Category Archives: Case

Building a fresh branding

Rebranding for BouwGarant

BouwGarant is the largest construction certification organization in the Netherlands. Their brand has been around for over 25 years. Over the years, the house style had become inconsistent due to interim changes. So time for a refresh! BouwGarant has asked several design agencies to make a proposal. Because of our extensive experience in (re)branding and our no-nonsense approach, they chose for Brandcode.

“ A carefully monitored and consistently applied house style to all communications contributes to a strong brand identity that inspires trust and loyalty.”

Tom Schutte
Manager Creative

Working together for a fresh brand

We started with an intake session in which we mapped out the wishes of the customer. BouwGarant wants to position itself as a brand that exudes certainty, reliability and craftsmanship. Their own members, but also consumers, must be able to recognize themselves in BouwGarant’s communications. With this information, our creative team made several design proposals. We looked at the following pillars: typography, colour, shape, image and logo. Together with the client, we determined which designs were best used to get the branding in a new, fresh line.

BouwGarant works with several agencies, so it is important that the brand is clear and consistent for everyone. With this in mind, we have developed the updated brand manual. This contains all style elements such as the use of color, the application of the logo, but also the use of images. By means of the manual it is possible to keep the house style unambiguous.

Implementation of the branding

Based on the updated brand manual, we have converted the certificates, flyers, conditions and information sheets to the new branding. With this we have provided a good basis and made it easier to apply the style on other items as well.. Such as the design of a folder that is sent to participants to store documents in, but also the animation of the BouwGarant logo. This animation is used in TV commercials and in video content on social media.

 

In addition to the main brand items, we have designed a booklet about the newly announced Wet kwaliteitsborging (Wkb). To explain the new law to the members in a light-hearted way, we have provided a booklet with clarifying illustrations. The booklet was part of a direct mailing campaign to provide members with more information about the new law. At the same time, the mailing was also the first announcement of an e-learning program initiated by BouwGarant. For the video lessons in the e-learning program we have also animated the illustrations from the booklet.

An advisory role

Brandcode monitors that BouwGarant’s new branding is correctly applied in all communications. As a result, in many cases we have an advisory role in the use of the updated branding. The same goes for the website. We monitor the development by the agency that creates the website and provide tailor-made advice on the digital implementation of new branding.

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Coca-Cola - let’s open it!

Together works better

Foundation for online marketing

Exterus is the one-stop shop for businesses with international employees. The company helps expats and knowledge migrants quickly and easily adapt to their new situation. Together with Exterus, Brandcode developed a new brand story and website. These form the foundation for the company’s successful online marketing.

“For Exterus, the team’s goal was to realise a successful make-over. The overall appearance, the improved user experience and the effective use of SEO and SEA generate more traffic and leads.”

Tom schutte
Manager Creative

Generating more leads

What was Exterus’ original need? Generating more leads. Of course, that is something every organisation wants. No matter how much you invest in your marketing campaigns, clients will stay away as long as your website is not up to par. Before investing any money in online marketing or campaigns, it is important to make sure your story and your website are in order.

Strong positioning

For Exterus, it is all about the connection between people. Brandcode was able to bring this story to life on the company’s new website. From the choice of visuals to video and from copy to the use of colour; the brand story is embedded in every word, design and photographic element. With a strong positioning and a unique brand story, you can persuade people to choose you over your competitors.

Generating valuable leads

The new website has already gone live and we have begun our online marketing efforts. Our goal is to generate more visitors, leads and revenue. Among other things, we utilise a strong content strategy to realise this. For this, Brandcode has joined forces with Branddiggers. The tools we use include blogs, landing pages, videos, e-books and news articles.
These are the perfect means to tell your story and expand your reach. Together with Exterus and Branddiggers, we continue to build a groundbreaking brand.

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Building a fresh branding

Moving forward

The Netherlands Institute for Sustainable Packaging (KIDV) has asked Brandcode to assist with the development of an international knowledge platform. The online platform is designed to help European partners get in touch with each other and share their knowledge related to the field of sustainable packaging. The knowledge developed in the Netherlands, for example, can then also be put to good use in other European countries.

“With a focus on the user experience, combined with a sleek and intuitive design, Brandcode’s team created a platform that we – and our client – deserve to be proud of.”

Brandon de la Parra
Developer

Own identity

Together with KIDV, we opted for the name PackForward. This formed our jumping-off point for the platform’s logo and style elements. The logo has its own identity and its responsive design ensures it can be used on different screen sizes. The platform’s colour scheme is modern and fresh. In short: the perfect ingredients for a sleek website.

The user experience comes first

After several brainstorming sessions with the client, Brandcode conducted an in-depth study of target groups and personas. With the results of the study, we created a UX design with a focus on logic and clear routing. With a focus on the user experience, combined with a sleek and intuitive design, our developers created a platform that we – and our client – deserve to be proud of.

Interaction and networking

Users can register as participants on the platform. This allows us to create an online community of e.g. packaging experts, knowledge institutions and importers from all over Europe. To present the vast quantity of available information in a clear manner, the content is divided into a number of themes and subthemes. Within each theme, users can access publications and projects and seek interaction with partners working on that specific theme. This stimulates interaction between the platform’s users.

Solving challenges

There are many questions related to sustainability and packaging. The PackForward website is the perfect place to ask these questions. Packaging organisations and experts affiliated with the platform will respond to these questions and, if possible, present their own answers or solutions. Visitors of the website can consult the questions and their answers.

Match & Pack

Following its initial release, the development of the platform is not over. To further expand the platform’s interaction opportunities, we worked together with KIDV to develop a campaign that allows users to upload a video of their packaging challenge. Other participants can submit their solutions to the challenges and if a good match is found, the parties involved are brought together. This creates a lively online community on the platform.

Would you like to see the result for yourself? Check out packforward.eu

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Together works better

The future of shopping

Unique concept

Brandcode was commissioned by ROC Mondriaan and mboRijnland to develop the website for Blue School. Blue School is a unique concept of learning, working and sharing knowledge. Close collaboration throughout the project and various brainstorming sessions with the client have resulted in an amazing final product. Blue School now has a fast, secure and sleek SEO website.

“Visuals can make or break a website, which is why Brandcode also handled the photography for the Blue School website.”

Tom Schutte
Manager Creative

Website with a fresh look

The website had to appeal to a diverse audience, ranging from (potential) students and entrepreneurs to partners and shopping consumers. Faced with this wide target group, it was a challenge to optimise the website for all visitors. We managed to pull this off by implementing a smart page layout. Visitors intuitively understand where they need to go. The website also has a fresh look and the tone of voice of its content is tailored to the target group.

Online shopping

The website is linked to its own webshop. This webshop is maintained by entrepreneurs and students. The online shop, in turn, is linked to the checkout system of the Blue School Store. This also makes it possible to track key statistics. The website was developed in WordPress to allow students to maintain it themselves.

Proprietary visuals

Visuals can make or break a website. In addition to designing and developing the website, Brandcode therefore also handled the photography of the Blue School Store in the Mall of the Netherlands. Proprietary photography was complemented with stock images. The importance of strong photography is often underestimated. It makes a website look professional, authentic and unique. We work with in-house photographers, which gives us the flexibility we need.

Keyword study + SEO content

To make sure the website can be found easily, we conducted a keyword study beforehand. This lets us know exactly which relevant search terms we should focus on for Blue School. It also ensures the website is easy to find in Google. That leads to more traffic and more conversion opportunities. The website pays special attention to the Open Days. The ultimate goal is to get as many students as possible excited about the most amazing study programme in the Netherlands.

Shop of the future

The classroom is the Blue School Store in Westfield Mall of the Netherlands. Lecturers from ROC Mondriaan and mboRijnland and local entrepreneurs are there to assist students with their development into the retail professionals of the future. During the study programme, students learn all they need to know about the newest shopping method, with a focus on experience and technology. After obtaining their Manager Retail diploma, they are ready for the shop of the future!

Curious? Check out blueschool.nl

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Moving forward

Creating the leader in events

Eventleader’s “dress code”

Eventleader’s event software takes you on a journey into the dynamic world of events. From registration on the platform to webcasting, from creating live polls to a virtual convention floor and meeting people in 3D; the possibilities of the platform are endless and fully tailored to the client’s needs. Brandcode has developed this unique software from the ground up and given it its own “dress code.”

“Eventleader was realised entirely under one roof. Our entire team – from developers to designers – worked together to develop a unique software package for the event sector.”

Brandon de la Parra
Developer

From concept to fully developed software

From the initial concept, Brandcode’s team has developed the event software into a full-service platform. The platform is our response to the changing demand from the market; from physical to online events. The software’s various features add immense value to events. Meanwhile, we continue to work on the software’s further development. There is a reason why we opted for the name “Eventleader.” Our joint ambition is to maintain our prominent position in the event market.

Creativity meets technology

During the development process, Brandcode’s creative geniuses began working on a distinctive branding. From a strong logo to the right tone of voice and from clear navigation to a creative design. Brandcode also handled the videos, photography and look and feel of the platform. The specialists in our team carefully coordinated all the various elements to form a cohesive whole. This makes Eventleader a prime example of the magic that can happen when technical developers and creative designers work together.

Clear and intuitive design

Many people are still finding their way around the market of online events and its possibilities. We have therefore opted for a user-friendly design. Our UX designer came up with a clear navigation structure beforehand. Visitors will therefore intuitively understand what the logical steps of navigating the website are. Features are highlighted, for example, to allow visitors to quickly assess the benefits and possibilities.

Security and privacy

In addition to the features, security and privacy are key concerns for Eventleader. Our developers therefore employed the “privacy by default” concept during development. This gives visitors the option to have their name kept off the list of participants during registration. We also have automatic procedures in place to ensure that participants’ data are deleted once the event is over. These measures are there to make using Eventleader as safe and privacy-friendly as possible.

Eventleader live

Behind the scenes, we are continuing our work on the development of Eventleader. In addition to online and hybrid events, Eventleader also targets live events. The software adds value there as well, e.g. during the registration process. The unique power of live events will never go away.

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The future of shopping

A mazing experience

Four hundred million children with a reading deficiency

Nearly four hundred million children all over the world possess insufficient reading or writing skills. Children’s rights organisation Save the Children has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of children learning to read and write properly. Brandcode partnered with Spinner & Langkous to produce an impressive opening video for this campaign.

“Video footage alone is not enough. The video editors then face the challenge of telling the entire story in under one minute.”

Tom Schutte
Manager Creative

Concept development

Spinner & Langkous came up with the concept, which Brandcode then helped them develop further and execute. We constructed a real maze on location. As an experiment, we had two teams of children walk the maze: team A could read the instructions and team B couldn’t. Our goal was to demonstrate the – literal and figurative – obstacles that children face in life if they don’t know how to read.

Preparation and construction

We were able to cast a fun group of children using Save the Children’s network and our own environment. We selected the Fokker Terminal in The Hague as the location for our maze. The industrial look of the hall and its large hangar doors are perfect for our experiment. We then designed the maze and the path leading through it and created appropriate designs for the readable and unreadable signage.

Recording day with the children

On the morning of our day of shooting, everyone got together at the Fokker Terminal. Spinner & Langkous handled the presentation and the atmosphere, while Brandcode was in charge of direction and camera operation. We were able to shoot all the footage we needed using stairs, a drone, a crane and an experienced camera crew. We also provided entertainment for the children in between takes.

You can watch the “making of” video here.

Video editing

After the shoot, we took on the major challenge of telling the entire story in under one minute. With sleek editing and a catchy musical score, we managed to produce a video with a powerful message!

Watch the video on YouTube here.

Sharing on social media

Save the Children shared the video on its social medial channels. Fortunately, the reactions were overwhelmingly positive! We delivered the video in various formats for use on social media. Portrait for the “stories” and square for Instagram. After two weeks of successful visibility, Save the Children also asked us to create an even shorter version of the video to give its campaign another boost.

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Creating the leader in events

Challenge the future

A website that makes a difference

Strypes’ services include consultancy, project management, development and engineering in the field of technical and industrial automation. No innovative challenge is too great for this organisation. Brandcode was asked to develop a future-proof website. A standard website wouldn’t do; it had to be a website that makes a difference.

“The best results are achieved when we work together with the client. From a logo, corporate style and content to a new website. The launch immediately resulted in a major project for Strypes.”

Tom schutte
Manager Creative

Achieving success through collaboration

Once the concept was approved, we began working on a User Experience (UX) design and a visual design. In doing so, we get the client involved in the design process. It is a combination of two worlds. The client’s input and Brandcode’s knowledge and specialisation. Think of copywriting, for example. We have to strike the right balance between transferring knowledge from the organisation and keeping things clear and understandable for visitors. The best way to find that balance is by working together.

Team of specialists

From web developers to designers and from photographers to UX designers. Every field of expertise is put to optimal use within Brandcode. We do everything in house to ensure we can operate with maximum flexibility. For example, we also took care of the video content and photography for this project. It immediately gives viewers a good impression of the activities and atmosphere at Strypes.

Instant results

Shortly after launching its new website, Strypes landed a major project. This was a fine compliment for our work. In addition to the website, we also developed business cards, stationary, envelopes, advertisements and give-aways such as Dopper bottles, pens and laptop covers. Together, we can make a difference.

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A mazing experience

Codema My World

Open-source platform

Codema is an international organisation that develops tailor-made essential horticultural solutions. The company strives to improve its clients’ operational efficiency with regard to six key disciplines: water management, climate control, technology and construction, cultivation systems, electrical engineering and lighting and software & internet solutions. It asked Brandcode to develop an efficient client portal.

“Together with Symfony, one of the largest open-source PHP players on the market, we realised an efficient tailor-made solution for Codema.”

Brandon de la Parra
Developer

Optimisation of the order process

The handling that begins when a client places an order used to be a time-consuming process for Codema. It was sometimes quite a challenge to find the right products for each client, especially when the article number was missing. The optimisation of the order process has made finding products easier, faster and more efficient. Among other things, a database was developed for each client. Their past orders are still accessible and they are now linked to the relevant products.

In the future, we will set up the products per system. The client lets us know what system they have and will only be shown products that are relevant to them. This allows clients to order the products they want, including any related products, with just a few clicks. For Codema, the order-handling process has been greatly simplified.

Requesting maintenance online

By automating the processes involved, it takes less time for clients to order new products. For example, clients can schedule the delivery of spare components and specify the location where they need the products, which ensures these components are delivered to the right location on time. If a client needs more information about installations, they can download the relevant PDF file directly from the website.

Off to a great start with Sylius

A custom open-source e-commerce platform Sylius was used to realise the optimisation of the order process. This platform runs on Symfony, a framework based on PHP. With Brandcode, we can develop fast and reliable tailor-made web applications.

These offer the client more flexibility and significant cost savings. Furthermore, we can test, debug and document everything in detail before going live. We can configure the framework entirely according to preference. Other benefits of Symfony include the speed, reliability and security of the platform.

Scalable cloud environment

The server runs on a scalable cloud environment. Once the number of website visitors hits a peak, the server automatically scales up accordingly. If the number of visitors is lower, the server scales down. This ensures the server is utilised efficiently and it eliminates downtime.

10,000 products added

In total, nearly 10,000 products have already been imported. Codema now uses a professional dashboard that provides insight into sales figures, clients, orders, etcetera. In the future, new products can be added with ease. The client searches for products by name or article number and can place new orders in no time. The statistics are measured, which lets us analyse whether there is an increase in the order value per client.

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Challenge the future

In the spotlight at international trade show

Enticing visitors

Thermo Fisher Scientific is a world leader in science, with more than 70,000 employees. The company helps clients accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics, market medicinal products, and enhance laboratory productivity. The company has a stand at the ESHG event every year. Brandcode anticipates how the visitor can be enticed to visit the stand. We do this by envisioning and devising a concept, 3D design, related communications, design, a catalogue and interactive media.

“The stand was a true experience for visitors this year. They could even produce their own music. It turned out to be a real hit.”

Maarten Breumelhof
Manager Digital

Attracting attention and generating leads

The aim is to present the new instrument to as many visitors as possible, to share stories, to exchange knowledge and to generate leads. This year, the concept was to be aligned with the launch of a new instrument. After the final concept was decided, the layout of the stand was designed using 3D rendering: Giving the client a preview of the stand at the trade show. There will be a Brandcode team member available throughout the trade show to help set up and to offer support during the event.

Producing live music

The new instrument has a central position on the stand. It omits various sounds, much like it could be used to create a song. From this flowed the idea to install a beat machine: people who visited the stand were able to make live music. A DJ was present all week to help the visitors with the creative process. The visitors could send the musical end result to their e-mail address to listen again later. The sound was turned up just right, attracting lots of attention.

A healthy, clean and safe world

Possibilities are endless thanks to digital content and touch screens. The interactive aspect draws many visitors every year. Brandcode is convinced everyone benefits, especially within the context of Thermo Fischer’s valuable mission: enabling clients to make the world a healthier, cleaner and safer place.

Recognisable look and ambiance

The stand turned out excellent. Brandcode developed the graphics, a trade show tote in the shape of a vinyl, branding, banners, creative goodies, interactive media and other associated communication resources. Every single item supported the concept, lending a great recognisable uniformity across the entire trade show.

VIP invitations for beatmakers

We organised a party on the last day of the trade show. Each visitor who had produced a beat received a VIP invitation. The party featured a DJ, who combined his playlist with beats created by the visitors. Not everyone was a natural but – judging by the reactions – it was a roaring success.

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Codema My World

Knowledge app for the ACD

Knowledge app

The Ministry of Finance has asked Brandcode to offer advice on how to present information for its staff in a more appealing and accessible manner. The elaborate handbook, with a large amount of text, has to be turned into an accessible and stimulating tool that facilitates knowledge sharing.

After a number of intensive brainstorming sessions, it was decided to develop a Native app. This allows employees to study the extensive material – handily divided into themes – in an appealing manner, take tests and achieve high scores!

“Instead of studying large amounts of text, employees can now periodically study the themes, take a test and aim for a high score.”

Brandon de la Parra
Developer

Offering new themes periodically

To make the vast quantity of material easier to grasp, it was decided to make new themes, chapters and topics available periodically. In collaboration with the client, a mobile-friendly Native app was developed to facilitate this. Employees of the Audit Department (ACD) can log in at any time via any device, choose what material they wish to study and immediately take an online exam. Once an employee feels they have mastered the material, they can swipe right to start the exam. If they want to know more, they can swipe left to access more information about the topic at hand.

Motivational and valuable information

The exams are presented in the form of a series of multiple-choice questions. Afterwards, the results are available instantly. Who achieved the highest score? Employees enjoy the competitive aspect of it, while valuable information is collected at the management level. Management can review the teams’ results per theme and per question. If the scores for a specific theme fail to meet expectations, management can e.g. decide to offer additional training or workshops.

Agile collaboration with the client

Using the agile method, we started with a design sprint. We developed a clear product vision and built an initial prototype. After testing and refining the prototype, an extensive list of user stories was put on the backlog. Next, we began prioritising the things that the initial MVP (Minimum Viable Product) would need.

The client was closely involved in this project. Everything was conceived beforehand, tested and optimised. We quickly developed a suitable foundation to build on. The app is user-friendly and accessible and has an intuitive design and a modern appearance.

The national government’s security guidelines

The app has to meet the government’s strict guidelines. Security in particular is an important requirement. That is quite a challenge, given the list of requirements the app has to meet, but we are happy take on that challenge with Brandcode. Once the app was developed, the government’s own internal security experts conducted an audit in the form of a pen test. This is a test designed to expose the app’s vulnerabilities. In the end, the knowledge app’s security proved to be airtight and in compliance with all requirements.

Improved quality policy with the ACD knowledge app

At the moment, we are constantly conducting maintenance and rolling out security updates. In the near future, the app’s development will continue and new features such as push notifications will be added. This will make it even easier to inform and stimulate employees. With the help of the ACD knowledge app, the national government is well on its way towards an improved quality policy.

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In the spotlight at international trade show