We combine research and strategy with thoughtful design to create, communicate and build brands and identities that transform businesses and deliver measurable value.

UCD student recruitment portal

18 August 2008

Since the start of 2008, we have been working with UCD Recruitment to refine and enhance the user-interface, information design and presentation of content on MyUCD.ie – the university’s student recruitment portal.

This portal site serves all potential students of UCD, providing detailed course information tailored to each student's unique requirements. It also offers functionality that assists them in making final decisions regarding their choices for third or fourth level education. The primary design framework of this portal falls within the overarching template shared by all UCD web pages.

Our work began with developing the School of Science section within myUCD, we have since developed the sections for Arts and for Law. Our focus has been on reviewing and enhancing the structure of content and the presentation of information. Our key insight was to present the options available within Science in terms of degree outputs, rather than as a list of course names. Firstly, this is a student-centric perspective which aligns with their goals and ambitions. Secondly, this approach exposes the full scope of the School's offering for the first time. It delivers on outcomes.

We added a customisable grid of intriguing imagery to the main science page. Science benefits from an inexhaustible resource of beautiful and inspiring imagery. Our treatment of that main page now incorporates the three thematic subject groupings that Science have developed for their printed communications.

At the level of individual Science courses, their page layouts now includes a table explaining the choices and options across the four stages of each degree. Again, this information has proved invaluable to students and has clarified decision-making.

Implementation of our design solutions is being handled in-house by UCD, and is on-track to be completed in autumn 2008.

Fundamentally, our work has shifted the conversation away from the technicalities of the course structures and onto the fascinating and exciting aspects of science. It has allowed UCD to be passionate about science, and has translated into an per cent increase in science applications.

 

Shamrock Raisin Eddie brand development

13 August 2008

Raisin Eddie, a children's raisin snack from Shamrock, was launched a few years ago but was in need of revamping to refresh the overall offering. The product range was also to be diversified and broadened to cover many more varieties of raisins and dried fruit mixes. Enter the 2008 version of the new super cool Raisin Eddie! The key design feature is Raisin Eddie himself. We illustrated Eddie in a fresh, fun and funky style appealing to both kids and parents alike. The pack designs are treated in a colorful, fun way to directly reflect the character's vibrancy. A wide variety of packs were produced: Organic Raisins, Californian Raisins, right through to the Raisin mixed packs containing Apples, Apricots and Sultanas. The range is launched in August 2008 and you'll soon see Raisin Eddie hitting shelves nationwide.

Grand Canal Square Ecocab

05 August 2008

A busy year to report

25 July 2008

The latest annual report added to our portfolio is for the Commission for Taxi Regulation. The Commission's report is a key communications tool, and one where their brief requested an understated design approach to reflect the serious tone of the content. It was also important that we visually distinguish this annual report from the industry-specific publications that we design for the Commission.

The report design is reserved, with a strong typographic design focus. Key statements and figures are highlighted to become feature pages throughout the report, with particular attention being given to the typographic detail.

The bold corporate colours are used to create impactful divider sections, graphs and charts; while the financial statements are set apart by the introduction of a warm grey colour background to the account pages. Our choice of uncoated paper adds a further air of distinction to give a subtle, but sophisticated, and tactile effect to the annual report.

National Trails Day

24 July 2008

National Trails Day, 28th September 2008 is a joint project involving several State agencies including Coillte, Fáilte Ireland, Comhairle na Tuaithe and the National Trail Office. The project is about working together to promote outdoor activities, nature walks, and to raise awareness of ‘Trails’ in Ireland. It’s a designated day and will encourage all walks of life to get outdoors! The logo conceived by BFK represents many types of people that will use the trails from families, to mountain bikers to advanced hill walkers. The logo, in both the Irish and English versions, works across a variety of platforms from regional and national advertising to promotional banners. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamon Ó Cuív, officially launched the National Trails Day with TV personality Kathryn Thomas in St. Stephen’s Green on 24th July 2008.