A ‘lab’ where new websites and online marketing campaigns can be tested by clients before going live, including monitoring their facial expressions and body language, has been installed by digital agency Fat Media at its new Bristol office.
The findings from the sessions will be used to form the basis of entire brand and communication strategies, said the agency, which recently located its Bristol base from Brislington to the city centre. 
Fat Media plans to install eye-tracking technology to the lab in the future to enhance its offering to clients.
The agency was set up in Lancaster in 2005 and now employs 130 staff. It opened in Bristol in 2015 after acquiring long-established Brislington-based content marketing firm Strategy Digital.
Its clients include Typhoo, OCS, Samsung, Pork Farms, Lancaster University, Jessops and JD Sports
Managing director John French, pictured, said: “With increased competition in all markets, the customer must now lead marketing strategy.
“A customer’s perception of a brand and whether they choose to buy into that brand are often led by their online user experience.
“For agencies like Fat Media, it means we put the customer first in any project, be it a website or a digital marketing campaign, using a robust set of user testing techniques to base our recommendations on. It’s a big change in the industry and one that presents a huge opportunity for a digital first agency like ourselves.”
Fat Media lead UX designer Chris Walthall added: “Fat Media has invested in the testing lab in Bristol, with a full mounting solution to monitor not only the person’s interactions with the website or campaign, but also their facial expressions and body language.
“We hope to soon add to this with eye-tracking technology. The set-up is also fully mobile, so where needed, we can take the lab to the client and of course their customers. Website development, content creation and brand strategy will all be built around the research and findings from the testing lab.
“By leading a campaign this way, companies can help ensure that the digital experience of their brand communicates the right message, is engaging and leads to successful conversions.”
The testing lab forms a core element of Fat Media’s new Bristol office on Wine Street. The 5,000 sq ft premises was recently opened with a launch event, attended by local businesses and Camille Deniau from Google, who talked about the importance of the digital customer journey.
Fat Media’s turnover has increased by almost 50% in the past 12 months and its staff numbers have almost double.
