2023
Decoded
A creative developer's highlights.
2023
4
31.2
Design days
137
Development days
26.3
UX days
1
Owl held
Year of the rabbit
I started this endeavor over a year and a half ago. If I could liken those first six months to anything, it would involve an uphill climb, at times, not that scenic and with occasional avalanches of self-doubt.
Yet, here I am, still standing, on level ground, slightly disheveled and with a newfound appreciation for metaphorical crampons and the occasional motivational gusts of wind. Of which I am continually thankful.
As we turn a page on 2023, it’s important to reflect on a year well spent and celebrate in our achievements. Whether they be work-related or personal.
Below I look back on my highlights, it seems that the rabbit of 2023 has nibbled away unexpected detours; the journey has been its own reward - a tale of growth, of relationships, resilience and joy.
Here’s to 2024, and to whatever delicious carrots await in the coming year.
Nibble the carrot to continue.
Actions speak louder than words
- Design
- Web Dev
- SEO
2023 marked a year since John Brown slid into my DMs and asked if I’d be interested in working with the team at Don’t Cry Wolf. Of course I said yes. But someone should really tell him to not wear hats indoors. It’s frowned upon John. In many cultures. Give that bonce some air, free your beautiful scalp!
Together we delivered a shiny new website for Compass for Life. Supercharging their SEO and providing them with a greater degree of control and customisation of their content.
We also campaigned to end Greyhound Racing with Blue Cross. We designed a creative that spoofed Coral Betting who both profit from and promote these events. You can sign the petition here.
Travel
I visited new places, home and abroad.
No work. Just rest and fun. Because we all need a break now and then.
True Grit
- UX
- Accessibility
- Design
A significant milestone in this year’s journey was ActionFunder, an award-winning corporate giving platform.
We began a comprehensive overhaul of the app's user experience, aided with the creation of a cohesive design system.
From lo-fi to hi-fi wireframes, we navigated through rounds of testing, refining the experience to ensure smooth navigation, continuous support, and clear user orientation within the system. Our work accommodated a diverse demographic, including less computer-literate and older users.
We also embarked on a mission to refresh and infuse grit into the brand identity. Real imagery, hand-drawn flourishes, and a grounded aesthetic inspired by grassroots projects brought the brand to life.
Volunteering
It was a good year to GoodGym!
It's good to be good and even good-er to feel good while doing good.
Strong foundations
- Web Dev
- Deisgn
- UX
- Accessibility
It was a privilege to be trusted with the design and development of CWM Environmental’s new website. CWM play a crucial role in the Circular Economy in Wales, a distinction highlighted by a special broadcast from their HQ on ITV News Wales this year.
Our efforts were concentrated on several key areas, including enhancing navigation, improving SEO, refreshing the brand, reducing carbon and increasing B2B lead conversion. All of which provide a launch pad for CWM’s sustainable activities in West Wales for years to come.
As ever, I’m proud of empowering the client with greater control over their website and content. We adopted a modular design with custom blocks ensuring the website remains dynamic and adaptable. The beauty of it? CWM now has the power to tweak and tailor their content effortlessly.
Media
Someimes we need to escape sitting in front of a screen with headphones on.
By sitting in front of an even larger one or experiencing deafining music in person.
Here are some of my favorites of the year...
Film
- Oppenheimer
- Monster
- Killers of the Flower Moon
- Anatomy of a Fall
- Spider-man: Across the Spiderverse
Live Music
-
King Gizzard and the Lizzard Wizzard
Troxy
-
Glass Beams
Wide Awake Festival
-
Primal Scream
Forwards Festival
-
Jockstrap
Wide Awake Festival
-
Bug Teeth
The Lanes
Plastered
With nearly a year together, the journey with Plaster has been joyous. We've championed a multitude of projects, promoting iconic organizations within Bristol and far beyond. Here’s to another year drunk, sorry, plastered with more joyful collaborations.
Do you lift
As a key player in the ride-sharing revolution, Liftango are at the forefront of an emerging transport revolution. Supporting projects across the globe, we've partnered with county councils, universities, and global brands to enhance the ride-share experience.
Inspiration
Enough about me.
What are other (more amazing) people up to? Here are some friends who constantly impress me much.
Cristiano Almeida
A close friend and exceptional collaborator. Cristiano's dedication extends beyond our ventures and is the visionary behind Hozokit and Biriba.
Biriba, a free online archive of capoeira music, is a testament to his passion for preserving cultural legacies, digitalizing songs that risk fading into obscurity.
Biriba
biriba.io
Jessica Lewis-Stone
Driving the success of Scarlett Marketing. It has been a pleasure collaborating with Jess multiple times this year. Her relentless work ethic and strategic prowess have left an indelible mark on our joint projects.
Jess stands out as a reliable and creative force, making every collaboration a rewarding experience.
Scarlett Marketing
scarlettmarketing.co.uk
The Williams Bros
Elias and Timon are a constant source of inspiration with their fearless approach to filmmaking.
Champions of the no-budget ethos and a 'fuck it, let's do it' attitude, they embody creativity in its rawest form.
Currently immersed in their second feature and fresh off the heels of the recent short 'Mid20s', their work continues to showcase their ability to transform limitations into strengths.
Watch Mid 20's
YoutTube
Hunter garrett
YouTuber and creator of SkillShare. What truly impresses me about Hunter is his remarkable entrepreneurship with a number of products under his belt.
Most recently, launching Vidroad. Through his informative and bite-sized videos, he's turned an unfamiliar territory for me, into a comprehensible landscape, showcasing once again his knack for turning ideas into accessible knowledge.
Vidroad
vidroad.com
Looking ahead
As we bid farewell to 2023, I'm reminded of the profound joy that comes from this journey - a journey fueled by people, passion and trust.
Here's to 2024—a new chapter filled with exciting opportunities.
Let's chase those carrots together!
Arron x