About Us

About AlphaByte™

Providing design and creative services since 1993

Your vision is our vision. Your success is our success. We take the time to understand your vision and work with you every step of the way, ensuring a truly personalised experience.

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Dr Alan Litchfield

Dr Alan Te Morenga Litchfield MIITP (Ngāti Whātua, Te Rārawa, Ngāpuhi, Tainui) has a passion for novel and new technologies. He loves to apply that passion to print and design projects that bring the dreams and ideas of clients alive. His work through AlphaByte has seen his work vary from fundamental print projects through to the creation of specialised solutions for corporations, government departments, and military.

If you need something that is unusual and involves a mix of technology and print, then you need look no further than here. 

He serves on a number of international and national organisations that include ISO working groups, a member of the Institute of IT Professionals (MIITP), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and the International Institute for Information Design (IIID). 

Karol Wilczynska
Internationally recognised, Karol Wilczynska shares her passion for the design business, where she is senior art director, graphic designer, creative, printmaker, bookbinder, illustrator, photographer and much more is absolutely passionate about expression through design.
 
An early adopter of computing technology in design, Karol has worked in the design and creative industries since 1981, working with magazine publishers, book publishers, medical publishers, and ad agencies. 
 
For Karol, keeping a high standard in design, illustration, and print material through a wide and varied range of projects that speak to the audience, is vital. Karol is highly skilled in digital and traditional analog creative tools.

The team at AlphaByte™ have a long history of providing consultative services ranging from general enquiries about systems and processes through to extensive developmental analysis and design.

The needs of individual clients’ vary tremendously and the work provided by AlphaByte™ are modelled accordingly. Rapid technological changes in the documentation and publishing environments require substantial investment in research and development. We take it upon ourselves to keep abreast of developments and how they can affect workflows.

The consultative services provided by AlphaByte™ have developed in direct response to the needs of it’s client base. The current range includes information and electronic publishing systems analysis and establishment, template development with InDesign and LaTeX.

The following are a short list of clients for which AlphaByte™ has successfully completed projects:

  • Rinnai
  • VT Fitzroy
  • New Zealand Defence Force
  • New Zealand Navy
  • New Zealand Airforce
  • Air New Zealand
  • Mount Cook Airlines
  • HNZ Global (now PHI Inc.)
  • Pacific Aerospace
  • Auckland City Council (also previously Manukau City Council and North Shore City Council)
  • Southland District Council
  • Statistics New Zealand
  • Winstone Wallboards
  • Rockwell Automation
  • Bendon
  • National Business Review
  • Carter Holt Harvey
  • Chapman Tripp Sheffield Young
  • Australian Consolidated Press
  • Farmers Trading Company
  • Forest Research Institute
  • Guardian Trust
  • Hanimex
  • Real Estate Institute of New Zealand
  • Wendy Pye Limited
  • Wilson and Horton
  • Wilson and Horton Graphics
  • Regional Press Ltd
  • Auckland University of Technology
  • University of Auckland

Embarking on the Creative Journey: Your Project from Brief to Print

Effective design is a powerful tool to communicate your message and engage your audience. To understand what you need, we will either use your instructions (what we call a brief) or we will work with you to build up your requirements and that will be your brief. When you entrust AlphaByte with a fresh brief, you’re initiating a creative journey that will transform your vision into a tangible, impactful design. 

Let me take you through the key stages of this exciting process. Of course, the stages outlined here adapt and change in every case:

1. Unveiling the Essence: Interpreting the Brief

The first step is a deep dive into your brief. Your designer will carefully analyse your project goals, target audience, brand identity, and any specific requirements you’ve outlined. This is a collaborative stage where open communication is key. Your designer will likely ask clarifying questions to ensure a comprehensive understanding of your vision.

2. Research and Inspiration: Fuelling Creativity

Armed with a clear understanding of your brief, your designer will embark on a research phase. This involves exploring your industry, competitors, and design trends that resonate with your target audience. They’ll gather inspiration from various sources, including art, photography, typography, and even nature. This research phase is crucial as it lays the foundation for a unique and effective design solution.

3. Conceptualisation: Bringing Ideas to Life

With a wealth of research and inspiration, your designer will begin to conceptualise your design. This involves sketching out initial ideas, exploring different visual directions, and experimenting with various layouts and compositions. They might create mood boards or visual references to illustrate their concepts and gather your feedback.

4. Refining the Concept: Collaboration and Iteration

Your feedback is invaluable at this stage. Your designer will present their initial concepts and eagerly listen to your thoughts and suggestions. This is an iterative process where your designer will refine the chosen concept based on your feedback. They’ll explore different colour palettes, typography choices, and visual elements to ensure the design aligns perfectly with your brand identity and project goals.

5. Digital Design: Crafting the Visual Masterpiece

Once the concept is refined and approved, your designer will move into the digital design phase. This involves using specialised software to create high-resolution, pixel-perfect designs. They’ll meticulously craft every detail, ensuring the design is visually appealing, balanced, and communicates your message effectively.

6. Presentation and Feedback: A Shared Vision

Your designer will present the finalised digital design for your review. This is another opportunity for you to provide feedback and ensure the design meets your expectations. Your designer will be open to any final adjustments or refinements to ensure your complete satisfaction.

7. Print-Ready Files: Preparing for Production

With your approval, your designer will prepare the design files for printing. This involves ensuring the files are in the correct format, resolution, and color mode required by your chosen printer. They’ll also provide any necessary instructions or specifications to ensure a smooth and successful printing process.

8. Final Delivery: Your Vision Realised

The final step is the delivery of the print-ready files. Your designer will provide you with all the necessary files and instructions to ensure a seamless transition to the printing stage. They’ll be available to answer any questions or provide support throughout the printing process.

Throughout this entire journey, AlphaByte will be your trusted partner, dedicated to bringing your vision to life. We’ll combine our creative expertise with your unique insights to create a design that not only looks stunning but also effectively communicates your message and resonates with your target audience.

In an era dominated by screens and digital interactions, the humble printed material might seem like a relic of the past. However, there’s a compelling argument for why investing in physical printed materials can create a longer-lasting impression and foster deeper relationships with your customers than simply providing a digital link to online resources. Let’s explore six reasons why.

Reason #1: The Psychology of Tangibility

Humans are tactile creatures, and there’s a unique satisfaction in holding a physical object. A printed brochure, catalogue, or even a simple thank-you card has a weight and texture that a digital file simply can’t replicate. This tangibility creates a sense of value and importance, subconsciously signaling to your customer that you’ve invested time and effort into communicating with them.

Reason #2: Attribution of Value

Research has shown that people tend to attribute higher value to physical goods than to digital ones. This phenomenon, known as the “endowment effect,” means that simply owning a physical object increases its perceived value in the owner’s eyes. By giving your customers something tangible, you’re not just providing information, but you’re also offering them something of perceived value, which they are more likely to appreciate and hold onto.

Moreover, that added value gets translated into a desire to return the gift. That builds loyalty and trust.

Reason #3: The Fading Link

While digital links are convenient, they’re also easily forgotten. A customer might intend to visit your website or download your brochure later, but in the hustle and bustle of daily life, that link can get lost in the shuffle. On the other hand, a physical brochure or catalog sitting on a desk or coffee table serves as a constant reminder of your brand.

Reason #4: Building Relationships Through Personal Touch

Personal relationships are the bedrock of business success. While digital communication has its place, nothing replaces the personal touch of a physical gift. By sending a handwritten note with a printed brochure, or including a small branded item in a package, you’re demonstrating that you see your customers as more than just transactions. This personal touch can go a long way in building loyalty and fostering a sense of connection with your brand.

Reason #5: Standing Out in the Digital Noise

With inboxes overflowing with emails and social media feeds constantly updating, it’s easy for your digital messages to get lost in the noise. However, a physical piece of mail stands out. It’s a tangible reminder of your business that can’t be scrolled past or deleted with a click.

Reason #6: The Investment That Pays Off

While printed materials may have a higher upfront cost than digital resources, the long-term benefits can be significant. By creating a lasting impression, fostering stronger relationships, and standing out from the competition, you’re investing in your brand’s future.

How to Incorporate Print into Your Marketing Strategy

Here are a few ideas for incorporating printed materials into your customer interactions:

  • Welcome Kits: Welcome new customers with a printed package containing information about your products or services, a handwritten note, and a small branded gift.
  • Thank-You Cards: Show your appreciation for loyal customers by sending handwritten thank-you cards with a small discount or gift.
  • Product Catalogues: Create beautiful product catalogues that showcase your offerings in a way that digital formats can’t match.
  • Seasonal Greetings: Send printed holiday cards or newsletters to stay connected with your customers throughout the year.
  • Annual Calendars: Everyone uses them. Even if they rely on their digital calendar to remind them of wha three need to do, there is nothing easier that just looking at the wall calendar, wall planner, or desk calendar to check the date and the reminders scrawled on it.

By embracing the power of print, you can create a more meaningful connection with your customers and build a brand that resonates in the long term. It’s an investment that will pay off in loyalty, trust, and ultimately, increased business success.