If you are a designer or business and wish to make prototypes or simple wish to have some fun with some really cool printing that you’ll be amazed at the MakerBot 3D Printer showcased at the International CES 2010 show.
The device is a 3D printer that allows users to make just about anything they want. First, users create a design in any 3D modeling software and after a design is created, MakerBot turns the design into a physical 3D model and the machine starts printing. The objects are made with ABS plastic and can be up to 4″x4″x6″.
MakerBot is an open source 3D printer that ranges in price from $750-$950. According to MakerBot Industries the giant search company Google has purchased multiple devices.
Check out their site for more information on MakerBot.
Do you work from home or work as a mobile worker? Perhaps you’re an employee, freelancer or business owner that just wants a working day with a difference?
If so then you’re invited to a FREE Jelly event at The Genesis Centre, Somerset College, Taunton, Somerset, Thursday 4th March 8.30am to 5.00pm. It’s completely FREE and housed in the airy, light Genesis café. There’s free Wi-Fi and as a bonus Andrew Knutt of ADK Ltd will be there all day to help with anything related to business, websites, search engines, social media, and anything else you want to brainstorm about. You can bring your own drinks, lunch or buy a coffee in the café and pop into the college food hall for a hot meal or snack.
What is Jelly? - Jelly is a casual working event. Its taken place in hundreds of cities worldwide where people come together (in a person’s home, a coffee shop, or an office) to work for the day. We provide chairs and sofas, wireless internet, and interesting people to talk to, collaborate with, and bounce ideas off of.
You bring a laptop (or whatever you need to get your work done) and a friendly disposition.
Who can come? - Jelly see’s a lot of designers, developers, writers, business owners and internet types, but they’ve also had musicians, cooks, sound designers, tea sommeliers, product designers, photographers, government agency workers, and more.
Some are entrepreneurs or freelancers. Others work in an office most of the time, but work at Jelly for fresh ideas and a change of pace.
No matter what you do or what you create, you’re welcome to come to Jelly and share your talent and learn from others.
Book your place at http://somersetjelly.co.uk/pages/book-form.html
Learn more about Jelly at http://workatjelly.com/
Learn more about Somerset Jelly
Community centre project provides a brand new web site by ADK.
More than 70 people attended a launch event held on 27 January 2010 for a new Community Enabling Project based in Victoria Park Community Centre, Bridgwater which is seeking to offer informal support to people to make changes which may improve their sense of wellbeing. It was explained that people can be signposted by local agencies to the Community Enabling Team by with a free drink voucher for the ‘Café on the Park’ at certain times or by contacting the Community Enabling Team Co-ordinator.
Also launched on the day was a World Wide Website commissioned by the Project from ADK Limited, a Taunton web design company and which enables members of the community of Victoria Park, Bridgwater, and beyond,- to discover more about what goes on in and around the area. The web site, found at www.victoriaparkbridgwater.co.uk , provides more than 50 web pages of local information and links, including: gallery, events, resources, advice, health, clubs, culture, resources, e-library, and more, for the local community.
The site, described as “impressive” by Sally Hill of Victoria Park Community Centre, provides resources not only on local activities and self-development resources, (topics include: babies, early years, parents, youth, mature years); but also directs visitors to numerous sites and tools that can further develop their understanding of what health and wellbeing is all about. “The ‘For You’ section offers a great look at what’s available to those wishing to discover help and information.” said the site’s creator, Andrew Knutt, Director of ADK Ltd.
“This is an exciting community project and the website is very well designed, vibrant, and offers a wealth of interesting information for all ages,” said Lydia Woodward, Project Manager, NHS Somerset. The project and the website is designed to contribute to Bridgwater’s growing provision of services and wellbeing resources and the web site is like a ‘public library’ for Bridgwater activities. The website will include a list of clubs and societies, events going on at Victoria Park, the multi-agency services of the community centre, what’s available in the ‘Café on the Park’ and much more.
The site doesn’t just provide links to other resources; but also provides helpful editorial content and links to even more invaluable information for anyone living in Bridgwater and the county. There are links and information on support available from NHS Somerset; Sedgemoor District Council; and Somerset County Council and others. The frequently updated site also provides a wide-ranging look at civic health and community participation.
From the comfort of their homes, local residents will have 24 hour access to interesting and supportive information. Here they will be able to watch videos, see what’s on at the centre, along with local consultation information. The site will be able to promote special local events throughout the year and offer newsletters, as well giving all visitors access to our extensive set of resources.
People attending the launch on 27 January, had the opportunity to meet the new Community Enabling Team and also see a live presentation of the website www.victoriaparkbridgwater.co.uk. Many said that the website is a fantastic local asset, and worthy of an award for its delivery of information, and creation of a ‘virtual’ centre for the community.
Should Taunton’s networking and business support organisations unite? Download the flyer to a business breakfast event on 24th Feb 2010. All Taunton and surroundign area businesses welcome.
business-breakfast-taunton-24-02-10
Designing a service isn’t rocket science. If you have the ability to see things from the end user or customers’ point of view and have a certain grasp on understanding the impact of processes you’ll certainly know what service improvements need to be made.
Why progress services? Because it improves business, customer retention, brand recognition and values, word-of-mouth advertising and happy staff and customers.
Yet, we still continue to experience poor or bad service levels no matter where we are. Or should I say experiences that just aren’t thought out, especially from the customer’s point of view.
I admit the UK is not the best place for service design and customer experience compared to most countries but when we experience services from large corporate companies we expect investment within services they produce, which leads me to supermarkets.
Last week I went armed with a shopping list and went to one of the main supermarket chains to do the family weekly shopping. It was early evening and not to busy so my mind was set on browsing as well as direct shopping. Nearing the end of my trip I had several items I could not find.
To start with I retraced my steps to the areas where I thought the products would reside. Only to find that that they weren’t in these areas. Then I started to respond emotionally in negative way. What started out as a pleasant shopping experience was now turning into a chore and a pain.
I started to get frustrated and so decided to find a member of staff. But as soon as I spotted this rare breed on the shop floor they would walk away or move to an inaccessible area. The customer services desk is always near the entrance, and that was just miles away with many obstacles and turns, and that little station that faces the tills is never manned.
So there you have it. A disgruntled customer, with no way of finding help, an experience that went sour and an incomplete shopping list from a supermarket who couldn’t deliver.
Can service design help? Is there some form of technology that can help? I believe so, and one should always come up with ideas no matter how mad until something comes up viable.
The first thing to do is to discover the issue. This is easily achieved by having each till operator asking ‘Did you manage to buy everything you needed today?’ This is then recorded by the operator by simply pressing a yes or no button. Then should there be 8000 transactions that day and 40% didn’t find what they are looking for we can equate this as a problem and measure loss of sells.
Another is CCTV. I know in shopping malls today they use facial recognition software, so it’s not that hard to devise similar software that identifies erratic walking/shopping patterns e.g. the camera identifies that I am visiting aisles again and again or not shopping in the flow that the store has designed. The camera identifies this and the person, notifies someone who in turn notifies someone on the shop floor, that person then finds the customer and asks if they can assist.
One also knows that ever single product is in a computer database and that most merchandising is universal i.e. head office tells the local store where and how to display which product. If this is the case then why can’t we have ‘find-stations’ at the end of each aisle…
These devices are connected to this database and the interface can be really simple and user friendly. The user can either type in what they are looking for or speak the word and the system tells them where the product is. Touch screens and pictorial ‘you are here’ can make the experience even easier.
One could even design a ‘product-nav’. This device is wireless and acts like a satnav. You type in what you want and off it goes telling you were it is. Of course this is more expensive and can only reside/mounted on the trolley, and this wasn’t so successful when they tried to use this concept with calculators.
But having a technology and web design background I think one of the cheapest and easiest ways are barcodes and a website. In this example the customer creates their shopping list from the supermarkets website, which is retained and can be used again and again. The customer even gets the option to have the list emailed to them if they shop on regular days e.g. every Saturday. These lists can even be semantic and even respond with offers relating to the shopping list, pushing more sells and offers.
The system then organises the list in a logical walk flow and within the design of the store and where the products are located. The user then prints out a barcode, visits the store, scans the barcode and then a printed list is produced helping them shop efficiently and effectively. And what a chance to show a few special offers!
Why this way? This will calculate how customers plan shopping and whether they visit after using such an online service. Of course one could have the list printed from the website but if any local changes have been made without the websites knowledge the experience may falter. At least by visiting the store these could be put into a system and taken into consideration.
So what do you think? Should the experience be better? Can design make shopping easier and complete? I think so, and I haven’t even touched on waiting at the till to be served. I have other ideas for this.
Supermarkets in the UK
Here are just a few large supermarkets chains in the UK: Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Costco, Farmfoods, Iceland, Lidl, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco, and Waitrose.
What is Service Design?
Service design has many aspects; from designing a service process to designing physical environments or product usability; from organising people to enhancing experience; each play a role in everyday life.
But for many organisations and businesses employing a service design professional means spending £1000s and involves the use of service design matrixes and multitude of research.
Get an outsiders point of view before you take this route and let us consult with you about service design or you may simply wish to have an evaluation. We’d love to help and to revise your service and design new ways of making you stand out from your competitors. Contact ADK Ltd.
A new group setup to encourage the sharing of ideas, information and news that affects Somerset businesses seems to be growing day by day.
The LinkedIn group called ‘Somerset Business’ was setup to offer a platform to discuss growth, opportunities, the good and the bad, in the aim of bringing a fresh perspective to Somerset’s growing business population.
“I started this group because I’m very much embedded into the Somerset business scene and LinkedIn gave me the opportunity to see what businesses in Somerset thought” said Andrew Knutt, director of ADK Ltd.
If you are a Somerset business and would like to get involved then sign-up to LinkedIn for free and join the Somerset Business group.
Every website owner should know by now that inbound links to their website play a large role in your website ranking within Google and other search engines, and increased ranking means increased traffic, and that’s good for business.
But what about links from Twitter and Facebook that go to your website? Do they contribute to the total of inbound links and thus increase ranking? The answer is yes.
Google treats these links the same as other links no matter what the website so they do contribute. However, don’t forget that the quality of the link is very important. In other words the reputation of the website the link is coming from (its more about quality rather than quantity).
In simple terms its best seen like this. Each website has a pagerank of 1-10. Getting a link from a website that has a high pagerank carries more weight/points than a link coming from a website that has a low page rank. Check your pagerank or a website that you know is linking to you by using a free pagerank checker tool.
Nonetheless, Facebook linking can be quite difficult for Google as most profiles are not public and Google won’t be able to access the page. Twitter also has a nofollow policy which basically means they attribute a value used to instruct some search engines that a hyperlink should not influence the link target’s ranking in the search engine’s index. It is intended to reduce the effectiveness of certain types of search engine spam, thereby improving the quality of search engine results and preventing spamdexing from occurring.
Some Twitter related sites and Twitter’s own search can have the nofollow rule removed so its best to use these sites whether they contribute or not. After all, if you are providing a valuable resource, read or information on your website and advertise its URL users will organically link to it anyway and that’s the best form of link building you can do.
If you are interesting in social media strategies or services relating to link building then why not contact ADK for a training session or discover a our set of services to help you build your online ebusiness presence.
How do you optimise opportunities in social media, spend less time yet be more effective? Find out with our quick and easy article on doing just that.
When considering the how, the why, the types and benefits of social networking there is a mass of available. Typing a few relevant keywords into your Internet search browser reveals millions of resources that might be useful.
Information sources include starting out in social networking, foresight studies, webinars, videos, workshops in almost every business network, step-by-step instructions, social media roadmaps concerning a particular application, as well as a wealth of academic papers, consultancy reports and articles.
So if there was one single tip to help you get into and make the most of social networking, it would be to go to Google and type in ‘How to get started with…’ or ‘How to social network with Twitter/LinkedIn/FaceBook etc. But in reality you are not learning anything new. The techniques used in online social networking are exactly the same as face-to-face networking. There are just a few new attitudes and techniques that you need to adopt to make it work for you.
Just as with face-to-face networking we meet people, discuss ourselves and others, we share personal information and opinions, build relationships, and mix general chat and business conversations together. People who are successful at online social networking do just that. Those that merely broadcast their products or services are not usually too successful.
To explain further, imagine that you are at a business networking event. A new member comes in, does not introduce themselves, and now and then amid others networking together says ‘buy my product from me’ or ‘see my new service I have on offer’. This is known as broadcasting and should only be used now and then amid the chat, opinions and comments of that networking group, whether online or offline. Some experts say 75% business/brand 25% personal, others say 50-50 but you will know when the time is right to make those business building announcements.
Now think about eBay. If you’ve purchased from eBay you will know that sellers are rated by the buyers. Social networking works on a similar premise. To be heard and respected within an online networking group you must contribute something valuable, then people follow you, become your online friends, or join your network. This is achieved by responding to other peoples’ posts, comments and blogs, and by creating interesting conversations or topics. Then when you make that service announcement, more people will share that information and the viral part of you social networking starts to work effectively.
Nevertheless, you shouldn’t find a social networking site, join and start contributing or posting unless you understand Social Media Optimisation (SMO). Again, I suggest a Google search for Social Media Optimisation as this will provide ways of making the most of your social networking content and allow you to find people offering services to assist you.
When determining which social media sites are right for you, you need to consider the type of market you seek. This is important as social media sites will usually have some kind of theme such as environment, shopping, friends, children, hobbies, academia, technology, etc.
Go to Google and search for ‘social media list’, check out some sites and pick three that suit your business. You’ll be surprised how many there are. For example, if you are selling energy efficient products or recycled goods then sites like Care2 may be just up your street. For consultancy LinkedIn may be better. Just remember that social networking is used for many reasons so do not exclude those that may benefit your business in areas of research, colleague communications, and partnerships.
As for posting and contributing to social networks remember that your objective is create something that’s linkable or begs to be replicated by other users. It is the viral nature of social media that is core to its success and yours. And remember to use keywords or tags within your contributions even if it is just 140 characters on Twitter.
Once you start contributing to a social network be sure not to get too involved that it takes too much of your time and doesn’t generate enough leads or awareness.
Social networking takes time to cultivate relationships and build sales and contacts. Be sure to regularly care for your social network. Don’t neglect it and only use it when YOU need something. Remember, networking is a two-way street!
If of course you believe strongly in a social media networking strategy for your business and you cannot commit your time or feel that you have little writing skills then you will have to consider paying someone to do it for you. If you do then ensure that you vet the person or organisation first. Ask for some references and speak to their clients to find out what impact their social media services had on their business.
Finally, remember that you need to make it as human as possible. People still buy from people so use your networking talents online and build relationships that mean something to your business and your potential customers.
ADK Ltd provides consultancy and advice on social media strategies.
Somerset Design Enterprise Network (SDEN) is proud to announce a new website featuring some fantastic content including jobs, support, opportunities, news, competitions, noticeboard, showcases, events diary and much more.
The website at http://www.somerset-design-network.co.uk is part of the regional partnership SDEN has with other design networks throughout the South West of England and with the South West Design Forum.
Why do creative industries and designers need to register?
The new website will form the official design directory for Somerset and of SDEN. So if you are in the creative industries or a designer or design company then you need to get listed and signup to the newsletter to benefit from the many activities offered to you.
Plus, over the next six months SDEN will be migrating all thier activities and email newsletter to this site so if you want to stay informed about design and business activities you’ll need to join the new website. Just select the ‘Join‘ button to setup your account and then sign in to add your business profile.
I’m not a designer or creative industries organisation. Can I sign-up?
To be a full member and have a business profile you must be a creative industries organisation, individual or design company. But don’t worry if you are not. We have a separate signup for email newsletter subscribers and you can add your subscription by clicking here.
Search design directory on the new website
Visit new website homepage
I need reminding about what SDEN is and what it does.
Need to be refreshed on what SDEN does and how they were set up. Visit their other website.
For more information about Somerset Design Enterprise Network email sden@adk.ltd.uk
When commissioned by the South West Tourism Skills Network to produce and deliver a social media and emarketing course I was faced with several approaches.
Of course I could have been simplistic e.g. here is Facebook/Twitter and this is how you use its functions, but in reality there is a mountain of how to’s and resources on how to use social media.
So I decided to take the business approach; to show whether there is value in social media and marketing, and how the business can evaluate or choose whether social media and emarketing is right for them. In addition to this I decided to show how to plan a social media and emarketing strategy, while optimising the content.
Then came the first day of delivery in Somerset and the first two hours was focusing on business. This in it self proved to be a very positive approach and responses seemed to move from ‘I’ve done a social media course before and I’m probably not going to learn anything new’ to ‘I’ve never seen it from that angle and didn’t realise that attitudes and social media optimisation played a large role’.
The day covered social media, blogs, email marketing, website optimisation, search engine optimisation and social media optimisation. All-in-all the course was an overwhelming success. And here are the testimonials to prove it:
Testimonials
“I came to the course thinking that it was going to tell me information that I already knew about the exponential growth in social media but I was really impressed with the added insight and hands on approach to getting to grips with this exciting marketing communications opportunity. I’d have no hesitation in recommending ADK to my colleagues whatever their level of on-line competence.”
Jon Jefferies - Head of Marketing – Fleet Air Arm Museum
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“I was very enthused to attend the course on Social Media and eMarketing having come from an IT background. When asked what course I was attending many people said to me that they did not think there would be any content on the course that I didn’t already know, but this was not the case at all. I found the whole day incredibly exciting and informative and could not wait to hear and learn what Andrew had to say next. The content of the course was very useful and clever, covering many concepts that I had not even considered as a valuable marketing tool. I have taken on board every aspect of the course and will soon be setting up our email marketing system and social media profiles to build our online presence. Andrew also inspired me to consider the content of our new website which we are in the process of creating to increase the amount of traffic to the site and in turn increase our search engine rating.
Andrew is a very educated and articulate tutor, presenting the course content in a clear, fun and concise manner. I found his approach to the subject innovative, informative and easy to retain the information conveyed. The course was packed with very useful information and I now feel I have enough tools and knowledge to take on the role of creating an online presence for our Holiday Park.
I would recommend this course to any business looking to create a greater online presence with a view to cutting down on the cost of advertising”.
Marie Hudson - Bucklegrove Caravan & Camping Park
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“The course yesterday was very informative, and covered many things I didn’t know about that will be useful to us - you were very clear in what you said and you clearly know your subject inside out! ….and you have a good way of putting it over to a load - mainly - of old codgers ( like me). This Social Media thing is a whole new world to me out there but I’m delighted I have done the course…its the sort of thing that was asked for last time we did a Somerset Tourism course…..and I am very pleased with the whole day. Everything now needs to come together to get something to work this end. The day was very much appreciated.
Francis Thyer - Deputy Custodian - Glastonbury Abbey
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I have just returned from another course, I say another course because I have been on so many, but this one was different, Social Media and Marketing had so many great ideas and cutting edge information on how to market your business that I hardly knew were to begin. I highly recommend Andrew Knutt’s workshop, generated by Somerset Tourism and Skills Network this is one course you don’t want to miss.
Jack Edgar – Blakehay Theatre
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‘My husband attended ADK’s search engine optimisation course and was so impressed by Andrew’s knowledge and easy to understand teaching that our manager and myself attended his Social Media and eMarketing course. This was an excellent course, very beneficial and informative. In fact, I was so impressed I have booked Andrew to provide the same course to other garden centre and nursery owners through the West of England and Wales Horticultural Trades Association Retail Business Improvements Scheme’.
Felicity Down – Cleeve Nursery
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About The Tutor and Course Writer (me)
This social media and emarketing workshop was written and delivered by Andrew Knutt who has 17 years experience in business, IT, the Internet and other related technologies. Andrew is an associate of the Institute of Business Consulting and runs his own design and media company in Somerset, ADK Ltd.
Over the years Andrew has delivered many workshops, seminars and courses on IT, ebusiness, ecommerce, design, the Internet, and business development; helping 100’s of small to medium sized businesses make the most of technology. As a qualified IT technician Andrew also brings a practical edge to his workshops.
Andrew’s reputation as a positive, upbeat and passionate presenter is also a great experience for all who attend his workshops; each going away with enthusiasm and confidence.
Andrew also sits on the board of the South West Design Forum, chairman of the Somerset Design Enterprise Network, and advocate of Into Somerset. He is a member of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, Taunton Chamber of Commerce, Blackdown Down Hill Business Association, UK Web Design Association, and a Microsoft Partner.
To learn more about ADK services visit http://www.adk.ltd.uk
Services include consultancy, web design, ecommerce, social media strategies, SEO, SMO, training, digital publications, graphic, print, media, animation, video, elearning and branding.