Wellington Design Companys Work Wins Internet Oscar

The work of a Wellington design agency for Tourism Australia has been recognised with a prestigious international award.

Locales was part of the team that created australia.com, which scooped a People’s Voice Webby award, the “Oscars” of the internet world.

Locales developed the information architecture and content plan for australia.com and spent a year leading and directing Tourism Australia’s internal digital team.

The Walkabout Planner, a simple itinerary planning application, and the Tourism Australia media site were also created during the project.

As part of the contract, Locales carried out low-fidelity prototyping exercise with visitors, resulting in unique insights and the big picture strategy for Tourism Australia’s digital team.

Chris Hay, Creative Director of Locales, said: “This award reflects Locale’s expertise in web-based experiences for the tourism sector. It also demonstrates how creative and innovative New Zealand companies like ours can export skills and expertise to other countries.

“Locale’s primary objective was to ensure that a user-centric approach was employed throughout the design and build process and the Webby is testament to this achievement.”

Established in 1996, the Webbys are presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a 550-member body of leading web experts, business figures, luminaries, visionaries and creative celebrities.

The academy includes musicians such as Beck and David Bowie, “The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening and Virgin Atlantic chairman and founder Richard Branson.