O goes On-line with Circle.com

Digital design consultancy Circle.com has created Orange’s first on-line customer magazine, O On-line. The interactive channel, aimed exclusively at Orange contract customers registered at Orange.net, expands on the existing print magazine with lifestyle features and Orange product information.

O On-line is created entirely with Flash technology and features competitions, stories and Professor O, an animated cartoon character. Visitors can check their Orange phone balances and equity points, and receive “try before you buy” demonstrations on products and services.

The magazine is monthly, compared with the print version which comes out every four months, and is based around a different theme. The launch edition has a speed theme, including interviews with F1 drivers Jos Verstappen and Pedro De La Rosa, and the next edition will be design-themed. It features links to other relevant sites.

“O On-line aims to increase customer and brand loyalty,” says Chris Dawson, lead designer, Circle.com. “Readers can interact with the content, which is what on-line magazines are all about.”

Orange launched its print magazine, O, in 1995, designed in-house by John Brown Publishing.

London- and Bristol-based Circle.com was recently appointed to redesign the UK’s biggest motoring website, Autotrade.co.uk, following a six-way strategic and creative pitch.

– Small Japanese Soldier consultancy, part of the Clinic Group, has been appointed to brand Orange’s sponsorship projects. These include regional events based in the areas where Orange has call centres, such as the Christmas lights in Bristol and Plymouth, and the Orange Wow music festival in Newcastle.