Sleigh-Hem fever!

This year we decided to inject some shameless fun, and a little healthy competition, into the build-up to Christmas with a highly addictive seasonal game called Sleigh-Hem. The idea was that you had to aid Santa’s safe passage above the rooftops, avoiding the chimney pots and storm clouds while collecting as many Christmas puds as possible. The person with the highest score would win a bottle of champers. Sounds simple enough but it required masterful mouse control and a lot of practice!

After a slow start, the leader board soon became full as the competition to win a bottle of champagne hotted up. Despite one early high scorer being top for a week ('SW'), the eventual winner came out of nowhere with an unbeatable score in the dying minutes of the 24th. Congratulations to ‘KG’ who was our winner with a staggering score of 26,548.

We have already had requests from our clients for more seasonal games so watch this space…

Susie

A Thought on Modern Cancer Therapies

As a medical writer aiming to keep abreast of new developments, I recently read a report on the genetic analysis of lung tumours with interest, especially having worked in cancer genetics as a research scientist. In this Nature article, the authors analysed a sample of lung adenocarcinomas and identified 26 genes that were highly mutated, including some not previously associated with lung cancer and some known to be mutated in other cancers.¹ These genes will no doubt be the subject of further study, paving the way for possible new targets of therapy in the future.
This work is one example of an increasing view in the modern post-genomic era of cancer not simply as an anatomically-defined disease, but as a collection of diseases owing to particular dysfunctional genes. ^{2, 3} So to a clinician, a patient does not merely present with lung cancer or breast cancer, but a cancer of mutated genes x, y and z. Hand-in-hand with this view is the increasing trend for developing targeted therapies, where a drug no longer strikes tumours by virtue of their rapid growth, taking a host of other, healthy tissues with them, but hones in on the abnormality specifically expressed in the cancerous cells. Herceptin, which targets the HER2 receptor that is over-expressed in 20-30% of breast cancers,⁴ and Glivec, inhibitor of the aberrant kinase expressed by the BCR-ABL gene that causes chronic myeloid leukaemia,⁵ are only two examples that have made a great impact on our quest for effective therapies.

We know that some breast cancers show HER2 over-expression but others do not, and that genes can be mutated in some lung tumours but not in others, illustrating the fact that different faulty genes contribute to tumour development in different individuals. ¹ Furthermore, evidence suggests that the mutational status of certain genes can affect a tumour’s sensitivity to chemotherapy or radiotherapy.⁶ Our understanding of the roles played by different genes is ever-expanding thanks to basic bench research, be it with in vitro systems, in vivo models, using single-celled organisms or more evolved animals. Together with the rapidly developing technologies for genetic profiling, it may one day become possible to determine the genetic basis for every patient’s cancer and tailor a cocktail of therapies just for them.⁷ We may never find that elusive “cure” for cancer, but using our best efforts to understand its causes and progression, we may be able to tame it into something we can control and live with.⁸

References
1. Ding L et al. Somatic mutations affect key pathways in lung adenocarcinoma. Nature 2008; 455: 1069-1075.
2. Geddes L. Cancer special: living with the enemy. New Scientist; 22 October 2008. Available online at: www.newscientist.com [accessed January 2009].
3. Dong LM et al. Genetic susceptibility to cancer: the role of polymorphisms in candidate genes. JAMA 2008; 299: 2423-2436.
4. Roche Products Ltd. Herceptin Summary of Product Characteristics (Date of revision: September 2008). Available online at: www.emc.medicines.org.uk [accessed January 2009].
5. Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd. Glivec Summary of Product Characteristics (Date of revision: November 2007). Available online at: www.emc.medicines.org.uk [accessed January 2009].
6. Weichselbaum RR et al. An interferon-related gene signature for DNA damage resistance is a predictive marker for chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer. PNAS 2008; 105: 18490-18495.
7. Ley TJ et al. Molecular sequencing of cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukaemia genome. Nature 2008; 456: 66-72.
8. Aldhous P. Cancer special: old killer, new hope. New Scientist; 22 October 2008. Available online at: www.newscientist.com [accessed January 2009].

Ellen

Job Application Tips for Designers

Reviewing the CVs of people I'm looking to employ is a weekly task for me. It is especially important at the moment as I am trying to recruit a junior designer/interactive developer for TVF Group.

The thing that I regularly find is that designers might be good at putting together a portfolio to showcase their work, but are not as skilled when it comes to writing a CV.

I want to take this opportunity to share my experience of the way that companies look for new employees and give a few pointers on what I look for when I read through CVs and portfolios.

When you respond to an advert, there should be three things that you send in with your application: (1) a covering letter, (2) your CV and (3) your portfolio.

(1) Your covering letter is an opportunity to make your application relevant to the job in question. Your CV will probably be quite generic, but your covering letter can take the facts from your CV and show how these relate to the role you are applying for. This is one of the ways that you can differentiate yourself from everyone else applying for the role.

(2) Your CV tells the company about your experience, skills, education and interests. This is an important document - as much so as your portfolio - because it tells the company about how you work, what you've worked on, what you know, how you learn and what you want to be. Remember to include everything here. If your CV is too brief, it can appear as though you have nothing to put into it. Your CV demonstrates your commercial and academic performance. HR people will be looking at this to check that you have enough relevant experience, qualifications and skills to make you a viable candidate.

Your covering letter and CV together serve to show the person you are and your goals, drive, personality and approach to creativity.

(3) Your portfolio shows that you can actually do what your CV says you can do. But there is something significant that commonly gets missed: your portfolio needs to be relevant and needs to show some commercialy viable work. I regularly see people applying for a job as a designer by sending a portfolio that contains artwork. Whilst it's good to see that you are so creative (and on the strength of some of the work I've seen recently, take time to only pick your best work), I need to see that you can use your creativity to communicate information in a commercial context. Make sure you include at least a few examples of brochures /adverts / posters / branded items / stationary. This stuff is essential to show your ability to work within the constraints given by the requirements of the project, brand and format. It doesn't really matter how you send your portfolio - real print, PDF or website. As a personal preference, I like PDF because I can print it if I want to and I know that I'm seeing the work as intended, rather than how my web browser has chosen to implement it.

These three elements work together to show how you as an individual fit the role as a designer and how you fill the requirements of the advert, but there is one other thing that you can do: phone. Taking the time to make a call for feedback will always count in your favour and can help you fine-tune your CV and portfolio.

Good luck with your job hunting, and please do send me your CV - I keep them on file in case I need either permanent or freelance staff.


Alan

Movember

Day 0

A Mo named “Desire”

For those of you who don’t know who I am, I’m Bryan Field, leader of the Mo-Rons. This is my second year attempting to raise money for the noble cause of Movember - a time when real men from all walks of life band together under the common cause to grow and groom a Mo in order to raise money for research into prostate cancer.

Good causes aside, there are many motivations for growing a Mo but none as strong as my desire to have a Mo. A moustache screams “look at me” without actually screaming “look at me.”

What more manly statement is there than growing a Mo? It tells everyone that I hunt and gather my own food, eat with my bare hands and that the thick carpet of hair on my chest has begun to encroach upon the vast untapped plains of my back. All that remains on my journey to manliness is a top lip full of coarse Brillo pad-like golden bushels of hair.

Unfortunately we live in an age where such ambitions are frowned upon. Manscara, guy-liner, latest anti-wrinkle creams, skinny jeans; these are the topics of office banter. Movember changes that; ice hockey, Tom Selleck, cut-throat razors and wrestling grizzly bears are back in fashion.

This is my chance to shine. By bucking all social order, Movember places Mo’s and their wearers firmly back to the top of the alpha-male ranks.

So with such an overwhelming sense of place and destiny, I proudly begin my month-long journey through Movember. With my Mo leading the way I can hold my head high in the office, stand tall alongside clients and charm the girls with my real-man-not-metrosexual swagger. I am my Mo and all it stands for.

Day 1

The golden haze

It’s day 1 and my inbox is empty. Male colleagues avoid eye contact. I cannot believe that all my effort of recruiting and canvassing has come up empty handed. Not a single friend or colleague is going to join me on my crusade for men’s health and raising awareness of prostate cancer. Impotence on all of them. I will go it alone.

Day 2

Serendipity

Success!!! TVF has decided to use my Mo as a showpiece on their newly formed land in SecondLife. Today has been spent breathing life into my Mo. It is the mascot for a newly formed brand; it has its own strategy, grooming tactics, photo shoots to attend, press conferences to give, maybe even a jingle and a game! The possibilities are endless.

Day 3

Stolen glances

Unfortunately for me, my Mo is more of a Slow-Mo! Pale ginger with a reluctant bald spot right in the middle, my ambition of being considered a real man is going to take longer than I thought. I will have to endure days of “oh, you’re doing that Movember thing, when’s it starting?” “You haven’t got a Mo, I gave you sponsorship for nothing!” “Is that really 3 days growth?” “Why don’t you dye it?” The girls in the office being particularly mean.

My saving grace is the tube. Under the intense scrutiny of the fluorescent lights and chicken coop-like conditions I am bound to get noticed. It is here that my Mo steals the show, embracing fellow commuters who can do nothing but stand and stare in its golden glow. I see the glances starting already, stolen from behind up-turned coats, woolly scarves and newspapers. Soon I’ll spot a fellow Mo-Brother and we will share a Mo-ment. Nothing is more special during Movember than a Mo-ment; a knowing nod and a slight curling of the top lip is all it takes, but this secret line of communication is reserved only for the manliest of men. It’s what Movember is all about.

Day 4

Social standing

Given my follicularly challenged lip there are certain comments that indicate I am getting a return on investment, “German pervert” springs to mind! I still face a daily barrage of comments.

The plans for SecondLife are taking shape nicely. We have constructed a building and plan to house information regarding prostate cancer and my daily photo in there. Check it out!

---

Accessibility for People with Learning Disabilities

Accessibility is designing products and services so it can be used by people with disabilities.

"Accessibility makes user interfaces perceivable, operable, and understandable by people with a wide range of abilities, and people in a wide range of circumstances, environments, and conditions."
- Shawn Lawton Henry

The above statement by accessibility expert Shawn Lawton Henry indicates accessibility is an extensive area of study and work for web design and development.

In May 2008, I was invited to attend a 2 day web accessibility workshop organized by the Inclusive New Media Design team. The INMD is a research project that aims to investigate best practices of accessible web design methods for people with learning disabilities.

The workshop participants were first introduced to the different types of intellectual disabilities, after that we looked at assistive technologies followed by testing with a group of users with learning disabilities.

Here are some of my observations and thoughts at the end of day 2 as we sat down to discuss our experiences.

• Disabled people feel connected using the web & technology. They feel they can be independent to a certain degree.
  
• The web can be a useful alternative channel for users with learning disabilities to attain information/news, entertainment, learn, and socialize.
  
• Many disabled participants who were testers had mobile phones, digital cameras, and email accounts.
  
• We generally think that web users with learning disabilities might seem like a minority group – think again! There are nearly 30million (14%) of UK population with a registered disability.
  
• There are varied types of learning disabilities, and there are different degrees of disabilities.
  
• Users with learning disabilities use technology the same way all other users do – in individually adapted ways. Users with same disability might use different modes & methods of access.
  
• Carrying out user testing with the target audience reveals invaluable insight to their real needs!
  
• Users with no access to the technology you design for, think about what other methods or channels you can reach them with?
  
• Web accessibility knowledge should be much more widely shared & practiced, not only within the web design & development circle, also to a wider public.
  

The audiences INMD look at in their research are a rather specific user group (with varied levels of learning disability – mild, moderate, severe, profound). When designing with these users in mind, we have to consider the below:

• Assistive technologies that users would employ to browse
  
  • screen readers, screen magnifiers, switches, concept keyboards, specialised pointing devices
    
  
  
• Structure & Navigation
  
  • different navigational methods for varying levels of disability – e.g. simplified, reduced nesting structure; 2 item choice based structure; linear structure
    
  
  
• Content
  
  
  
  • use of clear, simple, concise language
    
  • use of visuals/symbols as alternative to text
    
  • use clear concise headings
    
  • group text into blocks under each heading
    
  • use lists where appropriate
    
  • use descriptive link text
    
  • front load content
    
  
  
• Images
  
  
  
  • only use image where it is adding value to the content
    
  • alternative attributes should succinctly describe content of the image
    
  • if images are for decorative purposes, they should be coded in the cascading style sheets
    
  
  
• User testing
  
  
  
  • it is crucial when developing a website, as it makes a better web product when you are testing with real audience
    
  
  

You might be thinking... "what if I’m not designing for people with intellectual disabilities alone?". When designing for a wider audience, the accessibility concerns will need to cover the above considerations and also general user needs. The BBC websites have accessibility as their core design principal. Perhaps we can take a closer look and discuss in another post.

It would be good practice to have accessibility in mind when setting out planning a web project. It will make project planning a much thorough exercise, maximizing the usability outcome, and minimizing the possibility of usability failures during launch, thus giving it a better ROI.

June

World in Motion

Welcome to World in Motion, the video segment of the TVF Communications blog. It is here that Nick and I will be discussing all things video: the latest technological innovations, filmmaking practices and terminology, and our experiences on the job.

Video makes up a large part of the work we do in the Studio – given its constant evolution, we make sure we keep on top (and ultimately take advantage) of any major developments. We’re interested in new and emerging technologies, such as Blu-ray and high-definition (HD) systems, as well as the changing ways in which we transmit and receive video. We’ll also be looking at how these advances have influenced the development of the industry and in particular medical communications, and their possible impact in the future.

Look out for our next update, which will kick off the World in Motion series. Before we sign off though, we’ll leave you with the first of many video ‘jargon busters’…

Crossing the line

During filming, a basic guideline states that two characters in a given scene should maintain a fixed left¬–right relationship with one another; the camera shouldn’t pass over the imaginary axis determining their relative positions on screen – i.e. cross the line. Crossing the line leads to a reverse angle, where the characters’ positions are inverted.

Crossing the line can create a number of problems, not least revealing filming equipment and crew that were previously off shot. It can also be very disorienting for the viewer due to the inevitable changes in lighting, backdrop and position.

As with any guideline, however, exceptions can be found. A director may deliberately cross the line to disorientate the audience, or rotate the camera around two characters, crossing the line multiple times, for dramatic effect.

Tom

All about learning...

As a first blog, I thought I would clear up some of the confusion surrounding different learning formats and strategies. So for now, here are some definitions of common terminology in the big wide world of learning.

Instructor-led learning

OK, self-explanatory, but I thought I’d start at the beginning…

This is the traditional, classroom-style learning where the student is taught face-to-face by the instructor. Although it can be effective, it is often seen as out of touch with our wired world.

E-learning

E-learning broadly refers to a form of learning in which the student is connected to learning content through the use of online technologies.

Traditionally, the development of e-learning involves using subject matter experts (SMEs) to pass on information to the instructional designer who, in turn, designs the solution. A developer then builds the interactive solution based on this design.

Rapid e-learning

Rapid e-learning is a form of e-learning that can be developed quickly (within days or weeks) and inexpensively. It is typically authored by SMEs and uses tools and processes that do not require any IT expertise. It is an increasingly popular and fast-growing type of online training.

M-learning

M-learning takes advantage of learning opportunities that can be delivered by wireless devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, iPODs, tablet PCs, personal audio players and hand-held games consoles.

Blended learning

Blended learning combines the strengths and benefits of technology-based learning, self-study and classic instructor-led learning. This approach blends multiple teaching models, learning styles and modes of delivery.

Just-in-case learning

With this type of learning, everything is taught ‘just in case’ it is needed in the future. However, this strategy rarely meets the demands of 21st century learners who are looking for the highest learning efficiency.

Just-in-time learning

The concept behind just-in-time learning is to enable the users to access a specific learning resource when and where they need it. Users can tap into web-based tutorials, interactive CD-ROMs and other tools to find the relevant piece of information required to solve problems, perform specific tasks or quickly update their skills.

The key aim of this approach is to make a specific learning resource available on the job while doing the job. With other learning strategies, certain activities may not be accessible when they are needed, leaving the user with the challenge of sifting through (or participating in) the entire content of the resource to locate the information they need.

Just-enough learning

‘Just enough’ means not more than is necessary for reaching the study objectives – the right amount of knowledge is received when needed. The aim of this strategy is to overcome the inefficiencies and frustrations of having to go through large volumes of content (e.g. from manuals, workshops, internet resources) when a particular piece of knowledge or information is needed.

Just-for-me learning

Training is often designed with a ‘one size fits all’ approach. It’s assumed that users will all learn in the same way and at the same pace. In reality, however, they will have different learning needs and varying gaps in their knowledge.

The just-for-me strategy aims to customise learning and knowledge to meet the unique needs of an individual user. By providing a dedicated and personalised study course, many learners with differences in their personal skills and knowledge are able to meet their study targets. An assessment process or ‘filter’ is used to assess learning experience prior to designing the learning package.

Sheetal

Guidelines for social computing in the workplace

Roo Reynolds from IBM/Eightbar recently posted one of the most useful documents I have seen in quite a while on his blog. The IBM Social Computing Guidelines are used by IBM to govern their use of social computing within the workplace and offer a good balance of insight and common sense. Essential reading.

Alan

Lauren : Medical and Editorial Director

Hi, I’m Lauren,

I’ve been with TVF Communications since 2005 and have 10 years’ experience in the industry. I manage our in-house team of medical writers across a wide range of medical education and training projects, and provide editorial and project management support. I also offer guidance and training on ABPI compliance.

Lauren

Sheetal : Medical Writer and Head of E-learning Content Development

Hi, I’m Sheetal,

My role involves researching and writing medical content for a range of materials, including e-learning programs, training manuals, slide kits and video scripts. As Head of E-learning Content Development, I am also responsible for the development of e-learning concepts and resources at TVF Communications, and work closely with account managers and the studio to develop innovative and creative materials.

Over the next few months I’ll keep you posted on learning concepts, formats and methodologies, and the approach we are taking to learning at TVF Communications.

Sheetal

Alaka : Account Executive

Hi, I’m Alaka

Since joining TVF Communications earlier in the year, I have been involved in a variety of different projects across a range of therapy areas, from websites and e-learning to DVD-ROMs and traditional print materials. I’m looking forward to contributing to our blog over the coming months.

Alaka

Chris : Senior Account Manager

Hi, I’m Chris

I manage several of our key accounts at TVF Communications and have particular experience in developing learning management systems and applications. As Head of the Internal Communications and Sales Force Excellence Team, I am also responsible for ensuring that we produce consistently high quality materials that exceed our clients' expectations.

Chris

June : Producer

Hi, I’m June

My job involves working closely with the designers and developers in the studio, where I manage the production and delivery of web and print projects.

On a typical day, you’ll find me writing web development scripts, monitoring project resourcing and planning, and coordinating application testing, as well as attending brainstorms and project meetings. I have a special interest in information architecture, usability and accessibility for the web, and enjoy investigating different ways to share knowledge.

I’m looking forward to communicating our ideas and thoughts on this blog.

June

Tom : Assistant Producer

Hi, I’m Tom

My role is to drive production of the media we work in – essentially, to organise and channel the resources available to create a great product on time and within budget. Production is a wonderfully varied field of work – I hop between five or six projects on any given day and use a range of tools to get things done, from specialist software such as InDesign and Adobe Premier Pro to good old-fashioned scissors and glue.

Specific examples of my work include liaising with graphic designers and developers regarding the design and/or functionality of a project, testing programs and organising the logistics of film shoots.

Keep your eyes open for my additions to this blog – thoughts and experiences of media production straight from the horse’s mouth.

Tom

Nick : Producer and Head of Video Services

Hi, I’m Nick

My key focus here at TVF Communications is the provision and development of our video offering, in both a creative and a technical capacity, although I work on the production of media in all its many forms and applications.

On any given day you could find me working on a range of tasks, from developing a filming budget or investigating the latest video technologies to leaping around the streets of London with a video camera. I also manage our team of producers.

I’m looking forward to sharing my enthusiasm for media production through our new blog and providing you with some interesting insights into the world of video.

Nick

Liz : Senior Interactive Developer

Hi, I’m Liz

I determine the design and technologies required to create a product for the end user and I’m involved right from the start of a project through to its completion. My time is largely split between designing interfaces and developing products and applications. I work with a range of multimedia packages and a typical day could include anything from developing a plan for a product, mocking up an interface in Photoshop and writing code to attending a creative brainstorm or developing a brand identity.

I hope this blog will be of interest to our clients, the industry as a whole and also to our internal team. It is a place where we can voice our thoughts and ideas about various aspects of our industry and the technology that surrounds it.

Watch this space…

Liz

Alan : Creative and Technical Director

Hi, I’m Alan

I've been with TVF Communications for 12 years now and working in the industry for 17. My role includes managing the studio and development teams and overseeing the technical and creative elements of our work, as well as hands-on involvement in our projects. I also lead TVF Communications’ marketing work and steer our interest and adoption of new technologies.

Our work for the pharmaceutical industry is very broad and covers everything from conferences, online and hybrid applications to print and strategic consultancy. One of my great interests is fitting new (and old) technologies and strategies to the changing needs of the industry. I’m particularly interested in and actively exploring the role of social computing within the pharmaceutical and broader healthcare contexts.

Our goal with this blog is to open up our interests, our experience and our views for the future of the industry to our clients and the healthcare community as a whole.

Alan