H18 - Design and Branding for Print and Web

H18 is an innovative local design agency based in Newport specializing in design and branding for the internet and print. Established in 2008, they have worked with many clients on projects ranging from small ‘brochure’ websites for start-ups, the development of brands for e-commerce businesses to, most recently, the re-branding of Cambridge University’s Plant Science Department.

Directors Matt Cooper and Jim Rayfield left their full-time creative industry jobs to set up the agency when they realised they had a shared passion for innovation in design and technology with the potential to offer something unique in the local market place: a focus on contemporary design, high standards of personal service and very sound technical know-how. Jim heads up the creative side of things, while Matt takes care of the essential technical work that’s always in the background of web projects and future innovations.

In January this year, H18 approached us with a new idea for engaging the local community with Hub Magazine. By introducing their new sister agency, Z-Ah Communications, and using their interactive Z-Ah Codes, they showed that, amazingly, static printed editorial can connect with dynamic web content; there’s one in the advert on the right.

You can scan this with your smartphone after downloading a free 2D barcode reader application such as I-Nigma or Qrafter (you’ll be directed to H18’s smartphone-optimised website). It’s an innovative, fun and interactive way of linking print with the web from a very strong call to action that doesn’t rely on bombarding customers with unwelcome marketing patter, and you’ll be seeing it a lot in the coming months.

“Codes like these aren’t exactly new technology” says Matt, “but as usual there’s some creative H18 innovation happening behind the scenes when people scan Z-Ah Codes. Historically, these codes have been a static link to a single web page but with our technology we provide the opportunity to create multi-dimensional campaigns that provide content specific to location, time and user.

“This means that, rather than locking one plain 2D barcode to one web address, we can now schedule delivery of content from as many sources as required for any individual Z-Ah Code. For example, we’re currently producing a campaign for the local Waldstock Festival that takes place in July. For the first three months of their marketing, their Z-Ah Code will point to information about the festival and then during the festival an e-programme will be displayed when the Z-Ah Code is scanned. After the festival, video clips of the various bands will be shown and this is all managed in the background by the technology we have produced to make it possible.”

H18 and Z-Ah have big plans and you’ll be seeing Z-Ah Codes more and more as businesses start to recognise their potential as weapons of mass communication. The partnership between the two agencies ensures that their service will dovetail with any current marketing campaign and whatever content is delivered after scanning a Z-Ah Code is guaranteed to look amazing.

For a 10% discount on anything H18 and Z-Ah Communications can do for you, give them a call on 01799 542366 and mention Hub Magazine. You can see their website at www.h18.co.uk