As a relatively new member of the Landmark Web Team, I am proud to share our
latest effort, the website for Babyshop,
which specialises in fashion clothing, baby basics, toys and nursery furniture
for newborn babies, toddlers and children up to 16.
It was our aim to ensure the new site had user-friendly navigation, clean design and clear labelling to showcase the diverse range of products. We also had to make sure that certain elements - the store locator, information about brands, offers and more - were consistent with other Landmark sites so users understand they're within Landmark Group.
As is the case with revising all our sites, this journey started with an immersion
session in which our design partners were introduced to the brand. The
two-person team visited Dubai and spent time with Rahul Saxena (Head of
Marketing) and Sai Talwalkar (Marketing Coordinator), who told them all they
needed to know about Babyshop.
Following this session, we developed the site framework, also known as its
architecture, which involved organising and labelling product sections so we
could better understand and define the site's content. Once approved, the
structural elements were interpreted into a design; we based the colours, which
you will notice throughout the site, around the current logo - a subtle but
necessary requirement.
Our main challenge was making products look great within the layout. We had to consider horizontally and vertically oriented images so we needed another photo shoot and used all our photo-editing skills to make sure the images looked right. I can speak for us all when I say this was an invaluable learning experience for everyone involved.
I cannot express enough how important it is to create great assets. It's a critical part of the process because we're determined to make the concepts' sites as visually stimulating as possible. To do this, we require assets that translate well online; if necessary, we'll create assets that meet our requirements. Although this can be challenging, we're determined to make the user experience memorable.
Working on all websites is a challenge, but I can honestly say that everything we develop in the Web Team is evolving. There are lots of ground-breaking enhancements already in the pipeline so watch these spaces... www.babyshopstores.com, www.juniors-stores.com and www.mothercarestores.com.
Having fun is every child's right. At Fun City, we've teamed up with Volunteer in Dubai - along with the support of the Senses Centre - to launch an initiative that aspires to brighten the day of children with special needs.
The "Fun Day Sunday" initiative, held on the first Sunday of every month at Fun City in the Oasis Centre, the Arabian Centre and Lamcy Plaza in Dubai and Marina Mall and Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi, invites children with special needs to spend the whole day letting loose and enjoying themselves. Our hearts warm to see the kids having fun with a host of activities including soft play, a drop tower and interactive games, plus puppet shows, singing, dancing and art contests to make sure there's never a dull moment. Even our staff has a ball playing with the children and serving them refreshments and gifts.
Volunteer in Dubai was founded in 2008 with the purpose of bringing together any charity, organization or cause with residents that are eager to volunteer their time and give back to the community. Charities and non-profit organizations rely on volunteers to keep overheads at a minimum, thus ensuring that every penny possible goes to those who need it most.
As a business entity, the Landmark Group is firmly committed to the wellbeing of our community, society and environment, and we strive to play an active role in making positive changes around us. Through the Fun Day Sunday initiative, we've had the honour of doing our small bit in bringing about something money can't buy: the smile of a child.
May every day be a fun day!
Do you have ideas on how to brighten up a child's day? Share them with us here...
- 1st Grooming Kit. This all-in-one kit takes care of your child's grooming and wellness, and is ideal when you're travelling.
- Multi-purpose Latch. Here's a deterrent to keep inquisitive kids out of harm's way. The Multi-purpose Latch is perfect for fridges, microwaves and dishwashers.
- Knee Protector. Knee protectors help protect your toddler's knees while crawling.
- Corner Edge Cushions. These are ideal for sharp corners of table and shelves, which toddlers often bump into.
- Child Harness. These "baby reins" are a comfortable way to keep your child close to you when traveling in crowded areas or busy streets.
- Finger Pinch Guard. It prevents small fingers and hands from being pinched or crushed in doors and door hinges
- Expansion Swing Gate. This handy gate prevents toddlers from accessing stairs. The plastic safety rail eliminates openings on top, and a one-hand release latch makes it convenient for adults to operate.
- Secure Sleep Bed Rail. Kids are notorious for rolling off beds in their sleep. This safety rail makes sure they sleep peacefully without going 'bump' in the night
- Fridge Lock. This gadget helps prevent children from opening refrigerators, and has a unique childproof press-lock that's designed for repeated use.
- Push 'n Snap Cabinet Lock. Use this to prevent kids from accessing cabinets that are within their reach. A SecurTech locking system and push-button release ensures freedom from mishaps.
- Spring 'N Release Latches. These locks seal off cabinets and drawers from the prying hands of curious children. They come with a spring-loaded feature that makes them more durable and long-lasting.
- It is always safer to fit infant seats in the rear of the car
- A forward-facing child seat in the front of the car should be fitted as far back into the car seat and as far away from the dashboard as possible
- Don't place the child seat in the front if there is a passenger airbag
- Make sure the seatbelt passes through all the correct guides on the child seat
- If the child seat remains in the car permanently, make sure it is checked regularly and that it is securely held in place
- Push your weight into the child seat and pull the shoulder belt to make sure the seat is securely held. There should be no slack in the seat belt.
- Check for any forward or sideways sway once you've secured the child seat in the car
- Check that the seatbelt buckle is not resting on the child seat frame (this is known as 'buckle crunch')
- A child's body temperature increases much faster than an adult's. To reduce the risk of heat injury, don't leave your child alone in the car, not even for a short errand, and not even with the windows down.
- School-aged children shouldn't be allowed to play in or around a parked car
- To reduce the risk of a child becoming trapped inside the trunk of a car, always keep the trunk closed and the rear seats up
- Teach children how to use a trunk release mechanism if your car has this feature
•Always slow down in advance at a traffic signal•Check your speed regularly
•Always use a hands-free device if you must use a mobile phone while driving
•Use the child safety lock in cars when travelling with children
•Make sure that child seats are fitted correctly and used on every journey
•Children under the age of 11 shouldn't cycle in traffic
•Children should always wear helmets when riding bicycles
•Kids under 9 shouldn't cross roads on their own
- Hold your child's hand - don't let them run ahead
- Look out for and encourage your child to be aware of hidden entrances or driveways crossing the pavement. It can be hard for motorist to see small children especially when they are reversing, so take extra care.
- Put reins on a younger child if they're not strapped in a stroller
- Make sure your child walks on the side of the pavement away from traffic
- Always set a good example by choosing a safe place to cross and explaining what you're doing
- Let your child help you decide where and when it's safe to cross
- Tell your child that it's safest to cross at a pedestrian crossing or a crossing patrol
- Tell your child not to cross where they can't see far along the road
- Explain that they should not try to cross a road between parked cars; drivers won't be able to see them very well and the cars might start moving
- Use the Green Cross Code with your child: explain that you have to stop at the kerb, then look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing
- When it's safe to cross, walk straight across the road and keep looking and listening out for traffic
- Remind your child to concentrate - they may be easily distracted, forget what they've been taught and dash out into the road
- Make sure that anyone else looking after your child follows the same road safety rules that you do
- Throw away leftover chemicals, expired medications, etc. to reduce the possibility of an accident.
- Lots of children get hurt falling from bunk beds. Put the top-level bed down on the floor so you have two safe, low beds instead.
- Designate your child's play area a long way from the driveway or road.
- Keep medicines and cleaning chemicals out of reach of children.
- Always take the keys out of the car.
- Make sure your child wears a helmet when riding a bicycle, or wrist and knee protectors when skating.
- Have your child wear sun-protecting clothing and sunscreen when outdoors.
- Children learn from what you do. If you're careful at home, they will be, too.
- Pick the child up instantly
- If you're far away from them, should something simple, very loudly, like "STOP!" Don't use more words - that'll just confuse your child, and you need them to concentrate on stopping.
- Use safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers in kitchens and bathrooms to keep harmful materials at bay.
- Use safety gates to prevent falls down stairs.
- Use door knob covers and door locks to prevent children from entering rooms and other areas with possible dangers.
- Install smoke detectors in the house, especially near bedrooms.
- Use corner and edge bumpers to help prevent injuries from falls against sharp edges of furniture.
- Use outlet covers and outlet plates to avoid electrical shocks.
- Use door stops and door holders to prevent injuries to fingers and hands.
