Artefact Six -Text Font Styles Re-Run: Evaluation

14 random people aged 18+ participated. The results of the text font styles artefact were very disappointing. Participants were asked to consider text font styles: “Used in advertising on social networks, would certain styles used influence your initial reactions to click on an advert?” Participants were asked to select, from three targeted Facebook adverts, the font style, colour, size and background colour.

Through re-running the text font styles artefact, it was discovered, that results of the artefact were inconclusive. Participants indicated that they preferred a white background on all three Facebook advertisements, “Advert one, 64%”, “Advert two, 71%” and “Advert three, 85%”. Participants also indicated that they preferred a black font style on the three advertisements presented , “Advert one, 50%”, “Advert two, 57%” and “Advert three, 57%”. There were no surprises to these results as participants’ text font style choices is individual. However, participants’ colour choice in background colour and text colour, did surprise me as in my earlier artefacts brighter colours were chosen.

Participants had 20 font styles from  which to choose a preference. The results were not surprising as font style is individual. Calibri and Times were the most popular: “Calibri, 28%” and “Times, 28%”.

Participants could also change the font size of the three advertisements for ease of reading. In all three of the advertisements participants changed the font size to 16. These results were surprising, I thought participants would choose an even larger text to read the  adverts more clearly.

Conclusively, font style, colour, size, and background colour are down to individual choice and are difficult to predict. The results were disappointing. Only 14 participants completed the artefact. Apathy and personal choice is indicated in my sixth artefact as a factor in initial reaction.

The Knights Pharmacy website is now complete

The website has been tested for two weeks and the client requested minor modifications with some text content. The website has also been tested, and all pages including IE6 version of the website passed W3C standards (The Markup validation service).

www.knightspharmacy-nottingham.com

Artefact Six Text Font Styles – Re-Run: Analysis

Why did I create this Artefact?

I was asked to rerun my text font styles artefact, by my PRP lecturer, as in the original artefact, I only ask questions and did not receive results from the participant’s choice of different text font style design elements.

Who is my target audience?

The target audience has been the same throughout all of my artefacts, as many people as possible that use social networks.

I distributed the Artefact link, through social networks direct e-mailing and placing block posts. I also sent emails to all three-year multimedia students.

Questionnaire Results

Analysis

The rerun of the text font styles artefact has been very disappointing only 14 participants took part. Participants were asked to think about text font styles: used in advertising on social networks, would certain styles used influence your initial reactions to click on an advert? Participants were asked to indicate from three targeted adverts from Facebook, change the font style, font colour, background colour and font size.

Through re-running the text font styles artefact, it was discovered, that results of the artefact were inconclusive. Participants indicated that they preferred a white background on all three Facebook advertisements, “advert one 64%”, “advert two 71%” and “advert three 85%”. Participants also indicated that they preferred a black font style on the three advertisements presented , “advert one 50%”, “advert two 57%” and “advert three 57%”.

There were no surprises to these results as participants text font styles choices is very much individual. However, participants colour choices in background colour and text colour, did surprise me as in my earlier artefacts brighter colours were chosen.

Participants had 20 different font styles to choose from, the results were not surprising as font style is very much individual. However easier text style to read was indicated. Calibri and Times were indicated as being the top favorites font styles, “Calibri 28%” and “Times 28%”.

Participants could also change the size of the font allowing the three advertisements presented more easier to read. In all three of the advertisements participants changed the font size to 16. These results were surprising, I thought participants would choose a larger text to read the  adverts more clearly.

Conclusively, “font style”, “font colour”, “background colour” “font size” is down to individual choice and is difficult to determine. The results were disappointing. Only 14 participants completed the artefact. Apathy and personal choice is indicated in my sixth artefact as a factor in initial reaction.

Knights Pharmacy Website Update

CMS MySQL login database has now been completed. These pages of the website will allow the pharmacy the ability to update their own content and provide details of upcoming pharmacy promotions, e.g. services and special events. The pharmacy administrator has the ability to log in to an admin page. The administrator with a secure login can, only view these pages. The following can be changed, add a promotion including images, delete or amend a promotion. I had a meeting with the client and showed them how to use the database. The client was very happy with the ability to change their own content, they thought the administration pages were easy to use and only requested minor modifications. The icons on the edit page would be better if they also had text as well as the icon.

I used PHP and MySQL code from the Lambley Riding Club website, which was completed last year in my final term as part of a group project. PHP and MySQL is an area of the project that I have found most difficult. I started to develop a database in the summer, by stripping down Lambley Riding Clubs database to understand more clearly on how the code worked. Through completing a CMS MySQL login database for Knights Pharmacy, I now have a better understanding of the code. However, my skill level in this area, I think is still fairly poor. The Lambley Riding Club database, gave me a better understanding of database construction. Without the code as an example, I am not sure I would have bin able to complete the Knights Pharmacy database. I have a lot to learn in this area of web design; it is not through trying, I just don’t think I get it.

Artefact Five – Multimedia Student social network advertising questionnaire – Evaluation

After disappointing results in my image association artefact, I distributed a questionnaire to 10 multimedia students who had experience of multiple social networks.

Seven of the students completed the questionnaire. For simplicity, I asked the students just four questions. The results of the questionnaire were inconclusive.

To the question, “Which social networks are you a member of and your primary reasons for being a member?”, as expected, Facebook came out on top, being the main social network indicated in my first artefact questionnaire,

To the question “Have you ever clicked on an advertisement on a social network, if so why?”, the results were unsurprising. “Interested in the product” “images”, “aesthetics and good design” all contributed to creating an appealing and effective design, top reasons for clicking on a social network advertisement.

To the question, “If you’ve never clicked on an advert on a social network why not?”. The main reasons for not clicking on an advert were “authenticity”, “not who I am”, “useless”, “annoying and scams and stupid”. It seems that as participants become more familiar using social networks, participants become more cynical, ignoring advertisements.

To the question, “Would you like to make any other comments about direct-targeted advertising on social networks?”, two examples are given:

“Social networks can target a relevant audience in a more efficient way to a traditional way of branding everyone with the same advert and hoping for the best.”

“I think the adverts are very loosely targeted at us through a few keywords on our profiles, and are often very useless.”

Conclusively, “interested in the product”, “visually appealing”, “aesthetics”, “relevance of the product” and “good design” were considerable factors in initial reactions. Experienced social network users seem more cynical towards  direct advertising.

Artefact Five – Multimedia Student social network advertising questionnaire – Analysis

Why did I create this Artefact?

After the disappointing results in my image association artefact. Only 20 participants took part in the  artefact. I decided to distribute a questionnaire, to multimedia students who had experience of multiple social networks. I am interested in the opinions of the users. If  they have ever clicked on an advertisement, On what factors had the most effect, on their initial reaction to an advertisement.

Who is my target audience?

I targeted ten multimedia students who had experience of social networks. I emailed the students individually inviting them to complete a questionnaire, as being an experienced user of social networks.

Analysis

I have targeted this artefact at a specific audience, multimedia students who have experience or use multiple social networks. Seven out of the ten students, completed the questionnaire. I asked the students four questions, I did not want to bombard the students with two many questions as I wanted a good response. Through the questioning, the results of the questionnaire were inconclusive.

To the question, “which social networks are you a member of and your primary reasons for being a member”, Facebook came out on top this was not surprising as Facebook was the main social network indicated in my first artefact questionnaire. However, the results did indicate that three of the students were members of at least five social networks. The primary reasons for being a member, were the same as indicated in my first artefact questionnaire, to keep up with friends and family. One of the students however, indicated they also used social networks to further develop their career.

To the question, “Have you ever clicked on an advertisement on a social network, if so why? I am interested in if any of these factors influenced you to click, colour, images used, font style, interactivity or just the product”. The results were not surprising; interested in the product, images, aesthetics and good design all contributed to creating an appealing and effective design, top reasons for clicking on a social network advertisement.

To the question, “If you’ve never clicked on an advert on a social network why not? I am interested in targeted advertising; social networks that use your information, does your information used influence you not to click”. The main reasons for not clicking on an advert were, authenticity, not who I am, useless, annoying and scams and stupid. As participants become more familiar using social networks, participants become more cynical and ignore the advertisements.

Finally, “Would you like to make any other comments about direct-targeted advertising on social networks? Your opinions matter as an experience user of social networks”. These were the most interesting points about direct advertising on social networks

“Social networks can target a relevant audience in a more efficient way to a traditional way of branding everyone with the same advert and hoping for the best.”

“I don’t tend to take much notice of the adverts. I let them wash over me because I’m on Facebook to be social, not to buy. Only if there’s something that catches my eye like amazing typography or an image of something/someone I’m interested in appears.”

“I think the adverts are very loosely targeted at us through a few keywords on our profiles, and are often very useless.”

“I believe we don’t pay for Facebook so therefore we don’t have a say in what they do, if people don’t like that Facebook target them based on their personal data then they are free to leave the site and never use it”.

In conclusion, interested in the product, visually appealing, aesthetics, relevance of the product and good design, played considerable factor in initial reaction. Experience social network users are more cynical about  direct advertising.

Knights Pharmacy Website update

When I met with the client to discuss the website layout and agree final approval, I also upgraded the pharmacies Internet browser from IE 6 to IE8, I also installed Firefox Internet browser. This would allow the client to view the website development with the latest browsers.

A week after upgrading the pharmacies Internet browser, I received a telephone call from the client saying they had to reverse the upgrade of Internet Explorer and go back to use Internet Explorer six. This was because Internet Explorer eight was not compatible with the pharmacies computer software.

I had quite a lengthy conversation with the client about different Internet browsers. The client has always requested a website that will work on the four major Internet browsers, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari. I informed the client of the different versions of Internet Explorer. The version of Internet Explorer, the pharmacy is using was at least six years out of date and only 3 to 5% of the UK population now used that version of Internet Explorer (statcounter.com).

At the moment hardly any design elements work correctly in Internet Explorer six. The repeat background does not appear, the navigation does not work at all, PNG images do not display correctly and the interactive image banner also does not work correctly. I appreciate that the client has requested the website will work in all versions of Internet Explorer. However, to design a website that is interesting and engaging that works in a browser that is six years out of date is extremely difficult and virtually impossible.

A compromise with the client was reached, Google statistics script will be placed in each page, to gather statistics on what web browser the visitors are using and the web browser version. After a period of three months if it was found that a high percentage of visitors are using Internet Explorer six, amendments would be made to the website. However, the compromise will be completed after the completion of the project and charges will be made accordingly to any design elements that need to be changed.

After careful consideration, I have now designed a second pharmacy website that will now work in Internet Explorer six. I feel it is important for me to design the best website possible for the pharmacy. However, to get the website working in Internet Explorer six, design elements have to be changed, deleted or completely redesigned. I think the client will appreciate the website working in Internet Explorer six.

The interactive image banner has been completely removed; the banner would not work at all in Internet Explorer six. The banner has been replaced with fade in and out images. The repeat background image has now been replaced by a block colour; the background image would not display correctly in Internet Explorer six. All images used on the website have been changed from PNG’s to JPG’s, the images now display correctly. The reason for using PNG’s images was the transparency. Transparency images worked better with a background image. Transparency images do not display correctly in Internet Explorer six, the images are displayed with a grey background instead of being transparent. Further developments to the Internet Explorer version that still need to be completed, the drop-down on the navigation menu does not work correctly, this will be completed in the next coming week.

A visitor to the Knights pharmacy website who is using Internet Explorer six, will only see the Internet Explorer six version of the website and will not know of any other version. An if statement has been placed in each page of the website, the statement detects whether the user is using Internet Explorer six.

After receiving feedback from fellow students, amendment to the website has been made the logo has been made 30% smaller. There was a lot of empty space at the top and bottom where the logo is situated. The change is subtle; the decrease in size has improved the use of the space.  Over the next week the website will be loaded to the Knights pharmacy URL, rather than test pages on my server, this will allow the database to be tested correctly.

Artefact Four – Image Association Evaluation

In my first artefact questionnaire, 10% of participants considered images a factor in initial reaction. Through further testing and questioning, it was discovered that images are a significant factor.

20 random people aged 18+ participated. Participants looked at six different brand images, indicating favourite and memorable images. The results were not surprising as  participants’ image choice is individual. However, presenting controversial images impacted considerably on the results.

To the question, “Please indicate which brand images you found most interesting”, 60% thought Benetton. The results were surprising. Participants thought controversial images were more appealing than noncontroversial ones.

Participants were asked; “Companies such as Benetton use controversial images that do not relate to their products. Would controversial content influence you to click on the image?” 55% said ‘Yes’, 30% said ‘No’. The results confirm the previous question’s results.

To the question, “Should controversial images be used in advertising”, 60% said ‘Yes’, 30% said ‘Have no opinion’. Interestingly, as in the previous two questions, participants found controversial images more appealing in advertising.

Participants were asked, “Would controversial images used in advertising bias you against a brand?” 15% said ‘Yes’, 85% said ‘No’. The results were surprising, but confirmed the previous question’s results. Controversial images are more appealing whether they relate to a product or not.

To the question, “You have looked at brands, information and images. Would images influence you to click on an advert?”, 90% said ‘Yes’, 10% said ‘No’. This was surprising presenting images and information, a mixture of controversial and noncontroversial images for the participants to choose from, forced the participants to  consider images in advertising in more detail.

Conclusively, the results were disappointing. Only 20 participants completed the artefact. Apathy is indicated in my fourth artefact as a factor in initial reaction.

Artefact Four – Image Association Analysis

Why did I create this Artefact?

This artefact was created to test participants initial reaction to images in advertising. Participants would look at different brands, how brands use images to promote products and services. Participants will be asked to look at brands who also use controversial image content in advertising campaigns. In my first artefact questionnaire 10% of participants considered images as being a factor in initial reaction in clicking on a advertisement.

All my artefacts have been designed to test for initial reaction in advertising, I found in my research document, through research and evaluation the findings to be inconclusive, on why people click on advertisements on social networks.

Who is my target audience?

As many people as possible that use social networks. I distributed the Artefact link, through social networks direct e-mailing and placing block posts. I also sent emails to all three-year multimedia students.

This is my fourth artefact I’ve had fairly good results on average 50 participants, enough to evaluate. However, the window of opportunity is extremely small, 1½ days to 2 days maximum and timing is also important for maximum impact. Participants social networks update minute by minute, if you ask participants to early or too late to take part the window of opportunity will be lost.

Another factor is apathy, 80 multimedia students who all have to create six artefacts 480 in total is difficult. Coming up with really good ideas that will engage the audience is extremely difficult, as well as being able to receive adequate results.

Questionnaire Results

Analysis

I have targeted my artefacts at a specific audience, people who use social networks. Through further testing and questioning, has indicated apathy in my fourth artefact as being a factor in initial reaction. In general participants have seen enough artefacts and questionnaires to last them a lifetime.

20 random people aged 18+ participated in the artefact questionnaire. Participants were asked to look at six different brand images, indicate favourite and memorable. There were no surprises to these results as participants image choice is very much individual. However, presenting controversial images did impact considerably on the results.

To the question, “Please indicate which brand images you found most interesting”, 60% thought Benetton. The results were surprising participants thought controversial images were more appealing than noncontroversial.

Participants were asked the question; “Companies such as Benetton use controversial images that do not relate to their products. Would controversial content influence you to click on the image”, 55% said ‘yes’ and 30% said ‘no’. The results back up the previous question participants found controversial images more appealing.

To the question, “Should controversial images be used in advertising”, 60% said ‘yes’ and 30% said ‘Have no opinion’. As in the previous two question participants found controversial images more appealing in advertising.

Participants were asked the question; “Would controversial images used, in advertising bias you against a brand”, 15% said ‘yes’ and 85% said ‘no’. the results were surprising, but backed up the previous questions results controversial, images are more appealing whether they relate to a product or not.

To the question, “you have looked at brands, information and images. Would images influence you to click on an advert”, 90% said ‘yes’ and 10% said ‘no’. These results were surprising presenting images and information, a mixture of controversial and noncontroversial images for the participants to choose from. Forced the participants to think about images in advertising in more detail.

Through this artefact, I now believe my question has been answered, What factors have the most effect on initial reaction to an advertisement, where a factor is content, interactivity, colour or sound.

As indicated in my research document there is no clear and consistent way of why people click on advertisements. Colour, images, interactivity, sound and font style are personal to the user. what I like and enjoy and engages me is completely different to somebody else, that’s why targeting advertisements to individuals through social networks can be difficult to achieve.

Knights Pharmacy Website development: Update

The client has now looked at the test page in more detail; refinements to the design were requested, the text to be made larger on the phone and e-mail icons.

Further pages were added; after the client had seen the pages the client requested amendments on the contact page. Heading, telephone icon and text and email context to be placed under each other. I explained to the client that the continuity of this page would look different. However, the client thought text and icons looked better with this configuration.

Contact information has been added as well as a contact form to be filled in by customers. The client requested a contact form because they wanted a simple form of contact for ease of access; they believe it is much easier for the customers to fill in a contact form rather than their default email program loading, which they may have never used. The contact form loads automatically when the contact button is clicked. Jquery was used to improve the design of the page; the client preferred this design element rather than have information boxes already on the page to be filled in.

However, there is the option to click on the email address, the default email program will load. This gives the customer the choice of which form of contact they prefer. Further amendments to the contact page need to be completed, text content and images.

Location page has also been completed after further reflection and analysis the client rejected the second Google map, which would have allowed the customer to use the Street view facility. This is because the street view map does not show the pharmacy’s premises clearly enough and would be confusing. However, the pharmacy has opted for a downloadable PDF with information about opening times, location maps and bus information, as the pharmacy is situated on a major bus route.

Services pages have also been added with text content, further amendments need to be made to these pages. I inform the client there does not seem to be very much text content, the pages look empty. However, when images are added the pages will look a lot better. Personally, I think some more text will make the pages look a lot better or if there is still only a limited text the information should be combined, on to one page.