Apex Accolades for AAA Living

When we at Nxtbook Media heard that our client AAA Living won the 2010 Apex Award of Excellence in the Electronic and Web Publications category, we were ecstatic!  Of course, one look at one of their leading-edge issues with custom publication, and you might argue they should win even more.

AAA Living uses nxtbooks to reach readers across the nation with region-specific information and ads.   (See their website.)  They produce 7 regional nxtbooks bi-monthly, all with interactive slideshows, clickable pop-ups, videos, audio clips, in-page scroll bars, and innovative rich media.  (See an example here.)

To get a back-stage look at the award-winning digital edition production, we spoke with Nxtbook Media Designer Brittany Wimer (pictured below) about what sets AAA Living nxtbooks apart:

"I feel like they take advantage of what we offer.  Some people just want the information or a picture on the page.  But they really use animation, audio, video, and different kinds of interaction and really use it to make a good guide.  They know you can show a picture of a place, but a slideshow ties a reader in.  Or you can talk about a jazz band, but here you can actually listen to it."

When asked why she likes being the Nxtbook Media Designer for AAA Living nxtbooks, Brittany immediately pointed out:

"It’s not just me.  You’re working with the whole team.  Derik [Flash Designer] does just as much, if not more, than I do with it because of all the animations.  Working with Pace [Communications] and AAA, we’re all a team.  Account Managers, Proofers, we all tie in.  I like the interaction with different people."

Brittany also talked about the process of creating nxtbooks for AAA Living.  She said that it all came down to good communication.  The production department and flash designer Derik got to know AAA Living’s goals and details so well, when potential questions arise, "I know how they want it handled.  You get to know their wants and needs," said Brittany.  She went on to say:

"I like working with AAA.  They’re very easy-going, and we get what each other are thinking.  The way their product looks, the way their team effort is, they definitely deserve an award.  They’re more open to suggestion and exploring possibilities."

So it is with the backing of the entire Nxtbook Media team that we say, "Congratulations AAA Living!"

Brittany Wimer, Nxtbook Media Designer