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Company: Thap Ltd
Project: iwant2b
Dates: Apr 2007 to Dec 2007
How did the project start?
We applied for and won a tender to supply the North East Higher Skills Network (NEHSN) with an online career progression mapping tool in the second quarter of 2007 and started work immediately we were awarded the project.
What options did you consider?
The core of the system was the user interface and we evaluated numerous systems including underground tube maps, games design, and even naval shipping diagrams as part of a study to determine what would work seamlessly and effectively.
We also examined how best users might interact through systems such as ASP .net AJAX and browser animation plugins such as Adobe Flash and the new Microsoft product, Silverlight.
After much reflection we chose to run with Adobe Flash and 2D mapping diagrams with a 3D version under consideration for a later update.
What help and expertise did you receive?
To design brand look and “feel” we elected to work with FPP, a leading European brand communication agency.
To deliver the career path mapping interface we chose talented Flash developer Kevin Mann from TakeOne27.
Did you face any challenges or learn any lessons?
The interface design was the key to getting the project to function elegantly and effectively and proved to be extremely challenging. Many problems were encountered which were eventually overcome through persistence and determination.
It would have been a great experience developing the mapping interface in Silverlight but our decision was tempered by the fact that this product was in too early a stage of development. Additionally, we had to ensure that the final product was accessible to as many people as possible hence the decision to run with Adobe Flash.
What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?
The project has been successfully completed with iwant2b developed to a fully working beta stage accepting new users. Our system is now being assessed by various education bodies and authorities with a view to extending it nationally.
Our experiences with this initiative have paved the way for us to undertake more projects that incorporate complex database development with intuitive user interface design.
By satisfactorily completing this project on time and to budget, we have demonstrated our capability to handle and deliver projects in a manner that would normally be associated with companies enjoying far greater resources at their disposal.
What are your plans for the future?
To further develop the iwant2b project working with the support of NEHSN.
Introduce iwant2b nationally including within corporate environments providing career progression charting and tracking for large Blue Chip organisations.
To conceive, write, develop and successfully bring to market our own in house web projects.
To become integrally involved in the next generation of web enabled devices such as set top boxes, Internet enabled TVs, media extenders and mobile devices.
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