Novita Research Report January 1999 - Novita Children's Services

30
Melissa Bradley
Marketing Specialist
Rob Garrett
Group Leader, R&D,
Engineering & Support
Greg Mathews 1
Mark English 1
1
Vanilla Interactive
Objective
Vocabulary Organiser – marketing
In 1999, the Research and Development Department were commended on the Vocabulary Organiser (VO)
program by its Annual Review panel, and asked to investigate the possibility of selling the software in order to
recoup some of the money spent on its development.
Method
In 2000, the VO program was externally reviewed with a view to fixing known bugs and increasing the reliability of
the software. Activities included:
• Design of CD cover, CD label and User Manual Cover;
• Development of first promotional flyer;
• Establishment of copyright requirements; and
• Generation of mail out database.
During 2001, VO progressed from a resource tool within Novita Children’s Services to a viable, packaged product
to be sold around Australia. Activities included:
• Updating of User Manual, CD cover and brochure;
• Pricing strategy and Kit Lists for VO packages created;
• Development of posters for promotion at conferences;
• A VO brochure was sent to those who had registered an interest in VO and other identified potential customers;
• Creation of a ‘Unity’ vocabulary file;
• Creation of resource/example folders for use at workshops;
• 1 hour Workshop at AGOSCI 1 Conference in Adelaide; and
• 2 hour Workshop at ARATA 2 Conference in Brisbane.
2002 saw changes to the marketing approach for VO. These changes were driven by the completion of the Key
Word Signing vocabulary file, which opened possibilities to target a broader audience. Activities included:
• Development of Demonstration CD in conjunction with Vanilla Interactive;
• Development of a new brochure to support the demo CD;
• Development of a Key Word Signing vocabulary file and specific promotional resources to support it;
• Collection of photographs for VO marketing activities;
• The demonstration CD promoting the Key Word Signing, Unity and AusUnity files was mailed to identified
potential customers;
• 1 hour Presentation at Speech Pathology Conference in Alice Springs; and
• 1 hour presentation at ISAAC 3 Conference in Denmark.
Marketing activities for 2003 focused on increasing awareness for VO in the community. Activities included:
• Key Wording Signing User Manual written and distributed;
• Visit by Bruce Baker from Semantic Compaction Systems (author/creator of the icon-based language, Unity);
• Signed agreement for the use of ‘AusUnity’ and Australian ‘Unity’;
• Windows XP manuals written; and
• Presentation at AGOSCI 1 Conference in Sydney.
Results
The VO program is now in the mature stage of development, and is well entrenched with the Novita Speech
Pathology Department. There has been a significant increase in sales. The effectiveness and efficiency of
Vocabulary Organiser has been promoted.
Implications
Vocabulary Organiser is available for sale throughout Australia and a free demonstration CD is available as an
educational tool.
1
AGOSCI: Australian Group on Severe Communication Impairments
2
ARATA: Australian Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Association
3
ISAAC: International Society for Augmentative & Alternative Communication
Project commenced in 2000
Novita Children’s Services Incorporated • Research Report January 1999 – June 2004