Challenge Summary
At TopCoder we are always working to define and refine our process's and services offered to clients. We are always looking at new ways to graphically visualize our competition model to help clients understand how the process works and how it can benefit their company and projects.
For this competition TopCoder is looking for a new visual representation of the entire TopCoder process offered to clients. The goal of this competition is to make a graphic that is easy to understand using recognizable concepts that most people would relate to.
We are looking to depict the TopCoder process using the factory metaphor. The idea is based on showing a factory building out parts (or components). The difference in this process would be that each step would not be linked! The idea is that each step of the TopCoder process is its own individual machine. Each machine works independently of each other. The machines take raw materials and specifications and create parts (or components) and assemblies. The raw materials are sometimes the output of other machines but they don't have to be - meaning the Component Specification input into a Component Design contest can come from the Module Architecture machine, but doesn't have to. Tightly defined specifications resulting in quality parts through consistent testing.
An example would be a factory building a car. A car gets a door built (machine, specifications, process) or a brake system (machine, specifications, process) and then they are eventually attached to the car using another machine/specifications/process.
Additional Details Your graphic should show some sort of metaphor for the TopCoder process. The example we give involves a factory/machines. However, you do not have to use this metaphor. Your graphic will be used in presentations (mostly powerpoint). Here are the process steps you need to portray. Be sure to include these names in your graphic. 1. Conceptualization 2. Specification 3. Architecture 4. Component Production 5. Application Assembly 6. Certification 7. Deployment Please ask questions in the Forums Target Audience New and prospective clients who are unfamiliar with the TopCoder Process and who do not have a highly technical background. Design Considerations - The process must be shown in a left-to-right format - The graphic should be inviting, friendly and non-technical without being childish. - Each phase should be represented in a simple way. Do not overload your graphic with tiny details and complex elements. The entire graphic should look clean. Branding Guidelines - You do not need to use the TopCoder logo because this graphic will be presented on TopCoder pages or in other TopCoder materials. - You should use colors and fonts that complement the TopCoder brand, but please do not strive to match it completely. Colors besides red and black are preferable. Judging Criteria Use the following criteria as a checklist for your submission. - Metaphor: How well did you portray each phase of the TopCoder process by comparing it to a process anyone can understand? Is the concept creative? Do the graphical representations of each phase accurately depict the phase? - Imagery: Do all the elements that represent the phases look good together? Is the overall graphic clean and pleasing as a whole? - Consistency: Do they all have the same level of detail, illustrative conceptualization and complexity? Remember - simpler concepts are better! Submission and Source Files Preview Image Please create your preview image as one (1) 900x900px JPG or PNG file in RGB color mode at 72dpi and place your submissions within it. You are free to resize or crop your submission to fit this size, but do not add any filters or elements for dramatic effect, such as drop shadows or reflections. Submission File One JPG file in RGB color mode at 72dpi. Source Files Must be at least 400dpi if you are not creating a vector. All original source files of the submitted design. Adobe Photoshop or Gimp saved as a layered PSD file or Illustrator or Inkscape and saved as layered AI or EPS files. Final Fixes As part of the final fixes phase you may be asked to modify your colors or font selection for better visibility/readability.
Round 1
At the end of Round 1, TopCoder will choose five (5) Round 1 winners, each will win $50 and a Design Review. These winners and any member who had a passing submission in round one will be eligible to compete in Round 2 for the additional $750 in prizes.Round 2
Round 2 will start with the announcement of the Five (5) $50 Round 1 winners and their design review from TopCoder.Additional Details Your graphic should show some sort of metaphor for the TopCoder process. The example we give involves a factory/machines. However, you do not have to use this metaphor. Your graphic will be used in presentations (mostly powerpoint). Here are the process steps you need to portray. Be sure to include these names in your graphic. 1. Conceptualization 2. Specification 3. Architecture 4. Component Production 5. Application Assembly 6. Certification 7. Deployment Please ask questions in the Forums Target Audience New and prospective clients who are unfamiliar with the TopCoder Process and who do not have a highly technical background. Design Considerations - The process must be shown in a left-to-right format - The graphic should be inviting, friendly and non-technical without being childish. - Each phase should be represented in a simple way. Do not overload your graphic with tiny details and complex elements. The entire graphic should look clean. Branding Guidelines - You do not need to use the TopCoder logo because this graphic will be presented on TopCoder pages or in other TopCoder materials. - You should use colors and fonts that complement the TopCoder brand, but please do not strive to match it completely. Colors besides red and black are preferable. Judging Criteria Use the following criteria as a checklist for your submission. - Metaphor: How well did you portray each phase of the TopCoder process by comparing it to a process anyone can understand? Is the concept creative? Do the graphical representations of each phase accurately depict the phase? - Imagery: Do all the elements that represent the phases look good together? Is the overall graphic clean and pleasing as a whole? - Consistency: Do they all have the same level of detail, illustrative conceptualization and complexity? Remember - simpler concepts are better! Submission and Source Files Preview Image Please create your preview image as one (1) 900x900px JPG or PNG file in RGB color mode at 72dpi and place your submissions within it. You are free to resize or crop your submission to fit this size, but do not add any filters or elements for dramatic effect, such as drop shadows or reflections. Submission File One JPG file in RGB color mode at 72dpi. Source Files Must be at least 400dpi if you are not creating a vector. All original source files of the submitted design. Adobe Photoshop or Gimp saved as a layered PSD file or Illustrator or Inkscape and saved as layered AI or EPS files. Final Fixes As part of the final fixes phase you may be asked to modify your colors or font selection for better visibility/readability.
Please read the challenge specification carefully and watch the forums for any questions or feedback concerning this challenge. It is important that you monitor any updates provided by the client or Studio Admins in the forums. Please post any questions you might have for the client in the forums.