Leeds digital agency Bolser awarded global Microsoft project

Bolser, the Leeds-based digital agency, has secured global project win with Microsoft ahead of a number of international competitors.

Following a pitching process in the US, Bolser has been appointed to redesign Microsoft’s learning and advocacy program, ExpertZone.

Microsoft’s ExpertZone platform is a tool for its retail and contact centre staff in building their knowledge of Microsoft products.

Bolser’s brief is to help evolve the user experience on the eLearning platform, which is used in over 77 countries, across 32 languages. Work includes introducing a loyalty rewards program and deep site personalisation.

Through the use of big data analytics and deep profiling data, the team are developing a site that gives each user an experience tailored directly to them.

They will each see a different journey built just for them, based on what they know, how they act, how they feel about Microsoft, and how they like to be rewarded.

The agency’s new psychology recruit Hannah Drakard worked alongside the agency’s digital designers and marketers to research into how people absorb information and learn. Using this information Bolser are in the process of redesigning the current platform to enhance the user experience.

Ashley Bolser, Bolser’s managing director, said: “We have an experienced team of designers, developers and testers who are working on the project.

“They are using their expertise and knowledge to improve the UX on the site and introduce a new gamified journey, which creates a holistic experience for the user as they are rewarded to achieve and are driven towards a custom path to excellence.”

He added: “We are proud to be a Leeds agency working with such a globally recognised brand and it is a great opportunity to really showcase our specialist skills.

“User experience is everything and we have built up great knowledge and expertise in this area. Hopefully it will also lead onto more international prospects as we continue to grow as an agency.”

Bill Bush, evangelism experience lead at Microsoft, added: “Bolser has been a remarkable partner in the redesign of our worldwide online retail community.

“They bring cutting-edge thinking, fresh ideas, and a relentless spirit of innovation. I have worked with, and for, numerous digital agencies and I can say my experience with Bolser has been one of the very best among these.”