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.

3
2
1

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

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

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.

Mid 20's

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

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

Now booking from March 2024

  • Design
  • UX
  • Web Development
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