Lowe Digital Library is a collaborative brainchild of Rain and Lowe Manila.  This digital lirbrary enables creative agencies to archive, collect, control and organize their creative works.   From a simple archive application, it grew into a multi-faceted, multi-media application suite that enables Lowe to archive various file format produced by their creatives. The system does not only accept JPGS, but converts MPG and AVI to FLV to enable user view it easily; it also archives MP3 for radio recordings. It was made to reflect the agency's workflow and work classification.

The project posed a great deal of challenges on both technical and creative aspects. However, the project turned out the be a success. It enabled Lowe to organize their creative works from production output files to final art and make it accessible to everyone in the agency.

These challenges were only some of among the many challenges that we have encountered during the development of the project. But the advantage of Rain is our ability to adapt agile methodology to apply on both creative or technical projects.

The library was developed using our proprietary PHP framework that enabled us to deploy applications faster. With our streamlined development process, we came up with prototypes fast. We collaborated with IT to facilitate with the hardware requirements on how to address various network bottlenecks and setbacks. IT provided us a dedicated file server on where projects can be stored. We used various tools to address the video conversion process that enabled the system to extract thumbnails that can be displayed in the library upon uploading. We also cached archive data to enable us faster and accurate search results everytime.

However, the project was not mainly technical. Lowe's Head of Arts Mario Serrano collaborated with Rain to design the interface, and thus the interface underwent a design evolution.  This development enabled us to streamline and simplify the whole library experience. It did not only address the aesthetics of the site but its functions as well. In order to create a unique "brand" experience with the library, we came up with various creative initiatives such as application logo, various animation to promote the library, launching invitations.

Lowe Digital Library also enabled us to collaborate with various people. It made us understand various work flows and immersed us into world of advertising.  In fact, some of the principles that we are using  today evolved from this project.

Ultimately, the project was a success. The collaboration of upper-management, creatives and IT enabled us to finish the project and end it on a high-note.