I began to explore relevant design history, from the angle of websites, logo and company branding. However after meeting with Ash from eDecks it became clear that re-branding or website alterations where not an option as the Company Directors where happy with these aspects of the Brand. Instead communicating via Social media, Campaigns or product re-launch that would change public perception of outdoor space. So from here I decided to look at other examples of design history that align with making outdoor space winter friendly.
Video Advert Example – Crocodile Gardens.
Below is an example of how a veranda company has adjusted the wording in their advert to appeal to a year-round market. They’ve also emphasised a 20% discount as a key feature to attract attention.
They’ve successfully demonstrated that this structure is designed to extend the usability of outdoor spaces into the autumn and winter months, by showing a visual representation of how it can be weather proof.
The company have also re-enforced throughout the advert how quick and easy they can be installed – with graphic aids.
Importantly the advert maintains brand consistently throughout, using the logo, colour pallet and persistent reminders of the company phone number to create a strong visual identity for Crocodile.
Another important technique used here is the focus on lifestyle, effectively allowing the viewer to imagine themselves enjoying a similar scenario – This is something that we could draw on for our eDecks work. Overall I think this advert effectively tackles similar seasonal challenges faced by E-deck, and they have confronted it in a very head on fashion which is enjoy.
Caring for decking in winter – Maintenance video.
This next example, although not a cinematic masterpiece – serves as a good example of how eDecks could try to boost winter sales by encouraging purchase of Maintenance products (anti-slip, treatments and repair kits) as the summer ends in preparation for the colder weather.
The opening language in this advert, is a little negative and doesn’t align well the choice of upbeat music. The language focuses on how winter is bad for decking, which could be spun more positively – eg, “how to make the most out of your decking” to inspire intrigue in the viewer.
However around 15 seconds we see the switch to maintenance advice, it gives verbal examples along with images of how customers can maintain their deck, an idea that could easily be adapted to suite products eDecks already sell on their website, a trick that this company has missed by not giving examples of specific products to use. Over all this advert can be used as basic inspiration to build upon, catering more towards e-decks and pushing the use of outdoor space.
B&Q social media.
To the left here, I have a 20second example of a video B&Q UK posted on instagram in September 2024, along with screen shot of the caption.
As a retailer whose main offerings are tied to home improvement and gardening (like eDecks) B&Q UK likely experiences a natural dip in sales during the winter months.
Here they are promoting winter gardening task in a very direct manner – by doing this they cleverly encourage year-round trips to their stores. Helping to sustain interest and drive sales even during the traditionally quieter season.
Second B&Q Instagram post example.
In this example off the B&Q website they use a similar method for lawn care that gives five examples of specific jobs to do in the garden.
By suggesting a specific task that can naturally be linked to a product from B&Q they are making it easy for customers to both imagine and act on winter maintenance or projects.
This could be easily adapted to suite eDecks social media for maintenance of decking, using products available from eDecks.
By Using B&Q’s brand colours in an accessible way (e.g.,high contrast between text and background) ensures that viewers with visual impairments or colour blindness or hearing impairments can still read and understand the content easily. Something to consider when making content for eDecks as accessibility to the widest audience is extremely important for any company. So from looking at all these examples I have seen things that could be successful or not for my e-decks campaign.
Bibliography.
“B&Q (@Bandq_uk) • Instagram Photos and Videos.” Www.instagram.com, www.instagram.com/bandq_uk/?hl=en.
Crocodile Products. “Crocodile Winter Gardens – 20% OFF.” YouTube, 3 Mar. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXGi8Ujq4oI. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
Nashville Deck Systems. “Winter Deck Maintenance Tips | Nashville Deck Systems.” YouTube, 11 Feb. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=–jx6Eww5z4. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.