep it running within a safe distance, while providing customers with what they might need/want.
Take Dunkin Donuts for example they more or less launched a specific loyalty program giving extra bonus points for pre-ordering or free delivery for getting your order right to your door steps.
Moreover, there has also been an exclamation of communities to “support your local businesses”, making people aware to buy locally helping especially smaller ones to prevent them from their struggles or having them to shut down completely.

Stay timely and updated

As we all are faced with an unprecedented situation, it is utterly important to keep up to date with recent developments. Adapt to safety & health measurements that need to be taken and keep your your customers informed about any changes. As customers are getting used to the current situation you also want to calm they fears and concerns. So, businesses need to show that they are managing and navigating through the crisis and are with them every step of the way. Be serious, on point and don’t create any false hopes.