Writing reports for Technology Strategy Board
March 29, 2009
Posted by Clare in: Events | Add a commentAlex Stanhope of the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) came into the Pervasive Media Studio on Friday to talk through how to write up useful, usable reports on Creative Industries feasibility and fast track grants. So, what are the TSB looking for in a final report? There is no one standard, right answer, but the notes below give an idea:
First, start with the basic information: company name, project title and application number. Outline the original budget and include basic commentary on how and why the actual spend may differ from what was originally put in.
Think about information security. TSB are keen to case study and promote successful projects but this can only be done if you are clear which bits of your report can be circulated. If there are commercially sensitive parts, mark them up as such separately (with how long this information should remain restricted) and clearly state if you are happy for your report to be shared.
Start your report by going back to the competition call and looking at the scope. Root everything in the original criteria; this sets out what the TSB was looking for and will help you structure your response. What was the original aim of your project? What did you set out to do and did you get feedback in the process of applying which fed into how you took the project forward? Were the original goals realistic and how did the project actually progress?
Then include full documentation of the prototype/proof of concept that has been produced. If there were changes in the project it is important that these are explained within the document. Include screenshots, photos and again say whether you are happy for these to be used in TSB case studies, presentations or press campaigns. If the project is a fast track project, here is where you need to include tangible evidence of the deliverables. A feasibility report is more likely to be an outline of the product specification/business case.
Finally, include your product exploitation plan. What are the next steps and what is the current state of the market your product will compete in? If there are still challenges around exploitation then acknowledge this, as it may be the TSB will have partners and ideas to contribute.
There isn't a standard length or template but don’t go over 10 pages. Email the report and post a hard copy with high res media assets, press releases etc.
Writing the report should be 95% for you and 5% for the TSB: well documented project review meetings will go a long way to gather the evidence and explanations needed as you go along. If commercial sensitivity allows blogs, twitter etc can and should be used as ongoing documentation aids and will promote your company and the project within the marketplace.
SXSW delegation heads out to Texas
March 11, 2009
Posted by Clare in: Events | Add a commentTwo iShed-managed delegations of the country’s leading digital creatives are heading over to Austin, Texas this week to attend this year’s SXSW Interactive festival.
The Festival celebrates the creativity and passion behind the coolest new media technologies. In addition to panel sessions that cover everything from web design to bootstrapping to social networks, attendees can make new business connections at the three-day Trade Show & Exhibition.
Working with Arts Council England, The Umbrella Group features 12 of the UK’s most brilliant digital artists and producers. Whilst out at the Festival The Umbrella Group, who are easily spotted as they carry umbrellas, will be running The Hat Game designed by Simon Games. Featuring a gps tracked bowler hat, festival attendees will be able to make contact with The Umbrella Group, track the hat online and claim the hat, wearing it for as long as they can until it is claimed by someone else. Find out more at http://www.umbrellagroup.org.
The South West delegation, which includes HMC Interactive, Mobile Pie, Sift and Simon Games, is funded by South West Screen and South West Regional Development Agency, with additional support from UKTI. They will also be joined by Hazel Grian and representatives from Bristol Media, CX Partners, OmniTI, Team Rubber and Watershed.
Keep up to date with both groups at their blog: http://www.ished.net/projects/sxsw or by searching twitter for #uksxsw.
