Although AI adoption in web development raised a lot of questions in terms of accuracy, security and dependency, our team was excited about its potential.

Since integrating AI tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT into our workflow, we have seen some improvements in coding efficiency and team collaboration. For example, a moderately complex custom block that previously took about five hours to complete can now be done in around three to four hours. This represents a 20% to 40% reduction in development time for these types of tasks.

Here is some direct feedback from the team on how AI has enhanced their work:

“Copilot is very helpful when converting traditional CSS or SASS code into Tailwind CSS classes, or transforming jQuery into vanilla JavaScript.”

“I used ChatGPT to help rewrite a complex algorithm for a navigation menu layout, specifically its element hierarchy. Without ChatGPT, it would have taken much longer, as I’d have to analyse each line, check with console logs, and open the browser to search for solutions when having syntax issues.”

“I use AI for debugging and code conversion. Recently, I used it to get an overview of plugins available for specific client requests on a WordPress site. I got a more concise, useful list which you don’t tend to get with google.”

Sometimes, using Copilot feels like having an extra developer on your side helping with repetitive tasks. We only need to review and sometimes modify the AI-generated code to suit our needs. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it requires to be on top of the solution to not end up with technical debt.

Just as we don’t expose environment secrets, when it comes to security we ensure sensitive data is not exposed when using these tools. We anonymise sensitive information and ensure AI is disabled in confidential projects.

Overall, our current approach is to use AI to increase productivity writing code and documentation, always ensuring there’s a developer in the loop checking if the output produced by the AI matches our standards.

The post The AI Tooling Driving Our Web Dev Workflow appeared first on Make Agency London.

This recognition highlights the hard work, creativity, and innovation that went into creating a standout digital experience for Boxpark, one of London’s most iconic event and leisure destinations.

Our goal for Boxpark’s website was to capture the vibrant energy of their locations while making it easy for users to explore upcoming events, book experiences, and immerse themselves in everything Boxpark has to offer. From intuitive navigation to dynamic design elements, we crafted a site that not only looks stunning but delivers seamless functionality across all devices.

Key Features of the Boxpark Website:

• Dynamic Event Listings: A fully integrated events calendar that updates in real-time, making it easier for visitors to stay in the loop with the latest happenings.
• Mobile-First Design: With so many users accessing the site on-the-go, we ensured a flawless experience on mobile devices, prioritizing fast loading times and easy navigation.
• Engaging Visuals: Bold imagery and interactive elements reflect Boxpark’s unique brand and energetic atmosphere, allowing users to dive into the Boxpark experience from the moment they land on the site

We couldn’t be prouder of the collaborative effort between our team and Boxpark, and we’re honoured to have our work recognised by the WebAwards.

A huge thank you to our talented team and partners at Boxpark for making this project such a success. Here’s to continuing to create award-winning work that drives digital innovation!

Check out the award-winning website here: Boxpark.co.uk

The post Make Agency Wins Best Events Website at 2024 WebAwards appeared first on Make Agency London.

What’s Remaining?

Headless CMS and Next.js

Back in 2019, we were exploring headless CMS options. Today, in 2024, we have fully integrated headless CMS solutions with Next.js in our range of solutions, and we maintain two key client’s websites under Microsoft Azure and AWS.

Gutenberg and Dynamic Blocks

For our WordPress websites, we continue to leverage Gutenberg for creating dynamic blocks. Since 2019, a year after the release of Gutenberg Blocks, we have developed dozens of websites creating custom blocks tailored to our designers’ creativity.

What’s New?

AI

We have recently enabled the development team to use tools like Copilot in Visual Studio. While not everyone is actively using it, those who do find that it speeds up the process of debugging and refining our code. We don’t take any suggestion for granted, but it’s true that Copilot occasionally suggests functions that are not part of our day-to-day routine, pushing us to investigate and learn more.

Tailwind CSS

Frontend-wise is probably the easiest transition we’ve made since adopting Bootstrap and SCSS. Tailwind CSS provides a better approach when styling our web components and it might not be perfect, but it simplifies our dependencies and makes our work easier to maintain and recycle.
The recent availability of CSS variables and CSS nesting across major browsers combines perfectly with Tailwind and our coding style.

WordPress Coding Standards and Git Conventions

Talking about code style, we have implemented a new Git convention to improve version control practices and collaboration. This allows us to create a more semantic meaning to our git history and, in the midterm, will enable us to generate automatic changelogs.

In WordPress projects we are running better scripts that allow us to make sure every team member is following the WordPress Coding Standards. We still maintain the freedom for any dev to develop solutions the best we do for our clients, but now we do with style

Conclusion

Thanks to these decisions, we are committed to improving our workflow by making our code more consistent and foolproof. This enables us to deliver better work in less time, providing our clients with technology that can easily scale over the years to come.

To talk to one of our tech experts, please get in touch! We’d love to chat.

The post Our Dev Workflow appeared first on Make Agency London.

We are incredibly excited to share the news that our agency has been shortlisted for Digital Agency of the Year at the prestigious Global Agency Awards 2024! This recognition is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our entire team.

Celebrating Our Achievement

Being named a finalist in this highly competitive category is an honour and a significant milestone for us. It highlights our commitment to delivering innovative digital solutions and exceptional service to our clients. We are proud of the impactful campaigns we’ve created and the results we’ve achieved together.

What’s Next?

The winners will be announced on Thursday, June 13th at 3 pm BST. We look forward to celebrating this exciting moment with our team and supporters. Stay tuned for updates and join us as we await the results.

The post Shortlisted for Digital Agency of the Year appeared first on Make Agency London.

Starting in Shoreditch in 2011, it expanded its unique footprint to Croydon in 2016 and Wembley in 2018, with plans to grow further both in the UK and internationally. This pioneering approach combines dynamic food and retail spaces to create vibrant, community-focused environments, setting the stage for BOXPARK’s digital transformation in partnership with our agency.

Redefining Digital Strategy Amidst a Shifting Landscape

The rapid evolution of retail necessitated a digital shift that mirrored BOXPARK’s physical innovation. As traditional retail experiences face new challenges, our collaboration aimed to transform BOXPARK’s digital landscape to enhance its consumer interactions across both physical and digital realms. We streamlined their digital presence to ensure it was as forward-thinking as their physical locations, focusing on a seamless, integrated customer experience that bridges the gap between online browsing and in-park engagement.

Creating a Cohesive Digital Experience

Our goal was to simplify BOXPARK’s expansive digital ecosystem, which was as eclectic and vibrant as its physical counterpart but suffered from outdated UX. By refining their website’s architecture, we reduced complexity and made it more intuitive for users to navigate. We aligned the digital experience closely with the physical experience, ensuring that each touchpoint was an extension of the other, offering a unified brand journey.

The Outcome: A Revitalised Online Presence

The new digital platform now effectively communicates BOXPARK’s unique brand ethos, emphasising their role as a community hub and a trendsetter in the retail and dining industry. It enhances user engagement by making information more accessible and interactions more fluid, thus supporting the hybrid nature of modern retail. This transformation not only elevates the user experience but also positions BOXPARK to thrive in a competitive digital landscape.

The post Elevating BOXPARK’s Online Experience appeared first on Make Agency London.

By embedding AI at the core of our UX strategy, we harness the power of data to create experiences that are not only intuitive and engaging but also deeply resonant with our users’ needs and aspirations. Here’s a glimpse into how we’re using AI to redefine the boundaries of UX design:

1. Unveiling User Insights Through Big Data

In a digital ecosystem brimming with user interactions, AI’s ability to analyse complex datasets becomes invaluable. Traditional analytics provide surface-level insights, but AI dives deeper, identifying nuanced behaviours and latent needs. This method transcends guesswork, enabling us to create experiences that truly resonate. According to industry experts, utilising big data through AI can enhance user engagement by up to 70%, as it allows for a more nuanced understanding of user habits and preferences.

2. Streamlining Design with AI-Enhanced Prototyping

AI significantly reduces the time and resources required for prototyping and testing. By employing machine learning algorithms, we can predict user responses to different designs, streamlining the development process. This not only expedites innovation but also ensures that our solutions are optimised for actual user needs. Research in AI-driven design suggests that this approach can cut development times by as much as 50%, proving its efficacy in enhancing productivity and design quality.

3. Crafting Compelling Copy with AI

Language is a powerful tool in UX, influencing how users perceive and interact with digital platforms. AI’s natural language processing capabilities allow us to tailor content dynamically, ensuring relevance and engagement. This goes beyond mere keyword optimisation, creating a narrative that adapts to the user’s context, needs, and emotions. Experts in NLP highlight its potential to increase conversion rates by personalising user interactions, making content not only more engaging but also more effective in driving action.

4. Making Accessibility a Priority with AI

AI’s role in promoting accessibility is transformative, offering automated solutions to identify and fix accessibility issues across digital properties. This proactive approach ensures that our designs are usable by people with a wide range of abilities, fostering inclusivity. According to accessibility advocates, leveraging AI in this way not only expands the reach of digital products but also enhances their usability, making them more intuitive and user-friendly for all.

5. Customising Experiences with Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics, powered by AI, enables a level of personalisation previously unattainable. By understanding individual user behaviours and preferences, we can craft personalised user journeys, significantly enhancing user engagement and satisfaction. Industry studies show that personalised experiences can increase user satisfaction by up to 80%, illustrating the impact of predictive analytics on creating compelling, customised user experiences.

6. Reducing Bias, Enhancing Diversity

AI provides an unprecedented opportunity to identify and mitigate unconscious biases in design, promoting diversity and inclusion. By analysing design decisions through a data-driven lens, AI helps ensure that our products are accessible and appealing to a diverse user base. This commitment to equity is not just a moral imperative but also a business one, as diverse design perspectives can lead to more innovative and universally appealing digital solutions.

Conclusion

At MAKE, leveraging AI in our UX design process is not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about fundamentally enhancing the way we connect with and serve our users.

Through a data-first approach, powered by AI, we’re not only anticipating the needs of today’s digital consumers but also shaping the future of user experience design. Join us on this transformative journey, where data meets design, and innovation meets intuition. Explore how our AI services can elevate your digital experience here.

The post Harnessing AI for Human-Centric UX appeared first on Make Agency London.

Since 2014, MAKE has been deeply embedded in strategic content and performance marketing for some of the world’s best-known bookmakers. We understand the legislation and leverage strategic, tactical campaigns for both customer acquisition and brand awareness. This expertise has earned us a stellar reputation in the industry.

This is why we launched MAKE Play, our specialist sports, betting, and casino team. Based in our Old Street office, MAKE Play offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of sports betting and casino brands.

At MAKE Play, we offer a wide array of services designed to help your brand excel:

• Strategy Development: Acting as a trusted advisor, we translate your objectives into actionable strategies, infusing creativity at every step.
  Paid Social: Leveraging data, insights, and trends, we execute high-performing campaigns that captivate both customers and stakeholders.
• Content Production: From filming and editing to collaborating with influencers, we create multi-channel content that commands attention on social platforms.
• Social Management: We help you engage your audience effectively, turning passive followers into active participants.
• SEO & Digital PR: We ensure your content is visible in the right places, guiding potential customers through their journey.
  Comprehensive Digital Design and Development Services

For more details about our services and to see how MAKE Play can help your brand thrive in the competitive sports betting and casino market, visit the MAKE Play website.

The post Introducing MAKE Play appeared first on Make Agency London.

A Year of Creative Breakthroughs

2023 was a canvas for our creativity. From launching groundbreaking digital campaigns to developing web experiences that set new standards in user engagement, our team pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital space. Each project in our showreel is a piece of a larger puzzle that represents our commitment to excellence and innovation.

The Power of Teamwork

None of this would have been possible without our incredible team. The synergy between our designers, developers, strategists, and clients turned challenging ideas into stunning realities. This showreel isn’t just a collection of projects; it’s a celebration of the people behind them – their hard work, their passion, and their endless drive to innovate.

Highlights from the Showreel

Our 2023 showreel features a variety of projects that showcase our versatility and expertise. A particular highlight is the interactive campaign we designed for Soli, which not only exceeded engagement expectations but also set a new benchmark in digital storytelling. Another proud moment was the design of Box Park, where we redefined user experience, blending aesthetics with functionality in a seamless digital environment.

Stepping into the Future

As we step into 2024, we’re not just carrying forward our legacy of innovation; we’re building on it. With several exciting projects in the pipeline and a relentless desire to explore uncharted territories in the digital world, we’re poised to make this year even more remarkable.

Join Us on Our Journey

We invite you to watch our 2023 showreel and join us on this exciting journey. Whether you’re a potential client, a budding designer, a digital enthusiast, or just curious about our work, there’s something in our showreel for you.

The post Celebrating Innovation: Our NEW Showreel appeared first on Make Agency London.

1. Crafting Tailored Interactions

AI’s ability to analyse and learn from customer behaviour is revolutionising the way we approach segmentation. By embracing AI, businesses can tailor their interactions to match the nuanced preferences of their customer base, delivering a CX that’s as individualised as it is impactful.

Actionable Insight: Explore AI-driven tools that offer deep learning capabilities for nuanced customer profiling and behavioural predictions.

2. Anticipating Needs with Predictive Analysis

Predictive analysis is not just about foreseeing the future; it’s about creating it. AI equips us with the foresight to craft strategies that align with emerging customer behaviours, ensuring that your brand is always a step ahead.

Actionable Insight: Integrate predictive modelling into your business intelligence tools to enhance your forecasting capabilities.

3. Adapting Prices Intelligently

The art of pricing in the digital economy is a dynamic dance of supply, demand, and customer expectation. AI enables an adaptive approach, ensuring that your pricing strategies are as agile as the market itself.

Actionable Insight: Look into AI solutions that can perform real-time market analysis for dynamic pricing adjustments.

4. Deciphering Sentiments in Feedback

AI-driven sentiment analysis provides a lens through which we can understand the emotional undercurrents of customer feedback. This understanding allows businesses to respond with empathy and precision.

Actionable Insight: Utilise advanced sentiment analysis software to gain a comprehensive view of customer emotions and opinions.

5. Content That Resonates on a Personal Level

AI doesn’t just personalise; it resonates. It allows us to craft content that speaks directly to the user, creating a connection that goes beyond the screen.

Actionable Insight: Implement content management systems with AI capabilities to deliver content that adapts in real-time to user engagement.

6. Visual Content with Deeper Insights

In an age where imagery speaks volumes, AI’s image recognition can parse visual data to uncover trends and preferences, enhancing user interactions with visual intelligence.

Actionable Insight: Employ visual recognition technology to fine-tune your visual content strategy and user experience.

7. Chatbots with a Human Touch

The evolution of chatbots into intelligent conversational agents represents a leap forward in customer service, providing instantaneous, context-aware support.

Actionable Insight: Adopt NLP-driven chatbot solutions that can provide a seamless conversational experience for your customers.

8. Embracing the Voice Search Revolution

As voice search becomes ubiquitous, optimising for it is not just about staying relevant—it’s about being heard. AI can ensure your brand’s voice resonates clearly in the new era of search.

Actionable Insight: Invest in AI-enhanced SEO strategies that are tailored for voice search optimisation.

Conclusion:

AI is the compass guiding us towards a more personalised, predictive, and perceptive digital future. At MAKE, we leverage AI to augment—not replace—the human connection, ensuring that our digital solutions are as intuitive as they are innovative. Let’s reframe the narrative of CX with AI as our ally, crafting experiences that are not just smart, but also inherently human.

Image credit: Photo by vackground.com on Unsplash

The post The AI Advantage: Elevating CX with Smart Technology appeared first on Make Agency London.

This award marks a significant milestone in our journey, reaffirming our commitment to excellence and innovation in the digital space.

Our award-winning entry is the result of our collaboration with Soldo, a venture where we married finesse with functionality to craft a project that stands out in the financial services sector. We invite you to delve deeper into the insights and strategies that shaped this project, setting a new benchmark in our industry.

In a significant nod to the evolving digital landscape, this award also brings a unique opportunity to commemorate our achievement through a limited edition NFT, set to be available on OpenSea.io around September 30th. This innovative digital asset not only marks our triumph but also symbolises our forward-thinking approach in the digital domain.

We couldn’t have reached this pinnacle without the dedication and expertise of our proficient team at MAKE. This award stands as a testimony to their hard work and innovation, setting a new standard in the industry. We are also immensely thankful to our clients who have entrusted us with their visions, allowing us to bring them to fruition with a touch of MAKE’s creativity.

As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we are also setting our gaze on the future, nurturing bigger dreams and aspirations. This accolade propels us further to continue our journey of crafting digital narratives that resonate and make a mark in the industry.

We extend our gratitude to the Web Marketing Association and the esteemed panel of judges for this recognition, fuelling our drive to aspire for even greater heights.

Thank you for being a vital part of our journey. Together, we look forward to forging ahead, creating milestones and making a substantial impact in the digital world.

The post MAKE Secures WebAward 2023 appeared first on Make Agency London.