The EU Cookie Law

On 26 May 2012, the EU cookie law becomes enforceable.

In essence, this law aims to protect the privacy of Internet users through regulating the use of browser cookies.   The law is not particularly clear, but whichever way you look at it, website owners will need to take some action.

This is our view on what website owners should be doing:

Step 1: Set up a plan

Having a plan demonstrates intent - which seems to count for a lot in this instance. This plan need not be overly detailed but should be practical and most importantly, documented.

Step 2: Audit cookies

Regardless of legislation, it is good practice to keep a log of the cookies used on your site.

For existing sites, list what cookies are being used, including their type, rules around their existence, how they are used and what their likely impact is on end users (if any).

For new sites, do the same for cookies that might be needed.

Step 3: Share this information with users

The cookie list generated in Step 2 should be made available in user-friendly language on your site (e.g. from a footer link to a Cookie Policy). By providing users with this transparent information they are empowered to act on it should they choose to.

Step 4: Implement changes

If some of the cookies identified in the audit are not essential for the basic performance of the site, it is understood that these non-essential cookies will require a user’s consent.  This will most likely require changes to your website, such as:

a)    Making users aware that such cookies are being used

b)    Allowing users to control their cookie settings for the site easily

Please bear in mind that this article does not constitute legal advice.  It is only our view on what would be the most sensible reaction to this law.  If you’d like to discuss this further or understand the implications for your website, please contact us.

The language used to describe digital can be difficult to understand.  Clicks, swipes, taps, holds, nudges, pinches, spreads, flicks, snaps, states, drags, drops, hovers, mouse overs, overlays and underlays – they can be hard to picture let alone approve as your agency talks you through their concept.

Instead of relying on words that may mean very little to you, we show you simple, interactive prototypes very early on.  This means we:

• Clarify the details
• Minimise risk
• Reduce waste

Most importantly, having a prototype of a website or app makes it easier for you to talk about your digital campaign with your stakeholders and users.  As a result, together we deliver something that works for both your business and your customers.

“Having a working prototype to experience and share very early on, brought our project to life.  It has generated enthusiasm and new ideas amongst the team and provided real clarity to the project.”

Bily Kuo, Mundipharma International.

If you’d like to find out more or experience the value of prototyping websites and applications for yourself, please contact us.

The use of tablets in pharmaceutical marketing is booming.  In the last 6 months we have rolled out iPads with bespoke content for 3 of our biggest clients.  In total:

• 185 iPads
• 16 countries
• 16 languages

We continue to support them - regularly providing content updates and maintenance for our clients.

So if you want to make the most of your iPad solutions, remember our 5 golden rules;

1.    Think how it will be used

Ideally, talk with some people who will be using the app – your sales staff and end customers alike – to see what works for them.  You may love animated graphs and pages that build slowly and beautifully, but many users will find such features distracting.  If you carry on regardless, your reps and customers may end up skipping over some of the most important content.

2.    Think exponentially

When rolling out iPad content across several brands, countries and languages planning is vital.  The smallest of changes late in the project becomes time-consuming and expensive to apply across all versions.  Careful planning means you spend less time on revisions and more time on making your app exceptional.

3.    Think about training

Although iPads are remarkably usable ‘out of the box’, it is essential that your sales force is trained to use them effectively.  A poorly executed iPad detail will leave a customer feeling confused and annoyed.

4.    Think about capturing data

The only way you’ll know your iPad project is a success, is by tracking it.  All interactions can be monitored so you can learn which of your messages carry most meaning and impact.  Link what you are measuring directly back to your project’s SMART objectives and you will clearly know just how effective your solution has been.

5.    Think beyond PowerPoint slides

It is easy to default to replicate PowerPoint slides in an iPad app.  It’s what you’re familiar with and such slides have often already been approved. But slides on an iPad are not much better than slides on a laptop.  Instead, use the tablet’s unique features to make a detail interactive, memorable and measurable.

If you’d like to find out more about implementing iPads in the field, please contact us.