Last month, I was approached by SMSA Women, a subdomain of Sheffield Malaysian Student Organization (Sheffield University). I was asked if I’d like to design a logo for their organization as well as promote ISAC Studio. Since I knew quite number of friends in that organization, I accepted the offer quite easily.

Despite preparing myself for final exams, I could say that the design process was quite rapid. Research brief and data collection were done within a meeting due to time constrain from both parties. However, the aesthetic and client values should not be neglected as I promise to deliver the best possible solution for all my clients.

It took me few sketches to arrive at the final logo. First few were rejected due to informality. After some discussion and mutual agreement, both of us agreed to use the water lily plant as reference while the pink and purple colour is one the most favourite colours for girls.

Finally, I put up their organization tagline Bersatu Di Bawah Satu Simpulan Ukhwah (United under one ties) as well as the name of the organization just after the logo. For the exclusive personal touch, I added the dotted lines to stress the brand image which the organization would like to bring - togetherness.

What do you think of the logo? Comment »

Last month, I’ve produced Save The Earth and Color Or Colour poster design as experiment. This month, I will show the art of swirl lines. In order to see the art of this design is at night. Put it as you desktop wallpaper (with black background), center and not stretch. Then, turn of your room light. Enjoy!

Download (800 x 600 pixels)

M any of us may come across once in a while the term cache (pronounced as "cash "). To anyone that does not know what it is, cache is simply a temporary storage area where frequently accessed data can be stored for rapid access (Wikipedia). In terms of website, it enable you to load a particular website faster compared to the first time of your visit. Since then, some of us might say, “why should I bother about it when it helps me a lot?” In this article, I will show you the downside of it which can be quite important to a web designer/developer and client.

» Web designer/developer

A job of a designer of a website it totally different, I agree. However, they are working on the same thing - the website. Let’s focus on the coding of the website for the sake of explanation. A web designer will code the Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) while a web developer will work on the databases such as (PHP, XHTML, or etc). During these process, each of them will try to run and make sure the codes that they have written appeared as desired and also working at the same time. If there is a slight error, amendment is needed. Next step is to hit the F5 button for Refresh.

In most cases, it will work if you have a dummy server in your machine (Pc or Mac). There is no problem with that but if it is on the web, if you can’t see any changes. It is either the code is still wrong or the cache itself has blindfolded your eyes to see the actual results. Most designers and developers tend to forget that the internet browser is capable of storing the website for a moment - usually known as web cache. Thus, any adjustments might not be visible at that particular moment. A wise designer/developer will clear his browser cache before viewing the result. Else, you might want to try with different browser to see if the changes made is as desired.

» Client

In terms of client, it is the designer/developer’s responsibility to educate them. Once, my told me, “I couldn’t see any changes that you’ve made to the website. Please make a necessary changes.” Lucky me I was there at that moment, I then politely asked his permission to use the computer as I believe that I’ve made those changes a day before the meeting. With few simple steps, I clear the web cache in his computer and the web is working well as expected. The same case happened to me yesterday when I was helping out the iLuvIslam.com team to setup their miniblog. I’ve made necessary changes to the codes and nothing seems to work out. Suddenly I remembered what had happened to me. Next, I viewed the website with Safari and it is working as aspected.

In conclusion, think twice before you do something. Be wise and clean your cache when necessary. Cache can cause frustration but this can be overcome by taking precaution (clearing your cache) because even gamers need to clear their cache. Thank you for reading. Leave your comments or share your personal experience.

» References

1. Xbox 360: Remember To Clear Your Cache - January 5th, 2008

2. Study: Consumer Delete Cookies at Suprising Rate - March 14th, 2005

3. Deleting web browser cookies & cache - August 31, 2006

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Back in 2005 » After my SPM (Malaysian Education Certificate - O Level equivalent), I went for a PETRONAS interview and accepted to enter the PETRONAS University of Technology (UTP) few months before the final results was announced. After awhile, there was an interview made by the student representative council (MPPUTP) for a position in Publication and Printing Exco. So, believing that I got the talent to be one of them, thus I went for the interview and got the job as their webmaster. In 2003/04, I still remember Yahoo! still using table-based layout for their website and I guess I’m not too late too use it for the council website and it is my first pro-bono work. Soon after I finish my job, I was called by PETRONAS to pursue my studies overseas. In Jun 2005, I accepted the offer.

Few months back, I still see that they are still using the website. Thus, I sent an email regarding the website because of few misconducts that they have made. Their ‘new’ webmaster even claimed that they have design the website. I know that it isn’t as pretty and developed as nowadays website, but at least give me a credit.

Today, the website has been updated. Maybe due to my email, but I can see that I leave quite a good trace where their welcome image is originally derived from mine. I’ve even offer them to redesign their website in my previous email but either it is their ego not to hire me or ignorance of such misconduct. Overall, I believe they react unprofessionally with this issue. Till today, I still have not received any replies regarding the website or at least an apology. Finally, images below were some of my previous work (2005) with them. Perhaps you can evaluate them with their current website.