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5 top finds #31

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:50:38 GMT

Apple attempt to reinvent textbooks (and learning), typographical tube maps, SOPA's good for EU technology businesses, an amusing idea to prevent embarrassing photos and becoming Spiderman. It's 5 top finds...

5 top finds - number 30!

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:56:51 GMT

It's the 30th 5 top finds in the series, and we're celebrating with the new EU directive on cookies, Google's descent in the popularity rankings, pure internet gold(fish), the save Herne Hill velodrome campaign and web addiction is bad for you shock.

Startups of the week #8.3

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:18:16 GMT

2009's South by Southwest festival brought geosocial networks like Foursquare to the mainstream's attention. In the three years since, many more have appeared â suggesting location-based networks are here to stay.

Search, plus Your World

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:32:06 GMT

Google's latest announcement about forcing Google+ into live search results poses some interesting questions; but is the initiative as bad as everyone's making it out to be?

Startups of the week #8.2

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:24:47 GMT

We've covered an audio-based startup before but given the rise in popularity of web platforms for sharing music (legally), we reckon we'll be covering a lot more of them!

Startups of the week #8.1

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:06:56 GMT

The Hoop blog has been a little quiet since we signed off in December, but now we're back, ready for the new year, with a new selection of startups for your perusal.

Happy Christmas from all at Hoop

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:23:27 GMT

We're shutting up shop from 1pm tomorrow (23rd December) and will be back, raring to go for the new year, at 9.30am on the 3rd January.

Startups of the week #7.3

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:12:35 GMT

The final Hoop startup for 2011 developed an application that's changed how we take and share photos on mobile.

5 top finds #29

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:31:42 GMT

Visiting Aston Martin's garage, interesting/ suicidal marketing techniques from a new tech startup, social gaming trends from 2011, a bad year for Research In Motion gets worse and a beautiful model village. It's (the final) 5 top finds (of 2011)...

Startups of the week #7.2

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:14:24 GMT

2011 has been a great year for the company and its users â but we think 2012 is going to bring change to the service we know as Twitter.

Startups of the week #7.1

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:09:45 GMT

As we wind down for the Christmas break, we take a look at a selection of startups that have made an impact on 2011.

Fish on Friday says ho ho ho dear.

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:00:34 GMT

Merry Christmas to all our Fish on Friday followers. The nets are being drawn in for 2011 but before we go for good, check out our call to action. The entire haul of fish funnies will be appearing on Hoop's tumblr in 2012!

Startups of the week #6

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:35:00 GMT

It's the penultimate roundup of our weekly list of interesting startups for 2011! If you missed the first three from this week you can find them here, here and here. As always, get in touch with your feedback on our selection!

Startups of the week #6.3

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:35:21 GMT

Our third startup of the week is one we think you'll be hearing a lot more of in 2012; an upcoming leader in the field of companies attempting to quantify social influence.

5 top finds #28

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:17:44 GMT

Social sharing trends from 2011, Google Street View tours Japan after the tsunami, Ice Cube discusses LA's architecture, a success story on Kickstarter and a delay to Google's Motorola Mobility takeover. It's 5 top finds...

Startups of the week #6.2

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:14:38 GMT

As we said yesterday, we're now posting about a startup every day of the week. We'll then post a roundup piece (like we have done for the past 5 weeks) on Friday!

Startups of the week #6.1

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:05:31 GMT

Instead of featuring the weekly selection of innovative startups in one go, we thought we'd try something a bit different and blog about a startup every day of the week. We'll then post a roundup piece (like we have done for the past 5 weeks) on Friday!

Fish on Friday revisits the top deck.

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 15:53:06 GMT

As London waves an extended goodbye to the bendy bus and says hello to more double-deckers, we couldn't resist replaying this and recoining an old phrase...

5 top finds #27

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 09:01:22 GMT

An intriguing marketing ploy involving cats (no, not the Ikea cat video), an impressive use of HTML5, 20 tips for mobile optimisation, Google's (ridiculous) spending habits and drawing some 3.2million dots (no, really). It's 5 top finds...

Startups of the week #5

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 09:36:45 GMT

It's been another great week for discovering new and innovative startups. This week we're recording phone conversations, avoiding information overload (funded by hip-hop), converting business cards to electronic contacts, marketing our content, selling things socially and telling stories with social media.

5 top finds #26

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:27:07 GMT

A new logo for London 2012, Facebook's mobile phone is apparently a failure (and it's not even finished yet), Google's take on iTunes, i(can't)Message, chasing deer and chasing investment. It's 5 top finds...

Startups of the week #4

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:36:38 GMT

It's been an good week for discovering new and innovative startups in a variety of areas. This week we're crowdsourcing data modelling solutions, taking the (right) pills, getting fit with your iPhone, ending event queues and recommending things to our friends.

5 top finds #25

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:02:53 GMT

Internet successes, some lovely WebGL, a discussion around human-machine-hum interaction, QR code cows and stop-motion animation. It's 5 top finds...

Startups of the week #3

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:40:22 GMT

We've collated another collection of interesting startups who've caught our eye over the past week. If you've seen any we've not yet featured get in touch!

5 top finds #24

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:55:24 GMT

Movember but in HTML5, WWII tweeted in real time, the infographic to end all infographics, Apple doing (not) NFC in their own way and stop motion at its finest. It's 5 top finds...

Startups of the week #2

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 09:59:31 GMT

We introduced the concept last week, but for any of you who missed out, we're running a weekly round up of 5 of the best startups we come across every week. If you agree (or not) with our choices let us know!

5 top finds #23

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 10:09:15 GMT

An eye-watering statistic, some interesting research involving a botnet, tweets that are longer than 140 characters, the future of Apple's personal assistant Siri and a call to action we thoroughly approve. It's 5 top finds...

Startups of the week #1

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 10:31:35 GMT

We come across a lot of interesting and innovative technology startups on our weekly travels across the web; so we thought we'd start a startup review and share 5 of the best with you.

It all adds up to mobile first

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:15:47 GMT

Here's some big numbers: Google estimate that mobile advertisers spent $1bn this year, a figure set to significantly increase to $4.4bn by 2015.

5 top finds #22

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:24:07 GMT

This week's 5 top finds sees Google update their mobile advertising, Steve Jobs narrating an Apple advert, a Dropbox profile in Forbes, farting fish and a nice animated video about bikes.

Fish on Friday with chips.

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:43:56 GMT

We enjoy fish n chips (Slaughtered Lamb today as it happens) like many in the UK. This week saw the announcement of the contenders for Fish n Chip shop of the year.

Fish on Friday applauds award.

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:21:55 GMT

Good news for fish this week, as The End of the Line won the Puma Creative Impact Award. The Oscar-nominated film invites the viewer to imagine the very real possibility of a world without fish.

Fish on Friday pays tribute to Jobs.

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 10:40:23 GMT

We were big fans of Steve Jobs, head honcho over at Apple, who sadly passed away this week.

5 top finds #21

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 09:29:01 GMT

It's been a while since our last 5 top finds, but we're back with a bang this week; remembering Steve Jobs, going mad for innovative stickmen, Paypal talking NFC, some truly astounding time lapse images and experiencing zero gravity (on Vimeo).

Search goes social

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 08:42:50 GMT

What is social search and why is it important?

Fish on Friday admits problem.

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:25:55 GMT

Fish stocks across the world are in a terribly unhealthy state. Campaigns we back include: Hugh's Fish Fight (anti-discards), Fish2Fork (sustainable fish restaurant guide) and End of the Line (marine conservation).

Fish on Friday steps out.

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:15:53 GMT

Fresh from winning a #FishyFilmNames competition on twitter care of the good people @HotTuna1969 (check out their new website) we tottered onto the red carpet in our new Almodovar-inspired shoes.

What's next for Twitter?

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:45:56 GMT

In the first post in a new series of blogposts (about the future of social media, its impact on business and the potential for innovation), we take a look at Twitter's revenue model.

5 top finds - number 20!

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:12:32 GMT

Today marks the 20th 5 top finds! We've gone all out for this week's, with the latest patent battle between Apple and Samsung, the famous Google doodle, a lovely animation from Chipotle, some daredevilry and an illuminating infographic.

Fish on Friday welcomes MCZ.

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 12:03:15 GMT

Marine conservation zones (MCZ) were proposed for the sea around England and Wales this week, find out where they are on the Guardian's interactive map.

Why you need to be thinking about NFC.

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 09:37:01 GMT

Is near field communication the missing link in the evolution of mobile connectivity?

Fish on Friday waves Jobs goodbye.

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:48:51 GMT

Farewell then Steve Jobs big cheese of Apple Mackerel.

5 top finds #19

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:06:55 GMT

We've curated another five of our favourite web finds this week; Bandit Copenhagen's Passion of the Craft, an exciting new Apple patent, Google casually going on a shopping spree, the changing landscape of the music industry and some rather amusing photos. Yes, it's 5 top finds...

Are group messaging applications a riot?

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:43:06 GMT

After riots blazed across England last week, we take a look at how group messengers and social platforms could have fueled the fire.

5 top finds #18

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:22:30 GMT

This week we've got a Sony Ericsson Xperia arc being blooming awesome, an interview with Mark Zuckerberg, lovely typography, webvolution and the #UKriots. Yes, it's time for 5 top finds again...

Fish on Friday says stop rioting, join the fight.

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:27:36 GMT

It's been a rough week on the streets of English cities. It's been pretty ropey out at sea too, as fleets continue to throw away a huge percentage of their catches as directed by EU law.

Net or native, you decide.

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 12:19:19 GMT

After our discussion around going mobile, we take a look at the positive and negative aspects of developing mobile and web apps.

Fish on Friday sells stocks.

Fri, 5 Aug 2011 16:30:06 GMT

The global economy may be in freefall but if you're already at the bottom nothing much changes.

5 top finds #17

Fri, 5 Aug 2011 14:38:57 GMT

We thought we'd make your Friday a bit more enjoyable, so here's this week's 5 top finds. A new animation from Wallace & Gromit's makers, a discussion on beautiful web design, being asked for money by the American Government, growing your own bike and an innovative marketing ploy to get a job at Google.

5 top finds #16

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 09:45:52 GMT

It's Monday so we've lined up another 5 top finds for your enjoyment. This week sees us exploring photographic innovation; Spotify under the spotlight; the next round of Google v Facebook; Square mobile payments and the Tweet Olympics.

Google+ or minus?

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:36:50 GMT

Does Google's latest social venture follow their past (failed) endeavours or is it 'the new Facebook'?

Fish on Friday takes the lift.

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:07:46 GMT

Tower blocks have been widely discredited but some still like a bit of elevation.

5 top finds #15

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:20:01 GMT

After a month's hiatus, 5 top finds is back to give you a heads up on what we've had our eyes on. This week we've got a bit of love for Google+, the amazing power of the hive mind, what London looks like from a social perspective, a wonderful photo of the Atlantis space shuttle and a rather amusing video of Rebekah Brooks and Rupert Murdoch.

Cracking the QR code

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:00:34 GMT

Are Quick Response codes the next big thing or are they a waste of time?

Fish on Friday takes the long view.

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:50:17 GMT

There was a time when legislators thought prohibition was a good idea.

Why you need to be thinking about mobile.

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:40:30 GMT

"The future of the web is digital... And the future of digital is mobile". So says the Business Development Manager for Mobile (EMEA) at Google â and we're inclined to agree with her.

Fish on Friday doesn't know much about art...

Fri, 8 Jul 2011 11:39:35 GMT

..but we know what we like.

Fish on Friday goes forth.

Fri, 1 Jul 2011 10:05:58 GMT

As we know fish are threatened on all fronts.

5 top finds #14

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:08:25 GMT

It's that time again, where we compile a selection of our favourite findings from the web. This week we've got social media networks, a flash mob gone wrong, a contemporary artist impersonating 100 other artists in an exhibition, a brand new trailer for Harry Potter and finally some mad balloon art. It's 5 top finds...

A very special Fish on Friday.

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:57:23 GMT

Russ, proud father of FoF, has become a daddy in real life and might just be singing James Brown.

5 top finds #13

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:27:37 GMT

This week sees us journey to Cupertino, CA for a short discussion about Apple, the new tech startup support venture from Mashable and PepsiCo, some pretty amazing paper sculptures, a look behind the doors of startup funding company Y Combinator and how to respond to getting a ticket from the NYPD. Yes, it's 5 top finds...

5 top finds #12

Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:44:26 GMT

This week sees another amazing bike (this time from Austria), a Facebook book, a free filesharing tool with up to 9GB per upload (yes, it's really free), the latest round of social integration buttons and a rather awesome infographic. Yes, it's 5 top finds...

5 top finds #11

Wed, 25 May 2011 08:16:20 GMT

It's that time of the week again. We've got little cement figures, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and the CIA, an amazing swimming pool in Dagenham, a rather awesome Lego model and Egypt as you've never seen it before.

Fish on Friday goes spiritual.

Fri, 20 May 2011 10:21:28 GMT

From the far Himalayas a haunting sound resonates.

5 top finds - number 10!

Thu, 19 May 2011 11:49:07 GMT

This week we have the world's first pop-up shopping mall, Bill Gates on why Microsoft bought Skype, an interesting marketing ploy from Vodafone NZ, Twitter & the PCC and the history of the Google doodle.

Hoop Associates' work with Bupa

Tue, 17 May 2011 13:45:55 GMT

We've recently completed part of our ongoing design and print work for the corporate communication team over at Bupa. We thought we'd show how we could do something similar for you.

The battle for Silicon Valley supremacy

Fri, 13 May 2011 14:37:56 GMT

Facebook have recently been outed after trying to plant negative stories about Google. Is this the start of the war for power between the two technological giants?

Fish on Friday the 13th.

Fri, 13 May 2011 10:19:36 GMT

If you go down through the woods today you're in for a big suprise.

5 top finds from the web.

Tue, 10 May 2011 14:46:17 GMT

Another compilation of some of the cool stuff we've found on the internet recently.

Fish on Friday goes semi-topical.

Fri, 6 May 2011 11:02:04 GMT

News reaches the depths of the ocean very slowly.

5 top finds from the web this week.

Tue, 3 May 2011 14:00:36 GMT

A compilation of some of the awesome stuff we've found on the internet over the past week.

5 top finds from the internet.

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:55:57 GMT

We've collated another 5 of our top finds from the web.

5 top finds from around the web.

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:54:31 GMT

After last week's 'A special 5 top finds', we compile another list of some of the cool things we've stumbled upon over the past week.

Is Facebook worth your attention?

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:20:22 GMT

The Mark Zuckerberg creation seems to be vying for a big space in the advertising and e-commerce markets. Is it something you should be looking into?

Fish on Friday salutes the flag.

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:09:30 GMT

One for our fish friends across the pond.

A special 5 top finds.

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:40:36 GMT

This week's 5 top finds is the fifth in the series, so we thought we'd do something a little bit different.

5 top finds from last week's web.

Mon, 4 Apr 2011 11:10:51 GMT

Another compilation of our favourite 5 finds from the interwebs.

Fish on Friday is dead!

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 10:17:57 GMT

Hang out your kippers, a legend is thrown overboard.

5 top finds on the interwebs this week.

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 09:21:14 GMT

We've compiled some of our favourite (video) finds from around the web over the past week.

5 finds from the interwebs this week.

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:49:03 GMT

We compile some of our favourite internet content from the past week.

Fish on Friday swims with the fishes.

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:18:00 GMT

Here's a terrible fish pun. Our twentieth!

5 top web finds this week.

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:32:34 GMT

We've compiled our 5 favourite things from around the web this week.

Smartwater try 'virus' marketing

Wed, 9 Mar 2011 08:50:56 GMT

Glaceau's Smartwater join forces with Jennifer Aniston for their latest advert but it leaves me reaching for the cold remedy.

5 finds from the web this week.

Mon, 7 Mar 2011 10:09:46 GMT

More interesting content that we've found around the interwebs.

5 top finds from around the web this week.

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:00:00 GMT

Interesting content that we've found around the interwebs this week.

Fish on Friday advises No.10.

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 10:31:00 GMT

A cat was introduced to 10 Downing Street this week to keep the rodent population down.

Fish on Friday plays mum.

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:32:46 GMT

Feeling thirsty? Why not share a nice cuppa and a slice, with a dog wearing a hanky and a fin-flapping fish.

Day of discussion, week of social media.

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:14:58 GMT

In the heart of social media week, we attended a debate on the UK's IT skills shortage, then joined a discussion on the power of social media.

Fish on Friday goes under the knife.

Fri, 4 Feb 2011 11:19:13 GMT

Lets face it we're not getting any younger and Doctor Beluga has the steadiest fin in the business.

Who reads sustainability reports?

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:30:14 GMT

Freeing content from CSR reports and making it social will not only actively engage stakeholders but also mark out the most innovative corporations.

Fish on Friday salutes Tarantino.

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:37:44 GMT

Who can forget those cheap suited smooth-hounds and their failed heist?

Are social networks isolating their users from real life?

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:08:13 GMT

A new book from a MIT professor challenges the very nature of social networking and raises some interesting questions.

Take social responsibility to heart.

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 15:07:49 GMT

Businesses need to put society at the heart of what they do to succeed.

Fish on Friday says stop shark finning.

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 10:10:51 GMT

Channel 4's big fish fight, is taking on shark finning, and we're backing their call for a ban.

Digital Journalist of the Year joins Hoop content team.

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 13:58:07 GMT

Wil Benton, winner of the 2010 Guardian Student Media Award, joins us to add fire power to the social media team.

Fish on Friday in a tricky spot.

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:28:32 GMT

This one's for Aron Ralston, the 127 Days guy.

Fish on Friday is feeling lucky.

Fri, 7 Jan 2011 10:36:00 GMT

2011 kicks off in fine style with the Ashes win, Hugh's Fish Fight next Tues, Weds, Thurs on C4 at 9pm and the promise of new fishing gear from Fish on Friday.

Fish on Friday wishes you a merry christmas.

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:01:53 GMT

We're signing off for 2010 with a classic from the Fish on Friday archive, not very festive but hopefully it will make you ho ho ho.

Fish on Friday flops aboard.

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 09:59:56 GMT

Rumours that Boris Johnson's new double-deckers will be accessible to all are confirmed.

Fish on Friday smells dodgy Blatter.

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 10:10:02 GMT

So England take another world cup duffing. We've been here before as footy and @fishonfridays fans will know.

Fish on Friday goes classical.

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 10:12:09 GMT

An early masterwork from the Fish on Friday canon.

Fish on Friday joins Hugh's #fishfight

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:13:47 GMT

Your weekly blast of fishfun is going on the offensive for Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's fishfight campaign.

Fish on Friday: in-flight entertainment

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:21:15 GMT

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

Fish on Friday says beware crustaceans

Fri, 5 Nov 2010 11:10:05 GMT

They're tough critters to crack and evade capture with clever sideways scuttles.

Fish on Friday & Fonz's fond farewell

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:24:59 GMT

Actor Tom Bosley (1927-2010), who played Mr. Cunningham, passed away this week.

Fish on Friday makes nifty manoeuvre

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:15:45 GMT

Pulling into a narrow bay is easy for some.

Fish on Fridays loves Kylie

Fri, 8 Oct 2010 10:35:56 GMT

Remember this one Kylie/Fish fans?

Fish on Fridays loves sharks.

Fri, 1 Oct 2010 11:29:32 GMT

Another pescy fish pun hooked out of the Fish on Friday archive.

Eddie Fish(er) on Friday

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:50:23 GMT

Gone but not forgotten, Fish on Friday pays tribute to Eddie Fisher (1928-2010).

His Holiness...

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 16:29:58 GMT

Seems appropriate, there's some talk of a big state visit and it's Friday.

Achievable innovation - a small steps approach to improving services.

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:55:55 GMT

The need for innovation is more urgent now than ever. Yet the appetite for change is at a very low ebb. Why is this?

5 top tips for getting value from your web strategy

Fri, 9 Jul 2010 16:03:38 GMT

Following on from the BBC story about the Â£105m website, we give some tips to make sure you're not getting ripped off by big technology.

How are things for you?

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:16:58 GMT

Most of the people we work with are facing big changes. Rather than batten down the hatches, this is the ideal opportunity to innovate.

Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, lays out his thoughts on Flash and why Apple won't allow it on the iPhone, iPad and iPod

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:46:03 GMT

Jobs talks up HTML5, CSS and Javascript, and weighs in for video encoding standard H.264.

The importance of saying thanks!

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:05:25 GMT

A new report from Snow Valley takes an in-depth look at this overlooked, but increasingly important, page on every internet retailers' website.

FTSE 100 companies ignore Twitter at your peril

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 13:40:30 GMT

Whatever you may understand, or care, about social media micro blogging service Twitter, some of your customers and your clients are undoubtedly tuned in.

Free seminar session for you and your team

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 12:27:47 GMT

Round up your colleagues for a one hour insight session on how digital is creating the new business paradigm.

Wordtracker article - The long tail of Keyword research...

Fri, 5 Mar 2010 13:22:05 GMT

Mark Nunney writes for Wordtracker on exploiting keyword groups to reach the long tail of search marketing.

New faces

Fri, 5 Mar 2010 11:49:03 GMT

Now that they've been here a short while, it's time for an introduction to the new faces at Hoop.

Unlearning - the only way to learn

Wed, 3 Mar 2010 10:37:05 GMT

What if most of what you know now is no longer appropriate for the future? Time to pick up some new skills for the digital workplace.

Recession proof

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:39:57 GMT

If anything is evidence that the jobs market is tough perhaps it's that many of the websites that we monitor through Google Analytics show careers or jobs, and any variation of, as the most searched keywords that bring people to a site.

Adapt or expire

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:25:36 GMT

Businesses of all sizes have to adapt to the changing media landscape or they'll struggle to survive and may even disappear.

Everyone should have better websites

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:46:35 GMT

Your customers and staff deserve better. Why wouldn't you give them a better user experience?

New website for tomorrow's leaders

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:37:00 GMT

We've branded and launched the website for PSL, a new organisation creating the public service leaders of tomorrow, from today.

Ex hoopster goes live with India Insights

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:41:00 GMT

India Insights, a service to increase trade between Indian and UK businesses, have launched their new website.

Our customer survey results are in

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:58:00 GMT

And they highlight some surprising market conditions.

New man Normann

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:04:00 GMT

Normann Fichtner joined Hoop this week to develop his career in the world of communications and support our service to clients this summer.

Crossrail website goes live

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:50:00 GMT

Crossrail's new website, designed by Hoop Associates, will communicate the next stages in the creation of a world-class railway for London and the South East.

Ease of use at the top of business CMS wish list

Sun, 7 Jun 2009 15:41:00 GMT

New research from Econsultancy reveals fascinating trends in business attitudes and investment priorities in Content Management.

Internships at Hoop

Wed, 20 May 2009 12:44:00 GMT

We're seeking some hot new entrepreneurial talent to join us for the summer and get a foot on the new media ladder.

Springside launch marks new growth

Fri, 1 May 2009 17:49:00 GMT

Sir Terry Farrell helped launch the first phase of residential development at Springside in central Edinburgh on the 30 April 2009.

Troika Editions open to view

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:54:00 GMT

Contemporary photography website, Troika Editions, designed by Hoop Associates, is launched in a Beta version.

Online survey gets 100% response

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:53:00 GMT

A recent online survey by Hoop got a 100% response, showing people’s readiness to volunteer information online.

Tehching Hsieh’s lifeworks published by LADA/MIT

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:30:00 GMT

“Out of Now: The Lifeworks of Tehching Hsieh”, a book published by the Live Arts Development Agency (LADA) with MIT and designed by Hoop Associates has been released.

Social networks and blogs overtake email

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:18:00 GMT

Data just released by Nielsen Online, shows that web users spend more time on social network and blogging sites than using email services.

Great news for Forest Gate

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:47:00 GMT

Swan Housing have been signed up by Newham Council to improve 1,300 homes in Forest Gate, east London.

Social media tips you can use now

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 12:49:16 GMT

Social media is not just the latest buzz. It’s what the web is for.

World Book Day is 11 years old

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 13:26:00 GMT

Created as a way of getting more kids into books, this reading initiative is almost an adolescent.

Digital Britain - 10 points to ponder

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:28:57 GMT

The digital economy is the most dynamic sector in the world and as the global recession bites, it is essential to nurture those parts of the economy that can generate growth potential and jobs.

Contemporary photography site opens sign up

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:14:00 GMT

Troika Editions has opened it’s sign up page to early birds. Register to get beta access and 10% off your first purchase.

Jakob Nielsen’s press office research

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:29:00 GMT

“The king of usability” writes about some interesting research he conducted into how journalists work and the effectiveness of website media sections .

Door opens at the Arts Council

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:00:00 GMT

When Hoop Associates first opened for business the Arts Council was one of the organisations we targeted on our hit list. It's taken persistence, imagination and an impressive portfolio of work in the arts to win them as a client.

UXB given the nod

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 10:18:00 GMT

The Trade Marks Registry have cleared the way for our User eXperience Branding service. Time to get yourself some UXB.

Top tips for 2009

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:46:24 GMT

Our take on the things you need to do to get through the downturn.

Follow Hoop on Twitter

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 12:19:18 GMT

It's the social media forum of the moment, why not join up and follow Hoop Associates on Twitter.

Hoop open for business

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 09:36:00 GMT

We’re back, back, back…

New man hits ground running

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:47:00 GMT

Senior designer, Cadu Gomes, gets stuck into his role at Hoop, working up a pitch on his first day and presenting it on his second.

Festive opening times

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:42:00 GMT

We’re open until 4pm on 23 December 2008. We reopen for business on 2 January 2009.

Multicoloured hello from Hoop

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:58:00 GMT

A brighter, warmer reception is guaranteed at Hoop as our new wall graphics go up in the studio.

Argent pops up at WorkTech

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:04:00 GMT

King’s Cross developer, Argent, worked with Hoop to make best use of space at WorkTech08, a conference at the British Library.

2nd juggler joins team

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:16:00 GMT

Mark Wadham, is the newest addition to the development team and joins Chris Raettig as a Hoop juggler.

Proof of the ROI of user centred thinking

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:48:00 GMT

Recent research is set to overturn preconceptions of what constitutes a successful approach to software development.

White Tiger wins Man Booker Prize 2008

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:01:00 GMT

Aravind Adiga’s debut novel, The White Tiger, was announced as the winner of the world’s leading literary prize at the Guildhall in London, 14 October 2008.

The game’s up

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:39:45 GMT

Traditional advertising is missing a trick - that more and more purchasing decisions are based on the customer’s online experience.

Harry Potter, The Complete Story

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:35:00 GMT

The complete audio CD collection - 7 stories, 103 CDs, 124 hours 56 minutes, 1 big box.

Last peek at The Sneaks

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:27:00 GMT

The Sneaks, fronted by Hoop chum James Dansey, take to the stage on Tuesday 14 October at the Hope and Anchor, London.

Thank Friday, its Fiji!

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 10:55:00 GMT

Hoop’s Fijian ambassador, Lynne Dyer, is leading the cry of freedom this Friday, for Fiji Day.

Help website users make contact

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 17:59:26 GMT

Frustration over hard to find contact information shows that business credibility is undermined by the simplest of omissions.

Make e-commerce easy

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 17:38:40 GMT

Where the online shopping experience lets your customers down, it will cost your business, as our user research illustrates.

Designing for user experience

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 14:05:29 GMT

Creating a successful website requires the integration of a variety of expertise and disciplines. Here we put the pieces together and show you the benefits of a user experience approach.

Website content

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 14:00:39 GMT

Your website is nothing without high quality content. Creating, optimising and distributing content is the best way to engage users in your brand.

Property sector moves online - at last

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 14:32:00 GMT

This week’s new look NMA reports that people marketing property are realising that moving budgets online offers the only chance of survival.

UXB over first hurdle

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 12:24:00 GMT

UXB trademark application passes first inspection.

We’re on Flickr

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Check us out!

BFI at 75

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

The BFI celebrates 75 years of film and TV culture.

Open up, opens

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:29:00 GMT

The weekend of 26/28 September offers open, behind the scenes access to cultural venues along London’s South Bank to mark the start of the Cultural Olympiad.

What the hell is UXB?

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:26:38 GMT

User eXperience Branding (UXB) combines the insights from branding and online behaviour to powerfully enhance what organisations can achieve.

Learning from experience

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:26:16 GMT

How do corporates influence what people think about them?

User experience and the future

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:25:57 GMT

No amount of branding, ad spend or price shifting can match the power of user experience.

Growing up big and strong

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:25:44 GMT

The money markets are in free fall, the property market is contracting and the world economy is stalling, but one area continues to buck the trends - online activity.

User research uncovers golden nuggets

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:53:50 GMT

One key question in our user surveys generates a more impassioned and insightful response than anything else.

Lawrence Arabia ride again

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:44:00 GMT

Hoop rock legend James Dansey is back on stage with Lawrence Arabia.

Man Booker revelations at V&A

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:01:00 GMT

As the Man Booker Prize 2008 shortlist is announced to the world an exhibition celebrating the Booker's 40th year opens.

PepsiCo website launch

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 17:05:00 GMT

Welcome news, a corporate website that embraces user centred design, web standards and strong navigational structure.

Hello and goodbye

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 13:08:00 GMT

It’s hello to new hoopster Matt Bailey and farewell to Hoop stalwart Joe Ortenzi.

Crossrail given Royal Assent

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:26:00 GMT

The official go-ahead for Crossrail marks a defining moment in transport history and a proud moment for Hoop, having worked to help Crossrail reach this goal over the last six years.

Loving the numbers

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:10:00 GMT

66% increase in applications to Notting Hill Housing since the launch of the Love Where You Work brand in May

We’re hiring - again!

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:48:00 GMT

If not you, someone you know would love to work here.

Midnight’s Children is best of Booker

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:19:00 GMT

Hoop play their small part in the selection of Salman Rushdie’s novel as part of Booker 40 celebrations.

User eXperience Branding

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:16:49 GMT

UxB is a common sense approach to brand strategy for the digital era. It's power is explosive if unleashed the right way, or can have a negative effect on your business if ignored.

Open standards 1, walled gardens 0.

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Europe’s decision to maintain the development of open standards has enraged the protectionist US software industry.

In challenging times don't stick to what you know

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:31:14 GMT

Hoop Associates Managing Director, Sean O'Halloran, writes for the Design Business Association magazine, DBA Insight, about changing times in the design industry.

Warning shot for UK design sector

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:30:00 GMT

Sean O’Halloran’s article for DBA Insight is sure to ruffle some feathers.

Hoop MD gets the conversation going at 2gether08

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 12:55:00 GMT

The digerati gathered together in Shoreditch to discuss how social media can tackle big world issues.

Wise words

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:48:00 GMT

A timely and poignant blog post from Seth Godin expands on the ideas expressed in our last email newsletter.

‘Love where you work’ scores a hole in one

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:33:00 GMT

The very first applicant to respond to the new employer brand for Notting Hill Housing has been offered a job and is already in post.

What’s next for text

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:10:03 GMT

Words. It’s difficult to express how important they are. In the age of the internet words are gaining in value, as new ways of using them emerge.

Man Booker and books

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:09:47 GMT

The new Man Booker website helps readers engage with authors and the prize in fresh and exciting ways.

What the hell is hypertext?

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:09:38 GMT

Find out from filmmaker Mike Wesch.

Why we need fiction to flourish

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:08:51 GMT

Novelist Belinda Seaward on the writer’s craft.

James Caan on the money

Mon, 9 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT

In the Sunday Times, Dragons Den Business man James Caan extols an integrated, online approach to sales and marketing.

Finally, the new chairs arrive

Fri, 23 May 2008 14:44:00 GMT

OK so it's not really BIG news...

Quaker signage installed

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Signage ready for BYM

Kogan Page website goes live

Tue, 20 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Leading publisher launches new website designed by Hoop

Hoop on show at the RA Summer Exhibition

Mon, 12 May 2008 16:03:00 GMT

Well, strictly speaking, it’s the design work that will be on show.

Changing the game for online print buying

Thu, 8 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Most online print buying systems are huge, monolithic software nightmares that favour the machines rather than users. Not any more.

Communication strategy

Tue, 6 May 2008 14:08:50 GMT

Are you tired of being told by consultants what you 'could' do and wish someone would stick their neck out and say what you 'should' do?

Creating an employer brand for Notting Hill

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:11:00 GMT

Notting Hill Housing has asked us to help them stand out in the battle for talented staff.

Sanoodi goes beta

Fri, 4 Apr 2008 11:06:00 GMT

Outdoor activity mapping and social networking mashup Sanoodi in early beta launch.

Springside launch shows strong demand in Edinburgh property market

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:43:00 GMT

Despite the terrible weather and gloomy economic news, a third of the first phase release were reserved on day one.

The porous business

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:02:43 GMT

Business used to be about command and control. Not any more. The businesses of tomorrow knows that a loosely coupled organisation that encourages open collaboration and networked intelligence is the business that creates real value.

Keep websites clear and simple

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:02:18 GMT

Feedback from user research that Hoop have conducted throughout a variety of website design projects highlights the importance of good navigation and design.

Create websites that users want

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:01:51 GMT

Comments from a recent user survey clearly show that people are fed up with badly thought out websites.

Ban lifted on Royal Academy Cranach poster

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:29:00 GMT

TfL change direction on poster thought potentially offensive

Cranach banned on Underground

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:12:00 GMT

Hoop’s poster for the Royal Academy banned from London Underground.

Oops!!

Tue, 1 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Something’s wrong. Probably our fault.

BFI What’s on website goes live

Tue, 4 Dec 2007 13:31:00 GMT

The British Film Institute’s What’s on website designed by Hoop, makes a world of film easier to access for UK audiences.

Look and book online for the London Film Festival

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:00:00 GMT

The London Film Festival website designed by Hoop Associates brings big stars to the smaller screen.

Man Booker Prize winner 2007

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 22:30:00 GMT

The Gathering by Anne Enright, was announced as the Man Booker Prize winner at the Guildhall and simultaneously online, 16 October 2007

If you’re not in, you’re out

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 16:54:18 GMT

For business, online presence is about being part of a conversation, not delivering a lecture. Better join in.

Usability is just good business

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 16:40:53 GMT

Every time you battle with a website just to find what you want, that’s bad usability, and bad business.

Government gives Crossrail green light

Fri, 5 Oct 2007 16:31:00 GMT

Prime Minister Gordon Brown signalled the go-ahead for Crossrail by announcing that the £16bn funding for the project has been agreed on 5 October 2007.

Baselitz inside The Independent

Fri, 5 Oct 2007 14:47:00 GMT

The poster designed by Hoop for the Georg Baselitz exhibition at the Royal Academy was given away with The Independent newspaper on 5 October 2007.

Online strategies for success

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 16:28:15 GMT

For UK companies, placing the internet at the heart of business planning has never been more urgent.

Baselitz at the RA

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 09:30:00 GMT

Hoop were commissioned to promote the first UK retrospective for Georg Baselitz, which opened at the Royal Academy on the 22 September 2007.

Southbank bag goes stella

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 16:05:00 GMT

The must-have bag this season, and for every season on London’s South Bank, has been designed by Hoop.

The Man Booker Prize shines online

Tue, 7 Aug 2007 18:06:00 GMT

The website for the Man Booker Prize, designed by Hoop Associates, has been revealed to the public with the longlist announcement on 7 August 2007.

Explore the core

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:40:00 GMT

Hoop recommend Journey to the Centre of the Earth, stardate 19.07.2007.

Shaping the police modernisation agenda

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:33:00 GMT

Hoop have developed a website for a police modernisation initiative, launched on Thursday 12th July at Wembley Stadium.

Bugs like it, not!

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 14:13:00 GMT

The Food Standards Agency’s (FSA), Bugs Like it Hot campaign, with visuals by Hoop, was launched at the House of Commons on the 12 June.

Salute the flag

Wed, 6 Jun 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Hoop brought 24 flag designs by schoolchildren to life as part of a Platform for Art exhibition launched at Kingsbury Underground station on 5 June 2007.

Vision for Springside unveiled

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:00:00 GMT

Edinburgh’s property fraternity gathered at the Castle for the launch of Springside, the city’s most exciting new neighbourhood.

The tour guide

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 20:21:23 GMT

If the media landscape you once knew so well is looking increasingly unfamiliar, take solace, you are not alone. Here’s where we think this bus is heading.

As rare as a bowler hat

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:45:05 GMT

Printed Annual Reports damage the environment and are out of date by the time they’re read. They will soon be as rare as a bowler hat in the city.

Joined up commmunication

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:44:24 GMT

Understanding where your networks are and how they like to operate can give you a huge advantage in creating engagement.

Teeing off

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 12:00:00 GMT

The Argent Property Cup got off with a swing on the 23/24 April with a new marque and promotional material designed by Hoop Associates.

Launching On the Green

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 17:20:00 GMT

Hoop created branding, a website and printed material for On the Green, a development of over one hundred apartments launched by Metropolitan Home Ownership and Tower Homes on 20 April.

Shooting JK

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 12:00:00 GMT

J.K. Rowling and Stephen Fry in the studio for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

It’s a wrap

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 11:30:00 GMT

Another first for London and Hoop, the first work of art to cover an entire tube train was unveiled at Northfields station station on 12 April 2007.

New online strategy for The Man Booker Prize

Wed, 4 Apr 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Hoop appointed by the Booker Foundation to create an online future for the world’s favourite literary award.

BFI Southbank opens with a classic campaign

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 09:00:00 GMT

A poster campaign by Hoop Associates is released this week to celebrate the launch of the UK’s home for film at BFI Southbank.

Hoop shine in Marbella

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 09:45:00 GMT

The undergraduate prospectus for Goldsmiths London designed by Hoop was highly commended at McNaughtons Marbella Review, 10-11 March 2007.

In the Monet

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Exhibition focuses on rarely seen graphic work from the founder of French Impressionism.

The home of film

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 12:00:00 GMT

BFI Southbank: a brand new cultural venue for London

Gayle Chong Kwan’s visual feast for PfA

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 11:02:00 GMT

Fantastic, mythic, beautiful landscapes of lard, chocolate, butter and dried meat. Gayle Chong Kwan has literally cooked up a feast for the eyes at Southwark Station.

Hoop to talk branding at National Housing Conference

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 10:05:00 GMT

Sean O’Halloran, Hoop MD, has been invited to speak at the National Housing Federation Communication & Marketing Conference in March.

Communicating culture

Thu, 9 Nov 2006 22:48:31 GMT

Working on communications for cultural organisations

Education — the next big thing

Thu, 9 Nov 2006 20:13:27 GMT

Participative culture is connecting people all over the world and creating unimaginable new realities. Welcome to the future of learning.

Man Booker award night

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 12:00:00 GMT

Literati big night out.

Active Kids gets a flying start!

Fri, 6 Oct 2006 12:00:00 GMT

The nation’s parents breath a sigh of relief as the first Active Kids multi sport activity centres open their doors for bookings this autumn half term.

Camera, lights, action!

Sat, 9 Sep 2006 12:00:00 GMT

We have been selected by the BFI to bring their new brand to life across a range of marketing and communications materials.

Publishing award winners

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 17:20:10 GMT

How brand identity elevates award status

Telling tales

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 17:00:53 GMT

Old fashioned story telling is at the heart of good internal communications.

NESTA & DBA invest in Hoop’s future

Wed, 7 Jun 2006 12:00:00 GMT

We have been chosen as one of only eight creative businesses in the UK awarded a place on the prestigious Small, Medium, Large programme.

New look prospectus for Goldsmiths

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 12:00:00 GMT

Goldsmiths recently cherry-picked a cluster of first class agencies to look at their specialist communications tasks. We were appointed to design the three main recruitment prospectuses.

Quakers brand in the news

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 17:34:00 GMT

Our identity and communications work with Quakers UK has received positive press coverage with a full page article in the New Statesman and a feature in Blueprint.

Rodin at the RA

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 12:00:00 GMT

We are delighted to be working with the Royal Academy on their latest block-buster exhibition.

Investing in creative businesses

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 21:48:14 GMT

You win some you lose some - investing in the great ideas that come through our door can be irresistible

Branding a major development in Edinburgh

Fri, 3 Feb 2006 12:00:00 GMT

Continuing our progress into the property sector, we have been working with international property company Grosvenor and premium house builder AMA to create a brand identity for a major mixed use development in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

Food hygiene literature for FSA

Fri, 3 Feb 2006 12:00:00 GMT

We have been working with the Food Standards Agency to connect with business and spread the word about safe food handling rather than spread bad practice.

Hoop charged with internal communications campaign for CPS

Fri, 3 Feb 2006 12:00:00 GMT

The CPS is aiming to be a world class prosecution service. They have called on us to develop a multi media internal communications campaign to help introduce brave and innovative changes to help reach this goal.

Quaker Identity revealed

Tue, 3 Jan 2006 12:00:00 GMT

After many months working closely with our friends, a new identity for Quakers in the UK has been revealed.

1930s gem to be restored

Fri, 14 Oct 2005 12:00:00 GMT

After languishing in neglect for many years the Reginald Uren designed Hornsey Town Hall is finally being restored. The regeneration will be rolled out with new identity from Hoop.