typestorming
Gucci timepieces e-catalogue
2008September 25
The least glamorous exercise in web design is also the most difficult to complete successfully. We are talking, of course, about the arduous task of transposing a print brochure into an electronic format, keeping its fundamental structure, all the while making it interactive and functional.
Why would one want to do that? Why would one want to do that? For many reasons, including the removal of time and distance barriers as new products are launched, not to mention reducing a campaign’s carbon footprint — thousands of copies of a glossy catalogue add up quickly. Keeping the structure of both the print and web editions similar will, then, allow clients, manufacturers and resellers to use the same set of references and facilitate communication between all the parties involved down the line.
When Gucci contacted us to do just that with the latest version of their Timepieces Catalogue, we knew we had to live up to the challenge. Indeed, this catalogue was something of a landmark issue, introducing the recently launched Chiodo line to the world.
The result? A custom presentation built around a Flash object that allows us to faithfully reproduce the print layout. Motion and effects, overlaid on the existing design, keep the catalogue fresh, interactive and surprising, highlighting the best features of every piece. An index allows users to see the entire collection at a glance, flipping directly to one page or another, and an info link replaces the pricing and “tech specs” insert that traditionally ships with the paper version of the catalogue.
We encourage you to take it for a spin. As always, we will look forwards to hearing your thoughts and comments.
by ep on 04 Dec 14:12
What? You? Flash? gosh. Flash flipbooks are not new. Tell us you didn’t spend time building it from scratch.
by toms on 10 Dec 17:09
Peter, Enrique,
We have indeed advocated the use of JavaScript and semantic code for years — and still do!
However, and above all, we aim to always use the right technology for a job, meaning the one that best answers our client’s requirements in terms of speed, budget and fitness for its intended purpose.
In this particular instance, the goal was to remain as close to the physical object as possible, which only an interactive mini-movie could do.
Additionally, the pieces presented in the brochure are described in code and semantic mark-up on Gucci.com. Therefore, we feel the Flash brochure does not sacrifice semanticity on a global scale either.
This being said, we very much appreciate your taking the time to send us feedback!
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by Peter Duke on 27 Nov 21:12
Looks nice, but it’s Flash! Come on, you are the semantic aesthetic heart of the web!