Client Focus: Pro-Opt - Unique Content For A Unique Client

When Hydra Media CC was approached to develop all of the branding for a new computer optimisation company we had lots of ideas for an exciting website. Translating these ideas into a functional, attractive site turned out to be a challenging task. We have a strict policy regarding all the work we create and insist that all elements be made from scratch to exacting specifications.

Hydra Media CC does not employ the use of templates, like most designers, opting to create a concept from scratch and then build it the same way.

About Pro-Opt

Pro-Opt is a young computer optimisation company based in Johannesburg. Their company is based around salvaging computer hardware by running specialised processes that extend the life of their clients computers, saving them both time and money.

Hydra Media CC was tasked with creating a unique identity for Pro-Opt. The underlying theme to all branding for Pro-Opt is the application of a layer of order and efficiency on top of something that may be old and appear chaotic. An urban grunge theme is used for the underlying elements while the Pro-Opt logo sits atop that, clear and clean.

The extended Pro-Opt logo appears on most of their promotional material.

The Packages Page

For their Packages page Pro-Opt wanted something special and unusual. Initial ideas included the use of heavy Flash to create an interactive guide to each package. Eventually we opted for a lightweight Javascript solution that uses a basic script and some clever imagery. The concept of urban decay was applied to a common object that is meant to provide order – a traffic light.

A lot of time was spent trying to determine what the best method of creating the desired effect would be until it became clear that there was no way to produce this effect using stock images or regular photography due to a variety of concerns.

Subsequently it was decided that the traffic light would have to be built from scratch in our favourite, open source, 3D application – Blender.

Making A Traffic Light

Within a few hours an accurate model was created that is based on the Japanese standard. These traffic lights feature special, modular compartments that allow lights to be replaced very quickly.

The completed model is very clean and shown here as a 'clay render' (left) as well as with basic materials (right).

Using The Gimp a very richly detailed texture was painted, in several layers, that created a worn, decayed feel. The lights themselves are 3D objects set into each lamp and the materials created in Blender mimic their real-life counterparts.

Once the model was set up we tested to make sure that the effect was exactly what we wanted and then rendered 4 images. The first is of the traffic light without any lights active and the remaining three were of each light individually activated.

Some quick image slicing produced a large background image upon which the activated lights could be overlaid. A script controlling the visibility of the activated lights was merged with another that controls the rollouts to the right and both Pro-Opt and us were delighted with the end result.

While it may seem like overkill we are dedicated to following through on our philosophy, giving attention to every detail and creating content from scratch to fulfil the needs of clients. To view the traffic light in action click here.