Challenge Summary
As part of the TopCoder University project, TopCoder is putting together resources for their clients that explain the different types of contests the TopCoder platform supports (both Software and Studio). For this contest, we'll be polishing the existing infographic that includes basic information about each different TopCoder contest type. This infographic was created in a previous contest where the focus was on the layout. Now that we've captured the information, it's time to polish the visuals in the infographic. Your goal for this contest is to focus on polishing the visual elements in the existing infographic layout. We are looking for an infographic that is as appealing to the eye as it is informational, so please make that your first priority.
You are also encouraged to introduce new design elements to the infographic layout if you would like. Just to be clear, we are open to new design elements. Please feel free to show us your creativity and ideas! For example, if you want to replace the silhouettes, the client would like to see some other ideas there.
This contest offers an exciting opportunity to work on a high visibility project - the final product will be sent to all TopCoder clients! We look forward to seeing your creative infographic designs!
Round 1
There are only 2 major different screen versions (Studio and Software Development), and the difference between most contest types is only the text. Milestone design will include the completed infographic for 2 Studio and 2 Software contest types, with polished visuals, for the client to review. The 2 Studio and 2 Software contest types you should include for the milestone submissions are:
1) Conceptualization
2) Specification
3) Logo Design
4) Design Rush
Feel free to add some notes (jpg or text file) to comment your design features for the client
Round 2
Final design will include the completed infographic for ALL contest types (every row in the excel spreadsheet file is an individual contest type - there are a total of 36), with polished visuals and any updates from client milestone feedback. Please note, all these different screens are one of the 2 major screen versions (Studio and Software Development), and the difference between most contest types is only the text.
Feel free to add some notes (jpg or text file) to comment your design features for the client.
Primary Goals
As part of the TopCoder University project, TopCoder is putting together resources for their clients that explain the different types of contests the TopCoder platform supports (both Software and Studio). For this contest, we'll be creating an infographic that includes basic information about each different TopCoder contest type.
The data describing each contest type has been compiled into an attached excel file (TopCoder Contest Summaries - Updated_v2.xls). In a previous contest, the layout for the inforgraphic was designed to capture and condenss the information from this file. You may add additional details from this excel spreadsheet to your polished infographic if you feel it will be helpful (just make sure to consolidate content from this excel file and make it uniform for all contests). This is NOT required, the data in the excel file can be used optionally or simply used as a reference. However, please do NOT add any additional text that is not found in the Excel sheet
Now that we've captured the information and basic layout, it's time to polish the visuals in the infographic. You are also encouraged to introduce new design elements to the infographic layout if you'd like. To be clear, we are open to new design elements. Please feel free to show us your creativity and design ideas! For example, if you want to replace the silhouettes, the client would like to see some other ideas there.
Your goal is to focus on polishing the visual elements in the existing infographic layout. We are looking for an infographic that is as appealing to the eye as it is informational, so please make sure that is your first priority.
The key information captured in the infographic is:
1) The different TopCoder Contest Types
2) Client roles for each different contest – both business (BU) and technology (IT) roles
3) Estimated time for each contest type
Part 1 of this contest designed a layout that does these things, and now we need you to polish up and finalize the graphics used in the infographic. Some key areas to focus on include:
1) The infographic design needs to also include female sillouette – it's currently all men and we need to fix this.
2) Changes to the text to make it look better (changes to the font, placement, etc…). We need the text to look good for all contest types (some have a short description in certain areas, while others include a long description in the same area). Please come up with ideas to improve the visuals for the inforgraphic typography.
3) Some minor changes to the text in the infographic:
a) For the contests where the IT role is just “Assist BU” (like wireframes and storyboards), we want it to say something more specific and wordy. Instead of the term “BU” please change it to “Business Team”.
4) Your creativeity! We're looking for other changes / improvements you recommend. We want the Studio community to show us what we’re missing, or to suggest revisions and changes we can make to get the effect we’re looking for!
How the material is going to be printed is open to your creative design.
- Size: The decision on size is up to you. You may choose to use any standard print size, such as sizes found here: http://www.dpandi.com/paper/index.html
- Resolution and Color Mode: 200dpi and RGB color mode
Branding Guidelines
The design for this contest should follow TopCoder branding/colors. Please refer to the TopCoder website for color and the look-and-feel:
- Software Contests – http://www.topcoder.com (Red, Black, Grey)
- Studio Contest – http://studio.topcoder.com (Blue, White, Black)
Target Audience
The target audience is TopCoder clients. We want any type of client (both technical and non-technical) to understand the different types of contests, and their role in different types of contests.
Reference Designs
The completed infographic (with a focus on layout) from previous design contests have been attached for reference. We are looking for your creative solutions to polish the visuals in this existing inforgraphic design.
Judging Criteria
This contest will be judged on:
- How well your infographic captures and organizes information about all the different TopCoder contest types.
- There will be a focus on the layout of your design, and we will also be looking for creative ways to present this large amount of information in a way that is easily understandable.
- The quality of your design, as well as following the provided guidelines.
What to Submit
Preview JPG/PNG Image File
Please create your preview image as one (1) 1024x1024px JPG or PNG file in RGB color mode at 72dpi and place a screenshot of your submission within it.
Submission ZIP File
All requested contest requirements as JPG or PNG files at 72dpi.
Source ZIP File
All fully editable original source files of the submitted design as required by the contest under "Source Files" in the side bar. All fonts must be declared according to the font policies.
Final Fixes
As part of the final fixes phase you may be asked to complete one round of minor changes to ensure your submission meets the stated requirements of this contest. See more information about Final Fixes.
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.