Q LTD : New + Noteworthy

Q LTD Announces Three Recent Wins

2009-12-23T18:10:12Z

Identity and web design firm Q LTD announced that it has recently been awarded web site redesign projects for both the Ypsilanti District Library and the University of Michigan School of Education, and has also been selected by the University of Michigan School of Nursing to develop a strategic brand identity and related communications materials.

The new work will be handled by the team of designers, information architects, and web producers at the firm’s Ann Arbor office.

For the Ypsilanti District Library, Q LTD will design, develop, and produce an entirely new web site to function as a “virtual branch” of the library, providing members with a more engaging online experience and greater accessibility to the information they are looking for.

Working with the University of Michigan School of Education communications team, Q LTD will collaborate to develop a fresh, contemporary look and dynamic usability features for the school’s web site, which is primarily used as an informational resource for prospective students, but also serves as a vital communications tool for existing students, faculty, and staff.

For the University of Michigan School of Nursing, Q LTD will create a strategic brand identity for the school, and design an image piece for prospective undergraduate and graduate-level nursing students.

Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Q LTD also has offices in San Francisco and a working partnership with Q in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Q LTD’s expertise includes web site design, identity design, strategic brand positioning, environmental design, information architecture, and multimedia design and production.

Q LTD Helps Camp for Seriously Ill Children Launch with New Name and Identity

2009-11-25T19:36:55Z

Ann Arbor-based strategic design firm Q LTD recently helped a new camp for seriously ill children take root in Michigan by developing a name and graphic identity for the emerging non-profit organization.

Q has extensive experience helping start-ups move forward with the right identity and brand positioning. But because this was also an opportunity to help some very courageous kids, the design firm knew this would be a special client and project.

The camp’s leading proponent, Doug Armstrong, had a vision of revitalizing the idle Fresh Air Camp in Pinckney, owned by the University of Michigan, to accommodate children with serious medical needs. After conducting feasibility studies, drawing up site plans, and recruiting a board of directors, Armstrong called on Q to help bring the vision to life with the development of a name, identity, and marketing materials.

“We appreciate the latitude that Doug and his team gave us as we researched every aspect of the camp, from details of the location and site plans to the camp’s unique offerings,” explains Paul Koch, creative strategist at Q. “We also gave careful consideration to the scope of the camp’s audience, which includes kids and their families, of course, but also doctors and nurses, as well as potential benefactors.”

While several identity concepts were presented to Armstrong and the board of directors, a defining moment in the design firm’s final recommendation came from a visit to the site by members of the Q team. “Often, our best insights come from exploring more than written reports. A visit to the location really shed light on how unique this camp will be,” Koch says.

The camp’s new name is North Star Reach, which speaks to the attributes of the heavily wooded site in Livingston County, Michigan, and also expresses the hope and aspiration of these kids and their families. The new identity mark features design elements that convey a playful tone while alluding to the trees, water, and stars of the camp’s scenic setting.

“It’s rewarding to know that one day many kids will have a special connection to North Star Reach through the opportunities, friends, and caring staff there,” says Alissa Ampezzan, designer at Q. “It’s a unique camp, and it deserves an identity that’s beyond ordinary.”

For more information, visit http://www.northstarreach.org.

Q LTD Develops Identity for Michigan’s New Legacy Land Conservancy

2009-09-22T14:54:45Z

Leading brand consultancy and creative design firm Q LTD recently developed a new name, identity, and web site for the Legacy Land Conservancy, formerly Washtenaw Land Trust.

“For Q, the project provided an opportunity to do what we do best – design complete brand campaigns,” said Christine Golus, Q LTD vice president and creative director. “The Conservancy’s identity needed a fresh approach to accurately convey what the organization is about today.”

The project involved significant research and insight gathering, exploration of functionality for the new web site, plus validation of the new name and logo. The new brand identity will become the cornerstone for all the Conservancy’s marketing and outreach efforts, helping the organization gain recognition for its work and attract new supporters.

Although the Conservancy has protected natural areas and farmland beyond the borders of Washtenaw County for years, the new name acknowledges the organization’s broader geography and its commitment to ensuring a legacy for future generations to enjoy.

The new logo features a stylized bird’s nest with three eggs, representing the natural environments that the Legacy Land Conservancy protects, and paying tribute to the recovery of bluebird populations in the area as the result of many people working together to make a difference.

The new Legacy name and logo were featured on the label design of a limited-edition Chardonnay developed in honor of the Conservancy by Sandhill Crane Vineyards of Jackson, Michigan. A portion of the sales proceeds will benefit the Legacy Land Conservancy.

The Legacy Land Conservancy serves Washtenaw and Jackson counties, protecting the natural areas and working farms. For more information, visit http://www.legacylandconservancy.org.

Q LTD Produces New Terumo CVS Web Site with a Focus on Design, Usability, and Results

2009-06-02T15:06:56Z

Brand consultancy and creative design firm Q LTD played a key role in the redesign and development of a web site for global medical device manufacturer Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation (Terumo CVS).

Because its web site conveys essential information to cardiac surgery teams around the world, Terumo CVS selected the designers and interactive developers at Q LTD to help redesign a more user-friendly and informative site, covering an extensive line of cardiac and vascular surgery products and clinical data.

The project began with an extensive analysis of the existing Terumo CVS web site’s analytics, data, and usability factors. “We looked closely at data and studied how visitors use the site in order to arrive at the right architecture, design, and presentation of the Terumo CVS product lines and clinical information,” explained Blaine Roderique, Director of Emerging Media at Q LTD.

From a design perspective, the objective was to create a web site that clearly and effectively communicates the site content while expressing Terumo CVS’s brand identity, according to Jocelyn Edin, Senior Designer at Q LTD. “It’s rewarding to see everything come together on a web site of this importance,” she added.

Terumo CVS is part of Terumo Corporation, a global medical device manufacturer focused on cardiac and vascular specialties, hospital products, and home health care. Terumo has more than 11,000 associates in 82 sales offices and 17 production facilities worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.terumo-cvs.com.

Q LTD Adds Paul Koch, Creative Strategist

2009-03-26T19:36:55Z

Leading brand consultancy and creative design firm Q LTD recently added Paul Koch to its staff. In his role as a creative strategist, Koch will work as part of the Q LTD team to help develop and implement strategic creative and branding for the firm’s growing client list.

“Q LTD is known regionally for its top-notch work, and we are now gradually expanding our global reach as we acquire and serve clients with operations around the world,” said Tom Rieke, Q LTD president. “Paul’s work will support Q’s continued development of breakthrough design and branding for our diverse client base.”

Prior to joining Q LTD, Koch worked at ad agencies in Toledo, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky. With more than 20 years of experience in the creative marketing field he has worked on accounts ranging from high-tech start-ups to well known national consumer brands.

Q LTD Hires New Interactive Producer

2009-01-29T15:20:15Z

Strategic design consultancy Q LTD is pleased to announce the addition of Ben Schaaf as Interactive Producer.

“We are delighted to welcome Ben to the Q team,” said Blaine Roderique, Q LTD Director of Emerging Media. “His experience working one-on-one with clients combined with his interactive knowledge and project management skill set makes him an excellent addition.”

Mr. Schaaf earned an undergraduate degree in international marketing from Davenport University and spent a year studying marketing abroad in Italy through a special program in conjunction with John Cabot University.

Most recently, Mr. Schaaf was Implementation Coordinator at MediaSpan Group, managing the creation and deployment of newspaper, magazine, and radio websites for the company’s online services division. Prior to MediaSpan Group, Ben was a freelance web designer.

“I hope to continue the Q tradition of delivering smart and effective design solutions to clients. My hands-on experience with database and content management solutions will help to develop and deliver dynamic user solutions for Q clients,” Mr. Schaaf said.

Q LTD Brands Yale’s New Computing and the Arts Initiative

2008-09-23T17:31:21Z

Strategic design consultancy Q LTD recently began work with Yale University to develop the brand identity for its new interdisciplinary research and educational initiative, currently labeled as Computing and the Arts.

Q LTD’s work includes defining Yale University’s Computing and the Arts’ brand voice, identity, and Web presence to support an effective marketing and fund-raising foundation for the program.

Yale University’s Computing and the Arts initiative integrates computing science and a specific arts focus drawn from art, history of art, music, drama, and architecture. Yale University’s new initiative is based on the belief that the next generation of computing technologies will be inspired by the arts.

“The world’s most challenging social and economic problems require a new generation of creative people who can dissolve the boundaries between the arts and technology,” said Tom Rieke, president of Q LTD. “So many of the world’s leading universities are now combining academic disciplines that have never collaborated in the past. Q’s assignment is to help establish the new Yale initiative in the top echelon of international opportunities for students and faculty who will lead the next generation of innovation.”

Uniquely positioned for its work with Yale University’s Computing and the Arts, Q LTD has worked on the graphic design for ACM SIGGRAPH’s renowned conferences for more than 15 years. Q LTD also developed a new brand identity for the School of Information Arts + Technology (SIAT) at Simon Fraser University and has a long history of work on a wide variety of projects for the University of Michigan’s School of Engineering, Business School, Medical Center, and other programs.

Q LTD Hires New Designer, Alissa Ampezzan

2008-08-28T13:13:32Z

Strategic design consultancy Q LTD recently expanded its team with the addition of Alissa Ampezzan as designer. Ampezzan supports Q LTD’s growing client base with her experience and leading edge design concepts.

“Alissa brings a new energy to our team of experienced professionals,” said Christine Golus, vice president, creative director, Q LTD. “Her dependability and strong work ethic combined with excellent design and communication skills will benefit all our clients.”

Ampezzan earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of Michigan School of Art & Design.

Most recently, Ms. Ampezzan was assistant designer at University of Michigan College of Engineering, designing new identities for the Multicultural Engineering Programs Office, Center for Entrepreneurship, MPowered Entrepreneurship, International Programs in Engineering, among others.

“Joining Q LTD is very exciting,” said Ampezzan. “I look forward to contributing to the Q team’s stellar work.”

Eight Naming Do’s & Don’ts

2008-07-14T19:16:15Z

By Scott Hauman

DO:
1. Consider the long-term strategy for the name you’re developing and how the new brand name will fit into your company’s brand architecture and brand portfolio systems.

2. Consider the real fixed and potential costs involved in creating, registering and defending a new name.

3. Keep an open mind and generate a lot of options, hundreds if possible.

4. Set up a defined criterion as to how names will be judged in the process and stick to it.

5. Take the time to conduct native speaker linguistic checks.

6. Seek out and use one of the many specialized naming consultancies and trademark attorneys to help navigate the numerous pitfalls associated with the naming process.

7. Communicate how the name fits into the overall strategy for the business.

8. Allocate the proper amount of time and resources to adequately communicate your new brand name to your intended target audiences.

DON’T:
1. Fall in love with any specific name early in the process.

2. Have too many people involved in the name selection process

3. Have the conversation again. Once the name has been selected do not communicate what the second choice or other options on the list were.

4. Short cut the process, sooner or later shortcuts will comeback to haunt you and could be potentially expensive and embarrassing to your company.

5. Rule out an alternate domain name if the one you’re after is already taken. If another company already has possession of a domain name in which you’re interested, consider creating an alternate version.

6. Rush the process. Naming done well and on a multi-country or global scale takes time.

7. Ask your spouse or close friends for their opinion.

8. Expect to gain 100% consensus from your decision-making team. Select the name that fits your criteria the best.

Q LTD Unveils SIGGRAPH Asia Brand, Identity, Creative

2008-06-17T17:51:02Z

Q LTD recently unveiled the brand and creative identity work for SIGGRAPH’s inaugural conference in Asia, scheduled for December 10-13, 2008. Q LTD designed and produced all the marketing materials for SIGGRAPH Asia 2008, including the web site (www.siggraph.org/asia2008/), print and web international advertising, printed programs, merchandise, and signage.

“Extending SIGGRAPH’s brand into the Asia-Pacific region is a distinct challenge and privilege,” explained Tom Rieke, Q LTD president. “In fact, it’s a great brand adventure, to attract new audiences to this world-famous event from such a fascinating mixture of languages, cultures, and technologies.”

SIGGRAPH Asia 2008 is sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery, whose conferences are highly regarded as the source for information and innovation in digital technologies.

Since the early 1990s, Q LTD has created the visual identity and marketing materials for the annual SIGGRAPH conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques, which is held in a different city in North America each year. The North American conference attracts 25,000 - 30,000 attendees from around the world; attendance at the first SIGGRAPH Asia conference is expected to be about 4,000.

ACM SIGGRAPH, the organization that presents the SIGGRAPH conferences, serves its more than 8,000 members and the international computer graphics and interactive techniques community by promoting and supporting the innovation and application of computer graphics and interactive techniques.

About SIGGRAPH
SIGGRAPH is an international organization that fosters a membership community whose core values help them to catalyze the innovation and application of computer graphics and interactive techniques.

About ACM
The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) sponsors SIGGRAPH Asia 2008. ACM is an educational and scientific society uniting the world’s computing educators, researchers, and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources and address the field’s challenges. ACM strengthens the profession’s collective voice through strong leadership, promotion of the highest standards, and recognition of technical excellence. ACM supports the professional growth of its members by providing opportunities for life-long learning, career development, and professional networking.

SIGGRAPH Selects Q LTD to Support Inaugural SIGGRAPH Asia Conference

2008-01-24T02:42:43Z

Q LTD has been selected to design and produce all the marketing materials for the first SIGGRAPH conference in Asia. For SIGGRAPH Asia 2008, Q LTD will create the conference visual identity, the web site, international advertising (print and web), printed programs, merchandise, and signage.

SIGGRAPH Asia 2008 is scheduled for December 10-13, 2008, at the Suntec International Convention & Exhibition Centre, in Singapore. As with its North American conference, in Asia, SIGGRAPH, the computer graphics industry’s most respected technical and creative organization, will focus on research, science, art, animation, gaming, interactivity, education, and the Web.

“SIGGRAPH supports the world’s leading computer graphics professionals and, with SIGGRAPH Asia, an emerging market where those professionals are working, creating and innovating,” said Tom Rieke, president, Q LTD. “This opportunity to work with SIGGRAPH’s new conference venture in Asia extends Q’s emphasis on creating world-class design for international markets. Our partnership with SIGGRAPH, which is widely recognized for its leadership in graphics and interactive techniques, affirms Q LTD’s ability to deliver innovative and evocative results for clients, and supports the company’s international growth strategy.”

Since the early 1990s, Q LTD has created the visual identity and marketing materials for the SIGGRAPH conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques, which is held in a different city in North America each year. The North American conference attracts 25,000 - 30,000 attendees from around the world; attendance at the first SIGGRAPH Asia conference is expected to be about 4,000.

“We are really pleased to extend our long-standing collaboration with Q LTD to SIGGRAPH Asia,” said Alyn Rockwood, vice president of SIGGRAPH and chair of the SIGGRAPH Asia Conference Advisory Group. “This is a significant new venture and challenge for the SIGGRAPH organization. Our past experience, confidence, and strong relationship with Q helps ensure its success.”

ACM SIGGRAPH, the organization that presents the SIGGRAPH conferences, serves its more than 8,000 members and the entire computer graphics and interactive techniques community by promoting and supporting the innovation and application of computer graphics and interactive techniques.

For more information on SIGGRAPH Asia: http://www.siggraph.org/asia2008/

Q LTD’s Web Work Supports the Kresge Foundation’s New Initiatives

2008-01-08T02:53:14Z

Strategic design consultancy Q LTD recently worked with The Kresge Foundation to update its web site, including a newly designed home page, improved navigation, and new page design.

“The Kresge Foundation is undergoing a multi-year transition as they expand upon their current grantmaking policies,” explained Christine Golus, vice president, creative director, Q LTD. “The goal of the updated design was to clearly inform audiences of these changes and create a web presence that reflects the Foundation’s high standards and exemplary commitment to the public good. In addition, the navigation retains features that non-profit organizations are familiar with as well as providing improved access to news, program updates, and grantee resources.”

Q LTD created a new, dynamic home page that highlights the Foundation’s three important initiatives: Challenge Grant Program, Detroit Program, and the Green Building Initiative. Additionally, Q LTD provided templating, coding, and production consultation.

“Our web site is our public face to the world and often a grantseeker’s first point of contact with the Kresge Foundation,” says Cynthia Shaw, communications director. “We enlisted the help of Q LTD to update our site because they produce engaging designs that strategically enhance the user experience. This is key. Our goal was to make our programs more accessible to a larger and more diverse array of nonprofit organizations by streamlining and simplifying the user experience. The Q team definitely delivered.”

The new Kresge Foundation web site

Q LTD Creates New Brand Identity and Web Site for Forte Belanger

2007-12-13T02:55:25Z

Forte Belanger recently launched a fresh, new corporate brand identity and web site to reflect the company’s mission to create “Remarkable Events” for its corporate, event planning, and personal clients throughout the Great Lakes region.

The Forte Belanger web site

Q LTD Creates New Identity for Simon Fraser University’s School of Interactive Arts + Technology

2007-10-12T02:57:37Z

Strategic brand consultancy Q LTD recently completed brand research, messaging, and a new brand system for Simon Fraser University’s School of Interactive Arts + Technology (SIAT). Q LTD helped SIAT differentiate its value and international market position by creating a new visual identity and brand strategy.

“Q LTD’s selection by SIAT’s world-class faculty of artists and technologists is a strong affirmation of our branding expertise,” said Tom Rieke, Q LTD president. “SIAT’s new brand system positions the school for success in an intensely competitive environment.”

Q LTD’s brand work for the Vancouver, British Columbia school is visible in its typography, logo, tagline, web site, and other marketing materials. It supports the school’s worldwide reputation as a unique academic center where computer scientists, artists, designers, and social theorists collaborate, invent, research, and develop.

The SIAT logotype that Q LTD developed is a series of distinctive, abstract and linear letterforms that allude to the school’s focus in science, art, and design. Additionally, the linear logo can be used to generate an endless series of patterns, hinting at the organization’s continuous drive to generate new ideas.

Q LTD also developed a new tagline for SIAT: “shaping the next.” The line emphasizes the school’s focus on pushing the creative envelope in education and research.

The SIAT web site

Q LTD Offers Valuable “Q” Brand to QVC

2007-09-24T19:20:50Z

QVC, the home shopping channel, recently updated its brand identity to focus on the letter “Q.” According to an interview granted to the New York Times, QVC is seeking to own the letter Q, the brand foundation of Ann Arbor-based, strategic brand consultancy Q LTD for 26 years.

“Obviously, Q LTD recognizes the value of the ‘Q’ brand and is thrilled that its work has sparked the interest of QVC,” said Scott Hauman, Q LTD director of planning. “As experts in brand development, Q LTD could help QVC make our long-known and highly regarded brand its own.”

Q LTD will offer the letter Q to QVC for $999,999 if executives from the company call in the next 24 hours. There’s only one Q, so the supply is limited.

In addition to attracting national attention to the value of “Q,” Q LTD’s recent work includes branding and marketing support for the annual SIGGRAPH conference, identity design for Simon Fraser University: School of Interactive Arts + Technology, branding and web design for Parentography.com, and design of the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources’ new flagship magazine, Stewards.