Press
FORM+SPARK, INC.DESIGNS TO HELP STATE OF IDAHO DETER TOBACCO SALES TO MINORS
LOS ANGELES, July 17, 2002 – Ask anyone and they'll agree – it's a bad idea for kids under 18 to use tobacco. The State of Idaho is convinced the best course of action is stopping it at the source. In Idaho, it is illegal to sell tobacco products to minors -- an act punishable by fine. In an effort to help business owners train employees to understand the law and identify minors, the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare funded a Web site which launched on July 17, 2002.
Form+Spark, Inc., a design firm based in Los Angeles, teamed up with Benchmark Research and Safety to collaborate on the training site, known as "Prevent the Sale." After Benchmark developed the training material, Form+Spark stepped in to provide the creative development for an interactive Web site that is not only informative, but also fun and easy to use.
"We were asked to come up with a way to educate the retailers of tobacco products about how to prevent the sale of tobacco to minors, while making the process as painless as possible," says Tiffany Smith, Creative Director for Form+Spark. "The issue is too important to lose site visitors because they're bored by the legal aspects." The finished site is packed with all the necessary facts, but there's nothing boring about it.
The solution was to create a colorful and playful environment that draws visitors through the learning process. In one area, visitors are invited to play a game programmed in Flash, which challenges them to spot underage customers while watching out for state inspectors. Smith developed six completely original characters for the game.
Another area of the site displays samples of actual driver's licenses from Idaho and neighboring states. License design changes in recent years are pointed out and there are also instructions on how to quickly figure out if the license owner is a minor. Site visitors can also take a quiz and check out resources for additional information.
Smith presented the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare with a choice of designs prior to proceeding with development. "They were very happy with our concepts," says Smith. "It's our goal at Form+Spark to provide fresh ideas and visually appealing designs delivered through relevant technology. The goal for the State of Idaho was met; they are able to disseminate necessary and serious information in an interesting way."
About Form+Spark:
Form+Spark, Inc. is a creative design firm that combines the talents of a savvy group of designers, writers and marketers dedicated to producing the most effective work possible in new media. The firm's diverse clientele include such Fortune 500 companies as Macy's, Levi's, America Online, and AT&T as well as non-profits and educational organizations. After six years in San Francisco, Form+Spark, Inc. is now based in Los Angeles.
CONTACT:
Form + Spark, Inc.
Tiffany Smith
626-345-0426
www.formspark.com
studio@formspark.com