Axis Web Developments has an excellent track record of creating easy to use, highly interactive websites.
We like to involve the client and audience at all stages of the development of a usable and effective website. With our experience of developing data management solutions we can deliver cost effective, tailored solutions for the management and presentation of information on your website. See our portfolio of recently completed work below to get a feel for our areas of expertise.
Axis is the online resource for contemporary art in the UK. As a national organisation, Axis provides a unique information service presenting artists, curators, their profiles and new trends.
The aim
The website had to present artist and curator portfolios in the best possible way, fully searchable and accessible. Axis members needed to be able to manage all their information online as well as monitor how successful their online presence is. The website also includes a webzine, discussion forums, a series of curated exhibitions and showcases of artists selected by advisory panels.
The outcome
First launched in 1999 to much acclaim, the fully searchable online database is now firmly established and has undergone several evolutionary developments since. The website is driven by an in-house developed Content Management System which is optimised for managing artists/curators, their work and a range of other services. Axis members have full control over their space on the site, and they update it regularly.
The current version of the website was completely re-developed and launched in November 2007. The website is fast, highly accessible, and we believe it demonstrates best practice in interaction design. The Axis corporate identity won several prizes. The Axis site attracts more than 500,000 page hits every month.
digyorkshire.com features arts and cultural events in the Yorkshire and Humber region. digyorkshire is a trading arm of Audiences Yorkshire, the regional audience development agency. Digyorkshire felt that their old site, launched in 2002, had dated and fallen behind customer expectations.
The aim
digyorkshire wanted to create a new visual identity, completely re-develop the website, and underpin it with a flexible, easy to use Content Management System. Users ought to be able to personalise the site so they only got the information they wanted. They needed flexible control over their on-site profile so they could update or edit their listings at any time. Digyorkshire also wanted to establish listings feeds with key partners such as the BBC and Welcome to Yorkshire, to take the burden out of adding listings.
The outcome
We have worked very closely with the digyorkshire team to ensure that the new website and CMS meet their needs perfectly. The site was launched in April 2009 and has seen substantial usage from day one. Online ticketing was added in September 2009, and we are currently working on the next development phase which will see the addition of marketing tools for leisure businesses near event venues.
“The Axis team have been brilliant to work with. We’re delighted with what we’ve
been able to achieve. The new site is a huge leap forward and feedback from our
users has been fantastic.”
Rob Peacock, digyorkshire.com Manager
digyorkshire.com features arts and cultural events in the Yorkshire and Humber region. digyorkshire is a trading arm of Audiences Yorkshire, the regional audience development agency. Digyorkshire felt that their old site, launched in 2002, had dated and fallen behind customer expectations.
The aim
Audiences Central wanted to completely re-develop their existing events listing and mailing list service. After digyorkshire.com was launched to much acclaim in early 2009, Audiences Central decided that rather than developing a website from scratch, it would be better and more cost-effective to use the digyorkshire model.
The outcome
The challenge for this project was to re-skin an existing site (digyorkshire.com) and import existing mailing list data for more than 25,000 subscribers within a very short period of time. We rose to the challenge and after only 3 weeks of system “cloning”, data-transfer and re-skinning, Scene Central was launched in July 2009.
Photostore is the Crafts Council's unique visual database. It features more than 60,000 images representing over 1,000 of the UK's top designers and makers, making Photostore an invaluable tool for commissioning and researching contemporary craft. Photostore is a resource used regularly by buyers, agents, galleries, exhibition curators, architects and designers.
The aim
To bring Photostore online and widen access to it, while at the same time keeping the distinct Photostore identity that had served the Crafts Council so well for over 10 years.
The outcome
Planning for this project began 18 months before any development started. We worked very closely with the appointed graphic designers to ensure that the look-and-feel of the website aligned well with the interactive elements. Photostore online was launched in 2004 at the Chelsea Craft Fair, attracting thousands of visitors in the first week. In 2006, Axis Web Developments and the Crafts Council worked together again to give Photostore a cosmetic make-over.
“From launch there was a high demand from the public, allowing a large degree of
self service, increased access and in turn greater exposure for the content. User
feedback was very positive.”
Stewart Drew, Photostore Project Manager (1997-2005)
The Early Arts database helps those looking to work with an artist in an early years setting (children aged 0-5). There is a searchable directory of artists working in the early years setting, and an interactive project brief builder tool for those wanting to commission an artist. Earlyarts covers all art forms.
The aim
To create an interactive website where all artists, arts organisations, schools, agencies and educational establishments involved in early years projects can easily use and contribute to the site.
The outcome
We worked very closely with Arts Council England, North West and ISAACS UK to develop and deliver the website. The initial phase, completed in spring 2004, focused on artists in the North West and was well received. Following the success of the project, Arts Council England commissioned us again in 2006 for a second phase of development. The latest Early Arts website creates links with artist-in-education agencies working in the sector, and gives artists full control over their profile on the site. At this stage, an "interactive brief builder" was added. The brief builder helps organisations to establish a framework and formulate aims for their creative projects.
