Website for Academic Research Focus “Media Convergence”

Medienkonvergenz | Media Convergence

A convergence of the media with far-reaching consequences is currently taking place, caused primarily by technical developments (e.g. the WWW or the digitalization of traditional media). Media convergence has become a process with its own dynamics, influencing media economics, media management, media law and media professions. The consequences are of theoretical, practical, and methodological nature and they are radically changing not only our conception of the media, but also the characteristics of media types and media contents, and the recipients’ media use (Web 2.0). Therefore, the effects of mass communication are changing as well.

The interdisciplinary academic research focus “Medienkonvergenz” (media convergence) aims to pinpoint critically the legal and economic consequences of this rapid evolution, its cultural potentials and creative possibilities and to explore them systematically.

Key terms: media, convergence, academic research, science, internet, television, publishing, media law, media management, media art

There will be opportunities for future work for the winning designer and others, who we feel do exceptional work.

Coding could possibly be commissioned later with the winning designer. As far as it might effect your design, keep in mind that we plan to convert it to Wordpress and/or Joomla later (as yet undecided).

Look here for additional info: http://www.sfb295.uni-mainz.de/hieg…onvergenz/

Main target are academic professionals doing research in the seemingly diverging fields of digital media. Visitors (e.g. from the fields of economy or politics) interested in our research should also be addressed.

Tagline: “Collective Research Focus (Forschungsschwerpunkt)”

Final version should be submitted in fully layered Photoshop format easily convertible into a functioning HTML page.

Logo might be commissioned later via 99designs or with the winner. Feel free to incorporate your ideas!

We require a homepage design and one subpage. Submit your design for the homepage first, and we will let you know if we would like you to continue with the subpage.

We like clear and concise design with a fresh and modern look. No color theme decision yet (slight preference for green), while we prefer light over dark. We rely on your creativity! Whitespace is key (no heavy news site).
I will give some of our favourite example sites later here.
Nice icons and Web 2.0 features (e.g. RSS) could also be considered. We prefer sophisticated over bells and whistles.
Maybe a grid-based layout and an inspiring photo or image slider but nothing that needs heavy(!) JavaScript when coded.

Central blocks could be titled:
- Forschung/Projekte
- Veranstaltungen/Media Forum
- Mitglieder/Kooperationen

Main menu items could be:
Home, Structure, Aims, Members, Events, Cooperations, Publications

Wants:
- Membership option/area and login form
- Language changing option (German, English)

I will frequently comment your entries. The contest will be made “guaranteed” after receiving the first 10 designs.