Challenge Summary
Welcome to the Vesta "Online Community" Design Tournament. Vesta has asked the Studio Community to design many different areas of their site over the last few months. This new Contest is focused on building out the "Community" area of their website. The goal of this contest is to produce Storyboards that design and capture the new "Community" aspects of the Vesta website.
Many companies across the internet are building online communities. These online communities help to extend a companies brand, build loyalty with consumers and provide a connection between a company and their audience.
Vesta is now exploring this step to extend their brand and offerings within the Vesta Professional and Homeowner user groups.
Contest Details Vesta is always looking to give their customers a better user experience by updating and enhancing the user experience (UX) of their existing websites and web applications. Vesta currently does not have a "Community" section on their website and are looking for design ideas and solutions from the Studio community. Design Scenario Vesta would like an area on their site where Users can: - Interact with each other (within Forums or Product Reviews) - Interact with the company (with Forums or Feedback Areas) - Search for products easily - Search for discussion topics - Interact with Vesta branded social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter - See Recent Member Projects - See Featured Product Reviews (by Community members) - See a listing of Community Members and their ranks within the Community - Community Members would have Online profiles with the ability to achieve rankings based on participation (product reviews, forum posts etc) Reference Links Reference 1 Reference 2 Reference 3 Reference 4 Professional side versus Homeowner side - We would like similar layouts, but the Professional side should be more technical looking, whereas the Homeowner should be "heavier" with graphics, animation and exciting interactions. - The user should be able to easily tell which side of the community they are on. - The Professional side would be more Product and Installation type discussions (forums, videos, new cutting edge techniques) - The Homeowner side would be more Project, Product Review and "How To" Videos - The Professional side would be private - The Homeowner side would not be private and can be seen by everyone Homeowner Content These are the areas we would like to see on the page All Pages Banner Navigation - Home - Site Map - Help - Log in - My Profile - Search (with options, products, discussions, locations) Top Navigation - Discussions - Projects - Reviews - Polls - Members - Join Homeowner Landing Page Left column Navigation Categories (grab categories from this page Link) Remodeling - Estimating & Appraising - Green Remodeling - Remodeler Solutions - Remodeling Trends - Technology Getting Started - Customer Service - Help Content Area - Banner Ad about joining the Vesta Community (Homeowner Driven) - Feeds areas from Facebook and Twitter - 1 Video feed from YouTube (a video that a member uploaded showing how to use a tool etc.) - Featured Reviews - Find a Professional in Your Local Area (search by ZIP and category) Homeowner Additional Pages Profile Page - Profile Photo - Username - Photo Gallery - Video Gallery - Friends - Member Search - My Reviews Discussions - Discussions banner graphic - Show how the discussion page would look - Ask a Pro (discussion board separate from the Pro's side) Projects - Projects banner graphic - Projects that Community members are working on - Watchlist (check out favorite contractors when they post new projects) 1. Ask questions about a project underway, 2. Comment 3. Rate projects - Project Toolbox (Cost estimator, Measurement converters, Color inspirations, Visualizer) Reviews - A Page listing out Categories of Topics Polls - Poll banner graphic - A Page of different type of polls and surveys Members - Member banner graphic - A Page where you can look up members - A feed of current Discussions - A Feed of latest Reviews - Help/FAQ - A Feed of latest Videos Professional Landing Page Left column Navigation Categories - Residential - HVAC - Industial - Commercial/Mechanical - Waterworks - Government - Integrated Exclusive Brands - PROFLO - Mirabelle - Raptor - FNW Valve Getting Started - Customer Service - Help Content Area - Banner Ad about joining the Vesta Community (Professional Driven) - Feeds areas from Discussions - 1 Video feed from YouTube (a video that a member uploaded showing a new building technique) - Featured Reviews - View the Vesta Product Catalog - Meet Potential Customers in Your Local Area (search by ZIP) - Online Applications/Phone applications for download. - Join the Preferred Contractor List Professional Additional Pages Profile Page - Profile Photo - Username - Photo Gallery - Video Gallery - Friends - Member Search - My Reviews - Sign up for Newsletter Discussions - Discussions banner graphic - Show how the discussion page would look - Pro-to-Pro / Ask a Pro (discussion board separate from the Homeowner's side) Projects - Projects banner graphic - Projects that Community members are working on - Watchlist (select posted projects to follow discussion board comments) 1. Ask questions about a project underway, 2. Comment 3. Rate projects - Project Toolbox (Vesta Credit Card, Preferred Contractor Card, Measurement Converter, Cost estimator) Reviews - A Page listing out Categories of Topics Polls - Poll banner graphic - A Page of different type of polls and surveys Members - Member banner graphic - A Page where you can look up members - A feed of current Discussions - A Feed of latest Reviews - Help/FAQ - A Feed of latest Videos Contest Details Think "Community Features" - Do your research and look at other online communities and websites. - We would like to bring these two users together and create a community - Research other online communities and best usability practices. Design! - Design the Community aspect of the Vesta website. Please refer to the current design of the web site for your new additions. - Keep this "general layout" - but you will need to modify it to meet the navigation and content requirements. - You design should look like it belongs as part of this brand. Target User - Homeowners - Professionals (HVAC, Waterworks, Commercial, Residential, Industry & Specialty) Judging Criteria - How well you design the new Vesta Online Community - Cleanliness of your graphics and design - User Experience Source Files - You are allowed to take art from the existing Vesta (client) site. (Site Link) - Professional (Site Link) - Homeowner (Site Link) Stock Photography Watermarked comp photography from istockphoto.com is allowed in this contest. You must follow these instructions or your submission will fail screening: 1) You must include a completed Third Party Content worksheet. It belongs in your Submission folder/zip file -- NOT your Source folder/zip file. 2) Only use photos, and only use them from iStockPhoto. Other iStockPhoto artwork is not allowed. 3) Be sure to keep the watermark intact. If the image is cropped in such a way that the watermark is not visible, please be sure to include the entire image in your source files so we can see that it is a comp image from iStockphoto.com. Contest Deliverables Round One Homeowner-LandingPage = Your submitted design solution for a review Homeowner-ProfilePage = Your submitted design solution for a review Homeowner-ProjectsPage = Your submitted design solution for a review Professional-LandingPage = Your submitted design solution for a review Professional-ProfilePage = Your submitted design solution for a review Professional-ProjectsPage= Your submitted design solution for a review Number your Submissions - it is easier for the Client to view them in the order you would like them presented. Please provide all screens/steps to show how your design would work - you can submit more then these 6 screens. Notes.jpg = A file that explains your design and solution Round Two All Homeowner Pages(s) = Final Design All Professional Pages(s) = Final Design - We will clarify these in Round 2 Notes.jpg = A file that explains your design and solution Submission & Source Files Preview Image Please create your preview image as one (1) 1024x1024 JPG or PNG file in RGB color mode at 72dpi and place a screenshot of your submission 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 All Requested Contest Submission Requirements stated above. Source Files All original source files of the submitted design. Files should be created in Adobe Photoshop, Gimp, Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape and saved as layered PSD files, AI or EPS files. . Final Fixes As part of the final fixes phase you may be asked to modify fonts (sizes or colors) or modify overall storyboard colors.
Round 1
At the end of Round 1, the Client will choose five (5) Round 1 winners, each will win $100 and a Design Review. These winners and any member who had a passing submission in Round 1 will be eligible to compete in Round 2 for the additional $1500 in prizes.Round 2
Round 2 will start with the announcement of the Five (5) $100 Round 1 winners and their design review from the Client.Contest Details Vesta is always looking to give their customers a better user experience by updating and enhancing the user experience (UX) of their existing websites and web applications. Vesta currently does not have a "Community" section on their website and are looking for design ideas and solutions from the Studio community. Design Scenario Vesta would like an area on their site where Users can: - Interact with each other (within Forums or Product Reviews) - Interact with the company (with Forums or Feedback Areas) - Search for products easily - Search for discussion topics - Interact with Vesta branded social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter - See Recent Member Projects - See Featured Product Reviews (by Community members) - See a listing of Community Members and their ranks within the Community - Community Members would have Online profiles with the ability to achieve rankings based on participation (product reviews, forum posts etc) Reference Links Reference 1 Reference 2 Reference 3 Reference 4 Professional side versus Homeowner side - We would like similar layouts, but the Professional side should be more technical looking, whereas the Homeowner should be "heavier" with graphics, animation and exciting interactions. - The user should be able to easily tell which side of the community they are on. - The Professional side would be more Product and Installation type discussions (forums, videos, new cutting edge techniques) - The Homeowner side would be more Project, Product Review and "How To" Videos - The Professional side would be private - The Homeowner side would not be private and can be seen by everyone Homeowner Content These are the areas we would like to see on the page All Pages Banner Navigation - Home - Site Map - Help - Log in - My Profile - Search (with options, products, discussions, locations) Top Navigation - Discussions - Projects - Reviews - Polls - Members - Join Homeowner Landing Page Left column Navigation Categories (grab categories from this page Link) Remodeling - Estimating & Appraising - Green Remodeling - Remodeler Solutions - Remodeling Trends - Technology Getting Started - Customer Service - Help Content Area - Banner Ad about joining the Vesta Community (Homeowner Driven) - Feeds areas from Facebook and Twitter - 1 Video feed from YouTube (a video that a member uploaded showing how to use a tool etc.) - Featured Reviews - Find a Professional in Your Local Area (search by ZIP and category) Homeowner Additional Pages Profile Page - Profile Photo - Username - Photo Gallery - Video Gallery - Friends - Member Search - My Reviews Discussions - Discussions banner graphic - Show how the discussion page would look - Ask a Pro (discussion board separate from the Pro's side) Projects - Projects banner graphic - Projects that Community members are working on - Watchlist (check out favorite contractors when they post new projects) 1. Ask questions about a project underway, 2. Comment 3. Rate projects - Project Toolbox (Cost estimator, Measurement converters, Color inspirations, Visualizer) Reviews - A Page listing out Categories of Topics Polls - Poll banner graphic - A Page of different type of polls and surveys Members - Member banner graphic - A Page where you can look up members - A feed of current Discussions - A Feed of latest Reviews - Help/FAQ - A Feed of latest Videos Professional Landing Page Left column Navigation Categories - Residential - HVAC - Industial - Commercial/Mechanical - Waterworks - Government - Integrated Exclusive Brands - PROFLO - Mirabelle - Raptor - FNW Valve Getting Started - Customer Service - Help Content Area - Banner Ad about joining the Vesta Community (Professional Driven) - Feeds areas from Discussions - 1 Video feed from YouTube (a video that a member uploaded showing a new building technique) - Featured Reviews - View the Vesta Product Catalog - Meet Potential Customers in Your Local Area (search by ZIP) - Online Applications/Phone applications for download. - Join the Preferred Contractor List Professional Additional Pages Profile Page - Profile Photo - Username - Photo Gallery - Video Gallery - Friends - Member Search - My Reviews - Sign up for Newsletter Discussions - Discussions banner graphic - Show how the discussion page would look - Pro-to-Pro / Ask a Pro (discussion board separate from the Homeowner's side) Projects - Projects banner graphic - Projects that Community members are working on - Watchlist (select posted projects to follow discussion board comments) 1. Ask questions about a project underway, 2. Comment 3. Rate projects - Project Toolbox (Vesta Credit Card, Preferred Contractor Card, Measurement Converter, Cost estimator) Reviews - A Page listing out Categories of Topics Polls - Poll banner graphic - A Page of different type of polls and surveys Members - Member banner graphic - A Page where you can look up members - A feed of current Discussions - A Feed of latest Reviews - Help/FAQ - A Feed of latest Videos Contest Details Think "Community Features" - Do your research and look at other online communities and websites. - We would like to bring these two users together and create a community - Research other online communities and best usability practices. Design! - Design the Community aspect of the Vesta website. Please refer to the current design of the web site for your new additions. - Keep this "general layout" - but you will need to modify it to meet the navigation and content requirements. - You design should look like it belongs as part of this brand. Target User - Homeowners - Professionals (HVAC, Waterworks, Commercial, Residential, Industry & Specialty) Judging Criteria - How well you design the new Vesta Online Community - Cleanliness of your graphics and design - User Experience Source Files - You are allowed to take art from the existing Vesta (client) site. (Site Link) - Professional (Site Link) - Homeowner (Site Link) Stock Photography Watermarked comp photography from istockphoto.com is allowed in this contest. You must follow these instructions or your submission will fail screening: 1) You must include a completed Third Party Content worksheet. It belongs in your Submission folder/zip file -- NOT your Source folder/zip file. 2) Only use photos, and only use them from iStockPhoto. Other iStockPhoto artwork is not allowed. 3) Be sure to keep the watermark intact. If the image is cropped in such a way that the watermark is not visible, please be sure to include the entire image in your source files so we can see that it is a comp image from iStockphoto.com. Contest Deliverables Round One Homeowner-LandingPage = Your submitted design solution for a review Homeowner-ProfilePage = Your submitted design solution for a review Homeowner-ProjectsPage = Your submitted design solution for a review Professional-LandingPage = Your submitted design solution for a review Professional-ProfilePage = Your submitted design solution for a review Professional-ProjectsPage= Your submitted design solution for a review Number your Submissions - it is easier for the Client to view them in the order you would like them presented. Please provide all screens/steps to show how your design would work - you can submit more then these 6 screens. Notes.jpg = A file that explains your design and solution Round Two All Homeowner Pages(s) = Final Design All Professional Pages(s) = Final Design - We will clarify these in Round 2 Notes.jpg = A file that explains your design and solution Submission & Source Files Preview Image Please create your preview image as one (1) 1024x1024 JPG or PNG file in RGB color mode at 72dpi and place a screenshot of your submission 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 All Requested Contest Submission Requirements stated above. Source Files All original source files of the submitted design. Files should be created in Adobe Photoshop, Gimp, Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape and saved as layered PSD files, AI or EPS files. . Final Fixes As part of the final fixes phase you may be asked to modify fonts (sizes or colors) or modify overall storyboard colors.
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.