Communicating complex matters
Creating inclusive and thoughtfully designed projects for our clients by using clear and engaging language.
For Meet in Ireland—a brand owned and managed by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority—we were commissioned to create user-friendly content that explains Ireland's Sectoral Strengths to buyers in the business tourism industry. The challenge was to take a complex mix of figures, statistics and facts and tell a clear story that would grab attention and linger in the memory.
Before we began work, we addressed user experience considerations like format, structure and context and thought carefully about how to align new aesthetics with existing brand guidelines. We created mock-ups for client review, implementing feedback on a rolling basis, then gathered assets and designed creative typography and bespoke infographics to complement accompanying copy pieces. The end result was brand-aligned copy and eye-catching visuals—an entirely new suite of content designed to showcase Ireland as a world-class business tourism destination.
For Meet in Ireland ALHAUS proposes ideas for features, news articles and editorial themes, carefully bringing the brand’s verbal and visual Tone of Voice to life. We have overseen the evolution of the brand over many years, demonstrating our in-depth understanding of this niche sector/brand in a low interest category.
As always, advocating for the user plays an essential role; because the audience is very specific, it comes with its own vocabulary and set of references. While much of the content is of a consumer nature—i.e. tourism products, hotels, authentic experiences—the end user is not consumer-focused but an international group of business tourism professionals who evaluate the Meet in Ireland products according to the needs of their own clients. Consistency across all areas—copywriting, web design and editing and the creation of visuals—is key here to provide the end user with a reliable, predictable structure and hierarchy for all website content.
Meet in Ireland has many partners and stakeholders—including Tourism Northern Ireland and a roll call of experienced Professional Conference Organisers and Destination Management Companies—and ALHAUS is adept at incorporating the needs of these partners in our content creation process (through dedicated articles and visuals) while at all times staying faithful to the House Style.
One Destination Management Company in particular—Odyssey International—asked us to help craft a compelling application to the SITE Crystal Awards, demonstrating the success of a large corporate incentive event they had organised. Our copy illustrated the depth of planning and expertise needed to pull off such a large-scale event and painted a vivid picture of Odyssey International’s creativity, professionalism and expert service for the award judges.
We researched the event thoroughly to gain an understanding of the immense effort that went into the organisation of the Circle of Champions incentive travel programme. By analysing the awards criteria carefully, we were able to craft compelling copy that described the unique characteristics of both the event and the destination, the efficient nature of the planning and the creativity that made this event an incredible achievement and a worthy winner of "Best Destination-based Experiential Incentive Travel Programme."
By taking on this ambitious project, Odyssey International committed to delivering the most amazing programme the guests had ever experienced by creating unique experiences and long-lasting memories. ALHAUS captured and distilled this achievement, contributing to the ultimate success of their application.
Technical writing
Breaking down complicated concepts, removing jargon and explaining technical matters effectively.
ALHAUS was tasked with creating a comprehensive UX report to identify user behaviours to support the restructuring of how content is presented on the COVID-19 Support Hub. The project had two main objectives, both informed by the key challenges presented on the current site: 1) Improve the user journey through the site; 2) Reduce the bounce rate and improve conversion rates.
ALHAUS produced a data report of COVID-19 Support Hub usability that collated information gathered from various sources in one ready reference; outlined all our findings and conclusions based on the data collected; and presented clear and specific recommendations to inform and guide the site’s restructuring process. We also compiled an actionable list of content changes and a restructure plan for the COVID-19 Support Hub, and drafted a content strategy for upcoming content in line with the improved structure.
This UX review considered the established audiences and personas when carrying out focus groups and moderated usability testing. The project evaluated user behaviours and pulled out insights; reviewed site structure; gathered and analysed usability data and site analytics; and identified areas for improvement. ALHAUS delivered the project report on time and with both content and development recommendations—all of which were accepted and implemented by the client.
Accessibility
Clearly defining requirements and ensuring National Disability Authority (NDA), National Adult Literary Agency (NALA) and international standards are met.
CEUD was established by the National Disability Authority in 2007. It is dedicated to the principle of universal access, enabling people in Ireland to participate in a society that takes account of human difference and empowering them to interact with their environment to the best of their ability.
ALHAUS provides a range of services to CEUD: content creation, copyediting, proofreading, indexing, design and print management. We apply our expertise to the creation of a variety of printed content including the internationally recognised ‘Building for Everyone: A Universal Design Approach’ series of publications and the Homes for Smart Ageing Universal Design Challenge (HSAUDC) 2017 legacy book, which chronicles a call for ideas to improve the quality of life of older people in Ireland.
In the HSAUDC book, ALHAUS collaborated with the client to employ a clean and focused design solution that would complement an accessible tone of voice—taking readability and the principles of universal design into account. Our multidisciplinary team of writers, editors and designers worked together on the brief to incorporate colour, typography and copy that would also translate to an online, downloadable format and fit with the branding and ultimate aims of the CEUD.
The design challenge in this project was to publish a legacy book that would be colourful and engaging to a large audience, and at the same time respond to the requirements of several stakeholders and government bodies. We responded by designing a publication based on a bespoke-designed grid and typography with format and finishing chosen specifically with accessibility in mind.
The HSAUDC legacy book is in a square, lay-flat spiral bound format that is easy to read and handle—even for people with sight or motor disabilities. It follows all up-to-date best practices in accessible design without compromising on the required colourful and engaging look.
We shepherded the project through all its phases—from the first stages of reviewing the entries; to copywriting and editing; to design, layout and print production. We were pleased to see the book being signed off by the National Disability Authority, The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, and the Department of Housing.
Our values
We are a 100% Irish company.
We are committed to environmental sustainability and reaching a net zero target.
We are modern and innovative with a team based both in Ireland and around the globe.
We have a keen ear for geopolitical issues.
We are sensitive to cultural differences.
We participate in activism for human rights and just causes.
We endorse these values internally and ensure we spread them through our print, digital and social media.
