Portfolio 2011
Case Study 2
Case Study 2
Introduction
Following up the 2009 Portfolio was largely based on the same goals and objectives while making appropriate adjustments based on first hand analysis, feedback and insights gathered from various interviews taken place sporadically across the Irish and Canadian workplace.
I had emigrated to Canada in 2009 but had to return to Ireland in 2010 due to visa constraints. While the 2009 portfolio was largely met with positive feedback, I was anxious to update some of the included works, change the format of the booklet to something that was somewhat more elegant to get in and out of the folder without much effort.
Much of the research process revolved around learning points from the various conducted interviews throughout a 2 year period. At this time, employment within the creative industry was primarily short term contracts due to the direct impact of the global downturn in the economy.
Goals and Objectives
- Refine and build on the success points of the original portfolio
- Update the portfolio booklet content and create a new unique, engaging format
- Maintain inclusion of a unique CV / resume while also complimenting the design of the booklet design
- Maintain use of the colour green to establish a connection with Ireland / my Irish identity.
- Use coated paper stock instead of uncoated stock to avoid any potential cracks in paper that gradually appear through regular use
Folder
The primary purpose of the folder, similar to the previous iteration of the portfolio, is to store the accompanying booklet and CV / resume. One of the observed pain points of the previous portfolio was the difficulty in getting the booklet and various book components into the folder quickly and easily
It was therefore best determined to design a folder that essentially would wrap around the booklet in an elegant fashion while also adhering to the limitation of a digital printed sized sheet (SRA3). Naturally, the design itself lends itself well to the primary function of creating a unique design.
Booklet
The size and format of the booklet is based on an oversized DL landscape saddle stitched booklet. The updated contents of the booklet are presented in a minimalist fashion, allowing the quality of the works to speak for themselves.
Personal touches were added in the form of light hearted cultural references as demonstrated above.
Resume
While the 2009 resume featured an intriguing and distinctive format, it rarely received more than a passing glance—often relegated to an afterthought. Interviewers frequently opted for their personally printed copy of the resume which was submitted during the initial application process.
The inspiration for the resume was based on a map, as the sheet would have to conform to the restrictions of the folder insert size, similar to the booklet. The updated resume is much easier to read and access compared to the previous portfolio version.
Booklet
The size and format of the booklet is based on an oversized DL landscape saddle stitched booklet. The updated contents of the booklet are presented in a minimalist fashion, allowing the quality of the works to speak for themselves.
Personal touches were added in the form of light hearted cultural references as demonstrated above.
Implementation:
1. Logo Redesign: Crafted a modernized logo that retained elements of the original brand identity while reflecting the company's progression into Cloud accounting solutions.
2. Brand Messaging: Revamped the brand messaging to highlight the company's history, adaptability, and ongoing dedication to customer satisfaction.
3. Website Overhaul: Designed and launched a new website that provided a seamless user experience, emphasizing the company's evolution and showcasing its latest Cloud accounting solutions
4. Marketing Campaigns:: Rolled out targeted marketing campaigns across various channels, leveraging the new brand elements to communicate Exchequer Software's commitment to staying at the forefront of accounting software innovation.
Conclusion
The 2011 portfolio achieved undeniable success, garnering widespread positive feedback for its simplicity, elegant design, and unique inclusion of the the large foldout resume, despite not always being utilised or given as much prominence as the booklet and folder.
Portfolio
1. 2020
2. 2011
3. 2009
