Other Products
In this section:
 Consult the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada for useful and essential information on the creation of various multimedia products.
Web Sites
Planning the Site
First, your client, his or her Webmaster and the graphic designer should consider the site’s requirements to determine what types of techniques and programming are possible and appropriate. The Webmaster may seek further input from Industry Canada's Chief Information Office.
Content
All elements of the site must be edited, translated and approved as appropriate before design work begins.
Provide the graphic designer with the following:
- a hard copy and an electronic version of the text in both English and French;
- a hypertext link and URL for each destination on the hard copy;
- a clear indication of which text appears on which Web page; and
- images (if applicable) in the graphic designer’s preferred electronic format.
Design
The graphic design firm will develop, for your client’s approval:
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A navigation plan — to show the site's structure. The navigation plan identifies the different types of pages that will be designed, and designates a template for each type.
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A design concept — to show what the site will look like.
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Page templates — to provide models of the different types of pages selected in the navigation plan.
Each template will be used to produce many other similar pages, so you must check them thoroughly.
HTML coding and other programming will be carried out once the templates are approved. HTML coding should then be verified by an expert (e.g. a Chief Information Office representative).
Verification
The supplier of the HTML pages must verify that the Web site meets all applicable Common Look and Feel standards.
You may want to arrange focus testing of the site as well.
The English and French versions of the site must each be proofread carefully (including checking all links). They should also be compared to ensure identical treatment.
Finally, in-house staff should do a quality assurance check of the English and French versions of the site before they are delivered to the client.
For More Information
Treasury Board Secretariat’s Common Look and Feel for the Internet standards (the Federal Identity Program's Common Look and Feel Toolbox has been designed to assist departments and agencies in implementing these standards).
Industry Canada Graphic Standards.
The Government of Canada Internet Guide.
InfoDev, Industry Canada Web and application development services.
Videos and Films
Some of the services offered by film/video firms include:
- research
- storyboarding
- script writing
- directing
- film shoots
- audio recordings
- special effects
- web casting
- host broadcasting
- satellite transmission
- post-production
You work with your client to determine which services are required to bring the project to completion.
Contracting
Contracting for the production of videos and films must be done through Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC).
You must provide PWGSC with certain information about the project:
- purpose;
- audience;
- detailed work description for the supplier;
- schedule;
- budget;
- contact information; and
- security requirements.
PWGSC has established supply arrangements with various firms, and only PWGSC can issue contracts against these supply arrangements.
Depending on the complexity of the project and the number of firms invited, this competition process could take from three to five weeks.
You have the option of limiting the competitive process to Aboriginal businesses under the government’s set-aside Program for Aboriginal Businesses.
Production
Keep in mind:
- scripts must be edited, translated and approved as for all other publications;
- you must obtain a Catalogue Number and ISBN for all films/videos from the Depository Services Program;
- the English and French versions of films/videos must each be viewed carefully to ensure identical treatment; and
- in-house staff should do a quality assurance check of the English and French versions before they are delivered to the client.
Films and videos must comply with:
Depositing Copies
On completion of the film/video project, ensure that:
- one copy of the production in each official language is sent to Depository Services; and
- two copies are sent to Legal Deposit of the Library and Archives Canada.
Portable Exhibits, Banners and Display Signage
Contracting
If you are coordinating the production of a portable exhibit (or pop-up display system), banners, display signage or related graphic design services, you should draw from Industry Canada's standing offer agreements (SOAs) and consult the accompanying users' manual. Making a call-up against a standing offer will save you the time and effort of entering into a tendering process.
Production
There are many firms which specialize in the production of portable exhibits, banners and display signage. Many of them have in-house design capability, but you may prefer to work with another designer (to maintain a “family look,” for example).
You work with your client and the supplier to determine which product(s) best meet the client’s needs.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Flexibility — Can elements of the product easily be replaced so that it can be used by various programs, be modified for different exhibitions or be updated as required?
- Portability — How much does the product weigh? Is it easy to ship/transport? To install?
- Storage — Is there room for the client to store the product on-site? Does the firm producing the product offer warehousing? Consider warehousing costs.
- Participation in fairs and exhibitions — Are there accessible federal institutions appearing at the same event?
If so, they must adopt a coherent and coordinated approach, displaying a unified presence that promotes common themes and messages of the Government of Canada.
Portable exhibits, banners and display signage must conform to:
All text appearing on products should be carefully proofread, and in-house staff should do a quality assurance check of the products before they are delivered to the client.
Promotional Items
Promotional items are articles such as T-shirts, mugs, mouse pads, lapel pins and notepads, which are usually distributed at events such as conferences and info fairs.
Contracting
The contracting procedure for promotional items varies according to the cost:
- If the contract is worth less than $2500, you can order directly from a supplier through a purchase order (your administration officer can assist you); sole source is acceptable.
- If the contract is worth between $2500 and $5000, you can contract directly with a supplier, but you must first obtain estimates from three different suppliers, and go with the lowest estimate.
- If the contract is worth more than $5000, you must contract via PWGSC’s Commercial and Consumer Products Directorate.
Production
There are many firms which specialize in the production of promotional items. Many of them have in-house design capability, but you may prefer to work with another designer (to maintain a “family look,” for example).
You work with your client and the supplier to determine which products best meet the client’s needs. Consider:
- target audience;
- distribution channels;
- intended message; and
- cost.
The message on promotional items is usually more effective if it is clear and concise. Avoid cluttering the item with too much text and too many design elements.
Promotional items must conform to:
All text appearing on promotional items should be carefully proofread, and in-house staff should do a quality assurance check of the products before they are delivered to the client.
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