XII. Grafton Architects http://www.graftonarchitects.ie/
Navigation:
The complexity of the company already shown on the home page with numbers of categories and most updated news. On the top banner there are list of all categories, which stay at the same location throughout the whole navigation experience. The hierarchy is shown clearly on the site. Below the top banner, there is a list of text to show where the current page located and which categories have been selected to get to the current page. The simplicity of the website allows people to navigate back and forth between pages. It is really user friendly.
Architecture:
The website is very organized, consistent, and structured, which give people good impression. By looking at the number of the categories, people already know the complexity of the company. As an architecture website, the “project” does not seem as a main category in this website. From the primary categories, people can clearly understand the purpose of the website, which is to illustrate the experience and the potential of the firm. Through the whole navigation experience there is no additional navigation.
Content / Typography:
A very straight forward website, what you see is what you get. There is nothing to distract or to confuse people during navigation. The typography is simple yet with certain complexity. The top banner is always the category and left banner is always images and right banner is always information. Everything stay with the same system just adjust according to the amount of space that is needed. On the home page, the news text is shown with coherent amount with clear images to illustrate the story. Each page has very subtle change, which are relevant and make the site more interesting.
Grid / Structure:
The consistent grid system and structure allows people to navigate around and understand the philosophy and approach of the company easily. The consistency also gives good impression. Although the clean and comprehensible of the site loses some excitement and weaken the interaction with people, the projects are interesting and show with big images for people to engage with the space. After all, the purpose of the website is to promote an architecture firm with 3D visual effect and good amount of description per project.
Iconography / Imagery:
There is no image icon only text icon, which clarify the function. The selected category will highlight with darker color from the original grey font. Beside the iconography, imagery is another key element for architecture firm’s website. Overall the site is really good with visual elements. Most of the images are display with quality and with decent size. There are only few images that I wish they can be bigger because the amount of information that is included in the image does not show clear with the provided size. The image is too rich for the size of the image. Overall the website is really strong and clear to emphasis the service and experience the company had.
Color Palette:
The company name is in red, which is the only colored font. All other texts are in grey or black depend on the page and function. The background is in a contrast color, white. Although the background is in white, it does not distract people to read the category the website provide. The grey is just in a decent grey that does not get lost in the white background or unreadable. No matter what the key still in image for the architecture firm. Most images are with very subtle color rendering; however, that does not get lost in the background as well. They show the character of the company.
Site Focus:
The purpose is obvious as promoting an architecture firm’s design and philosophy. The most important is having the updated news on the home page so even for people who does not have patient can also know what is the most recent project or news of the firm. The clear organization and structure enhance the firm and allow people to navigate around and understand the firm without any distraction.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
XI. Sanjeev Shankar
XI. Sanjeev Shankar http://www.sanjeevshankar.com/
Navigation:
The website is very straight forward. What you see is what you get! Unlike other website that people have to navigate around to understand the structure. The overall website has 5 different clickable categories; however, the center image of the home page is also clickable. The center image leads people to the most recent project. This is a really good strategy to keep people to revisit the website. Once people visit the website, they can just click on the center image on the home page to know what the most updated project is. Obvious there are hierarchy in the website; however, it does not show clearly with designed layout. Most of the sub-category list is not clear defined with different color, different font, etc. The website is to promote Mr. Shankar’s art work. The way the project divided into different category is really bright. Projects are either “studio work” or “professional work”. Also “research” is another interesting category. People are able to know where the artiest get his inspirations. There is no confusion and people can go back and forth between pages and all the category options are always list on the top banner. Overall the website is really easy to navigate around, but the graphic is really weak. The stronger graphic of the website is a plus to the artiest.
Architecture:
The structure of the website illustrates the clarity of the artist’s thought as clear and straight forward. From the design and the structure of the website, people know that the website is just focusing on artiest, himself and his work. By looking at his “professional work”, people are willing to notice the potential of artiest. The permanent menu banner and non additional navigator allow people to swatch navigation anytime and the consistent layout keep people orientated.
Content / Typography:
By looking at the typography, people will know that the artiest probably spend most of time on the art work. The content of the website is clear shown; however, the lack of the design makes it not as interesting as other website. If the image is the focus, it should be bigger. If the text is the focus, it should layout in a way that allows people to read then easier. The font on the site maybe is not the best choice. Since this is the artist website, the visual effect is really important especially the home page as how it would catch people with their first glance.
Grid / Structure:
Some pages are with consistent grid system but not all. The inconsistent structure will weaken the website and lose people from navigate around. The main menu always located at the same upper banner and the list of the sub-categories is below and the content covers the rest of the page throughout most of the exploring experience. The only issue is the most of the information pages, “research”, “about” and “contact”. All the text is line up on the very left edge of the page, which is a little distracting.
Iconography / Imagery:
There is not a lot of iconography at this simple website. Because of the purpose of the website is to promote an artist’s work; the quality of images are the key. After click into either “studio work” or “professional work”, the page show a list of the sample image of each project. By click on each sample image, people will allow to see more image of the same project with information. All the images are displayed with decent size that allows people to have clear understanding of the project. Beside the images, there is not much to say about the website because of its simplicity. The major thing that I would change is the font. It shows that the designer did not put lot thought into it, which shouldn’t be. The font type or size or color will affect the overall design of the website and the quality of it.
Color Palette:
The contrast between the background, the font color and images emphasis the purpose of the website. The black background does not just stress the text but also all the images, which is the key of the website. Overall color palette works really well for most part of the website. Only the text dominated page does not work as well as images page. Not just as what I said earlier that all the texts are align to the left edge then cross the whole width of the page is not attracting. The colors between the different headings are not much different. If the text can align to the center of the page as how the images are place on the other page, graphically the website will already improve a lot. Also the text color and size should have identified different and enough spacing between lines, which will allow people to read the context easier.
Site Focus:
The main purpose of the website is to promote an artist’s work, which is shown obviously with good quality of images. The simplicity of the website allows people to navigate around easily; however, it might lose people’s interest. The publicity and the background and the experience of the artist are illustrated really precisely and evidently, which might attract some potential clients. The only thing that needs to be considered is the graphic of the website.
Navigation:
The website is very straight forward. What you see is what you get! Unlike other website that people have to navigate around to understand the structure. The overall website has 5 different clickable categories; however, the center image of the home page is also clickable. The center image leads people to the most recent project. This is a really good strategy to keep people to revisit the website. Once people visit the website, they can just click on the center image on the home page to know what the most updated project is. Obvious there are hierarchy in the website; however, it does not show clearly with designed layout. Most of the sub-category list is not clear defined with different color, different font, etc. The website is to promote Mr. Shankar’s art work. The way the project divided into different category is really bright. Projects are either “studio work” or “professional work”. Also “research” is another interesting category. People are able to know where the artiest get his inspirations. There is no confusion and people can go back and forth between pages and all the category options are always list on the top banner. Overall the website is really easy to navigate around, but the graphic is really weak. The stronger graphic of the website is a plus to the artiest.
Architecture:
The structure of the website illustrates the clarity of the artist’s thought as clear and straight forward. From the design and the structure of the website, people know that the website is just focusing on artiest, himself and his work. By looking at his “professional work”, people are willing to notice the potential of artiest. The permanent menu banner and non additional navigator allow people to swatch navigation anytime and the consistent layout keep people orientated.
Content / Typography:
By looking at the typography, people will know that the artiest probably spend most of time on the art work. The content of the website is clear shown; however, the lack of the design makes it not as interesting as other website. If the image is the focus, it should be bigger. If the text is the focus, it should layout in a way that allows people to read then easier. The font on the site maybe is not the best choice. Since this is the artist website, the visual effect is really important especially the home page as how it would catch people with their first glance.
Grid / Structure:
Some pages are with consistent grid system but not all. The inconsistent structure will weaken the website and lose people from navigate around. The main menu always located at the same upper banner and the list of the sub-categories is below and the content covers the rest of the page throughout most of the exploring experience. The only issue is the most of the information pages, “research”, “about” and “contact”. All the text is line up on the very left edge of the page, which is a little distracting.
Iconography / Imagery:
There is not a lot of iconography at this simple website. Because of the purpose of the website is to promote an artist’s work; the quality of images are the key. After click into either “studio work” or “professional work”, the page show a list of the sample image of each project. By click on each sample image, people will allow to see more image of the same project with information. All the images are displayed with decent size that allows people to have clear understanding of the project. Beside the images, there is not much to say about the website because of its simplicity. The major thing that I would change is the font. It shows that the designer did not put lot thought into it, which shouldn’t be. The font type or size or color will affect the overall design of the website and the quality of it.
Color Palette:
The contrast between the background, the font color and images emphasis the purpose of the website. The black background does not just stress the text but also all the images, which is the key of the website. Overall color palette works really well for most part of the website. Only the text dominated page does not work as well as images page. Not just as what I said earlier that all the texts are align to the left edge then cross the whole width of the page is not attracting. The colors between the different headings are not much different. If the text can align to the center of the page as how the images are place on the other page, graphically the website will already improve a lot. Also the text color and size should have identified different and enough spacing between lines, which will allow people to read the context easier.
Site Focus:
The main purpose of the website is to promote an artist’s work, which is shown obviously with good quality of images. The simplicity of the website allows people to navigate around easily; however, it might lose people’s interest. The publicity and the background and the experience of the artist are illustrated really precisely and evidently, which might attract some potential clients. The only thing that needs to be considered is the graphic of the website.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
X. STUDIOS architecture
X. STUDIOS architecture
http://www.studiosarchitecture.com/
Navigation:
A different intro page will allow people to remember. The intro page already shows the complexity of the company by list out all the location of the firm. On the home page, there are 3 different major categories and each sub-category is show with the drop down menu. The hierarchy is show in a really interesting way. The selected category and sub-category is identifying by bolding and darker the font, highlight with lighter grayscale and moving toward right on the top banner. The main menu banner stays at the same location, which allows people to switch around anytime. Overall the website is really using friendly.
Architecture:
The STUDIOS’s website is very organized, consistent, and well structured. At the first glance, people would not know the complexity of the company. “Project” category is the key to understand the structure, experience, and complexity of the company. There is no additional navigation unless people choose to have the whole link on an additional navigator when launch the intro page. There are options for people to choose on the intro page, which is really thoughtful. All the options are listed throughout navigation, which is a good way of organizing and promoting the services the company offer. There is “search” function on the top banner; however, the result is focus on the firm and without additional navigator.
Content / Typography:
What you see is what you get! There is no surprise to distract or confuse people during navigation. The typography is simple with certain complexity that adjusts according to the information that is shown. The heading is always located at the top banner and is the key of the whole website that guide people around the site. The body of the site is always images or content. On the home page, the body is a decent size image, which shows the character of the company and also gives some texture to the site. Every subtle change on the site seems really relevant and makes the site the website more interesting.
Grid / Structure:
The consistent structure of the website gives good impression because people can follow the working process of the firm and understand projects then search for what they need. The main menu stays at the same upper banner and the content stays around the same grid system throughout the whole exploring. Although the clean and comprehensible of the site loses some excitement and weaken the interaction with people, the projects are interesting and show with big images for people to engage with the space. After all, the purpose of the website is to promote an architecture firm with 3D visual effect and good amount of description per project.
Iconography / Imagery:
All icons are really clear with its function especially when there is description shown as a roll over. However, they are a little too small. Beside the iconography, imagery is another key element for architecture firm’s website. All images are use wisely and display with quality and good size. Overall the site is really good with visual elements. The only thing that is not shown clear is the description of project. The font color of description is light grey on white background, which is hard to read. Also on this website, people cannot use “back” function on the menu because that will bring people all the way before enter the STUDIOS’ website. In order to get back to previous search is by click on the squeezed top banner. That is inconvenience for people when they accidently press “back” then forget how to get back to the original search.
Color Palette:
Majority color of the website is in grey scale, which gives a professional impression. The only colored elements are images, which enhance the idea for visual dominated field, architecture. The grey scale is use really wise. All the contrast is well controlled nothing really confusing or unreadable beside the project description. Overall the website is really well constructed; however, if the project list can show with sample images instead of text that will enhance the website visually.
Site Focus:
The focus of the website is noticeable. It is promoting an architecture firm’s design and philosophy as the major purpose. The strongest part of this website is its organization and structure, which allow people to navigate around to understand specialty of the firm.
http://www.studiosarchitecture.com/
Navigation:
A different intro page will allow people to remember. The intro page already shows the complexity of the company by list out all the location of the firm. On the home page, there are 3 different major categories and each sub-category is show with the drop down menu. The hierarchy is show in a really interesting way. The selected category and sub-category is identifying by bolding and darker the font, highlight with lighter grayscale and moving toward right on the top banner. The main menu banner stays at the same location, which allows people to switch around anytime. Overall the website is really using friendly.
Architecture:
The STUDIOS’s website is very organized, consistent, and well structured. At the first glance, people would not know the complexity of the company. “Project” category is the key to understand the structure, experience, and complexity of the company. There is no additional navigation unless people choose to have the whole link on an additional navigator when launch the intro page. There are options for people to choose on the intro page, which is really thoughtful. All the options are listed throughout navigation, which is a good way of organizing and promoting the services the company offer. There is “search” function on the top banner; however, the result is focus on the firm and without additional navigator.
Content / Typography:
What you see is what you get! There is no surprise to distract or confuse people during navigation. The typography is simple with certain complexity that adjusts according to the information that is shown. The heading is always located at the top banner and is the key of the whole website that guide people around the site. The body of the site is always images or content. On the home page, the body is a decent size image, which shows the character of the company and also gives some texture to the site. Every subtle change on the site seems really relevant and makes the site the website more interesting.
Grid / Structure:
The consistent structure of the website gives good impression because people can follow the working process of the firm and understand projects then search for what they need. The main menu stays at the same upper banner and the content stays around the same grid system throughout the whole exploring. Although the clean and comprehensible of the site loses some excitement and weaken the interaction with people, the projects are interesting and show with big images for people to engage with the space. After all, the purpose of the website is to promote an architecture firm with 3D visual effect and good amount of description per project.
Iconography / Imagery:
All icons are really clear with its function especially when there is description shown as a roll over. However, they are a little too small. Beside the iconography, imagery is another key element for architecture firm’s website. All images are use wisely and display with quality and good size. Overall the site is really good with visual elements. The only thing that is not shown clear is the description of project. The font color of description is light grey on white background, which is hard to read. Also on this website, people cannot use “back” function on the menu because that will bring people all the way before enter the STUDIOS’ website. In order to get back to previous search is by click on the squeezed top banner. That is inconvenience for people when they accidently press “back” then forget how to get back to the original search.
Color Palette:
Majority color of the website is in grey scale, which gives a professional impression. The only colored elements are images, which enhance the idea for visual dominated field, architecture. The grey scale is use really wise. All the contrast is well controlled nothing really confusing or unreadable beside the project description. Overall the website is really well constructed; however, if the project list can show with sample images instead of text that will enhance the website visually.
Site Focus:
The focus of the website is noticeable. It is promoting an architecture firm’s design and philosophy as the major purpose. The strongest part of this website is its organization and structure, which allow people to navigate around to understand specialty of the firm.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
IX. LESSER Architecture
IX. LESSER Architecture
http://www.leeser.com/
Navigation:
“Where should I click” is the first reaction to the main page. Everything seems like clickable; however, they are NOT. The website is not hard to navigate around once people know where can be clicked. Overall the website only have main categories, news, contact, about and products. This is another really different architecture website layout that I had seen so far. There is no clear hierarchy in the website. Because the website is to promote “architecture”; therefore, maybe the highlight should under “project”. “Project” category is list on the bottom of all other selection; give insignificant impression. The website does not have additional navigation and there is not point to have one. Overall the website is really organized within its only graphic design. The “blurry” effect the website creates when switch between category. It is interesting, but do not see the point. It actually make people’s eye hurt and create dizziness and confusion. Not just that the “home” navigation does not exist in this website; the logo is not clickable. When a website does not have “home” category, usually the logo functions as “home” link. In this website “news” is the only way to go back to original page.
Architecture:
The structure and orientation of the website illustrate the creative of the firm as how they are willing to change. From the way the website is structure, people know that the company is not too complicated, but it is well experienced in different type of architecture. In some sense, the website is really straight forward, what you see is what you get. The permanent menu banner allows people to swatch navigation anytime and the consistent layout keep people orientated. There is no additional navigator. There only have small pop out window to show selected project with extra images and project information.
Content / Typography:
The extraordinary typography when compare to other website give people good impression about the company; however, the amount of the detail that is shown on the home page is somehow overwhelming especially when none of the element is clickable. For the field that heavily focusing on creativity and visual effect, this website is really successful in that perspective.
Grid / Structure:
Consistent grid system keeps people on site that is a really good strategy. However, if the website have more information or offer than it look that will be much better. The main menu always located at the same upper right corner and the content covers the rest of the page throughout the whole exploring experience. The clean and comprehensible of the website might lose excitement and weaken the interaction with people; however, the layout and the small pop out of individual project solve the potential issue. Overall the website is really success in emphasis its purpose, promoting an architecture firm by giving clear images for people to understand firm’s style and experience and what the firm capable of.
Iconography / Imagery:
The website is really simple; therefore, there is not a lot of iconography. Seem this is an architecture firm’s website so there is a lot of imagery to help potential client to understand the company and project. Overall the quality of the icon and imagery are too small to the proportion of the page especially when specific project is selected. People will expect to see big image. I believe big image can impress people to create good impression. The icon for people to click to go to next image is not clear. Why cannot people move on to next image by click on the current image? Most odd effect the website has is that when click on the image will actually close the window, which is really not helpful. People won’t know there are more images for the specific project, which mean people will lose their chance to understand the project.
Color Palette:
The pure white background with bright red text is an interesting combination. However, the read is not a perfect color for people to read unless there are a lot of spaces between line; otherwise, the contrast color creates vibration between line. There are a lot of different shades of red; however, the website didn’t take that as a consideration. The whole main menu bar keeps the same shade of red. There is only font size change between the selected category and not selected category. That is not the worst. The worst is the swap image for the categories. The change is really subtle, the font only change to bold and not obvious. Beside the top banner, everything else is acceptable. One more suggestion for the “project” category is that if the viewed project could have different color then its original color, people will able to know what have not been visited.
Site Focus:
The major purpose of the website, promoting the architecture firm, is shown obviously. The simplicity of the website allows people to navigate around easily. On the same time, understand the philosophy and the approach of the company. The publicity and the background and the task of the company are illustrated really precisely and evidently, which might attract some potential clients. There are only few miner graphic of the website should be considered; otherwise, overall is really consistent and well structured.
http://www.leeser.com/
Navigation:
“Where should I click” is the first reaction to the main page. Everything seems like clickable; however, they are NOT. The website is not hard to navigate around once people know where can be clicked. Overall the website only have main categories, news, contact, about and products. This is another really different architecture website layout that I had seen so far. There is no clear hierarchy in the website. Because the website is to promote “architecture”; therefore, maybe the highlight should under “project”. “Project” category is list on the bottom of all other selection; give insignificant impression. The website does not have additional navigation and there is not point to have one. Overall the website is really organized within its only graphic design. The “blurry” effect the website creates when switch between category. It is interesting, but do not see the point. It actually make people’s eye hurt and create dizziness and confusion. Not just that the “home” navigation does not exist in this website; the logo is not clickable. When a website does not have “home” category, usually the logo functions as “home” link. In this website “news” is the only way to go back to original page.
Architecture:
The structure and orientation of the website illustrate the creative of the firm as how they are willing to change. From the way the website is structure, people know that the company is not too complicated, but it is well experienced in different type of architecture. In some sense, the website is really straight forward, what you see is what you get. The permanent menu banner allows people to swatch navigation anytime and the consistent layout keep people orientated. There is no additional navigator. There only have small pop out window to show selected project with extra images and project information.
Content / Typography:
The extraordinary typography when compare to other website give people good impression about the company; however, the amount of the detail that is shown on the home page is somehow overwhelming especially when none of the element is clickable. For the field that heavily focusing on creativity and visual effect, this website is really successful in that perspective.
Grid / Structure:
Consistent grid system keeps people on site that is a really good strategy. However, if the website have more information or offer than it look that will be much better. The main menu always located at the same upper right corner and the content covers the rest of the page throughout the whole exploring experience. The clean and comprehensible of the website might lose excitement and weaken the interaction with people; however, the layout and the small pop out of individual project solve the potential issue. Overall the website is really success in emphasis its purpose, promoting an architecture firm by giving clear images for people to understand firm’s style and experience and what the firm capable of.
Iconography / Imagery:
The website is really simple; therefore, there is not a lot of iconography. Seem this is an architecture firm’s website so there is a lot of imagery to help potential client to understand the company and project. Overall the quality of the icon and imagery are too small to the proportion of the page especially when specific project is selected. People will expect to see big image. I believe big image can impress people to create good impression. The icon for people to click to go to next image is not clear. Why cannot people move on to next image by click on the current image? Most odd effect the website has is that when click on the image will actually close the window, which is really not helpful. People won’t know there are more images for the specific project, which mean people will lose their chance to understand the project.
Color Palette:
The pure white background with bright red text is an interesting combination. However, the read is not a perfect color for people to read unless there are a lot of spaces between line; otherwise, the contrast color creates vibration between line. There are a lot of different shades of red; however, the website didn’t take that as a consideration. The whole main menu bar keeps the same shade of red. There is only font size change between the selected category and not selected category. That is not the worst. The worst is the swap image for the categories. The change is really subtle, the font only change to bold and not obvious. Beside the top banner, everything else is acceptable. One more suggestion for the “project” category is that if the viewed project could have different color then its original color, people will able to know what have not been visited.
Site Focus:
The major purpose of the website, promoting the architecture firm, is shown obviously. The simplicity of the website allows people to navigate around easily. On the same time, understand the philosophy and the approach of the company. The publicity and the background and the task of the company are illustrated really precisely and evidently, which might attract some potential clients. There are only few miner graphic of the website should be considered; otherwise, overall is really consistent and well structured.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
VIII. a+I architecture
VIII. a+I architecture
http://www.aplusi.com/
Navigation:
Most interesting website I had ever seem. There are a lot of interacting between the website and people with a clear understanding of using. It is organized in a really creative way. The first time enter the website, it does not seem like any architecture firm’s website that I had seem. It looks like a website for photo gallery, which also the reason people get attracted and stay with the website. Everything is clearly labeled; therefore, the website is really user friendly. Very well structured website with clear hierarchy! All the categories and sub-categories are list clearly with really organized gridded sample images of projects. Although the impression the website give is new and inexperience, after navigate around will notice that the firm is well experienced and care about their potential client a lot. That is why the website is really easy for everyone to navigate around.
Architecture:
The architecture of the a+I architecture’s website is really well thought out. The structure and orientation are very clear and precise and consistent, which allow people to navigate around easily. In some sense, the overall website seems with elaborate design, which illustrates the precise goal and philosophy of the firm. The website is also really straight forward, what you see is what you get. Two different ways to select project makes the website stronger especially when both option function really well.
Content / Typography:
The impression created by the organization and simplicity of the typography and its interacting with people. Nothing overwhelming, everything appears with just right proportion, giving precise amount at once to give better understanding. The graphic and the layout of the website emphasis how the firm understands the importance of 3d visual effect and creativity in architecture field. The most interesting part of this website is that there is no standard banner as other firm’s website to list out the categories. Only two major contents are shown, which are “sort” and “a+I”. There is nothing I would change to this website. It is really well designed and clearly shows the purpose of it.
Grid / Structure:
This is a very interactive website with consistent structure and grid system after entering any specific categories. The main “sort” and “a+I” icon stay at the same location throughout navigation, which allow people to refer back to the original page to continue searching. However, that also causes problems. The consistent spot of “sort” is somehow also over right on the top of the listed sample images, which allow people to click into to see detail of the project. The consistent location of the search is really strong; therefore, the list of the sample project should be rearranged in different way or different zone of the page. Not as other website, the clean and comprehensible of the website does not lose people’s excitement. Anyhow, the website is clearly promoting an architecture firm in a really creative and interactive way.
Iconography / Imagery:
A very inspired introduction page keeps people interested. All the sample images places as they are photography lay on a table with really realistically view. All the sample images are with consistent size and decent proportion what already give a sense of project. After select any specific project, all the images cover almost the whole page with good quality, which enhance the space and design. Also not all the images are photo some are sketches and plan of the space, which give more life to the project and the firm. There is no confusing about “next” photo. The cursor turns into a cursor with arrow, which allows people to move back and forth between photo. A simple structure website with creative elements helps to keep viewer on the site to create more interaction.
Color Palette:
The black background with contrast white border around each icon and images allows all elements to pop out. Both main icons are highlights with two contrast colors, green and orange. They both are also the most saturated color when compare to other elements. However, that enhances the purpose and importance of both icons. Majority of the texts are in white, which contrast to the black background color and color of images. The texts are also with perfect font size, which clearly shows the purpose.
Site Focus:
The focus of the website is obvious. It is promoting architecture and design in a really creative view. The strongest part of this website is the design of the website. It is design from viewer’s point of view, which make everyone who is on the navigation really comfortable. Also open people’s view about the interconnection between different types of design. The only issue of this well structured website is that the content of each project are not detail enough, which mean I wish there are description about the concept of the project not just the location, size, and date.
http://www.aplusi.com/
Navigation:
Most interesting website I had ever seem. There are a lot of interacting between the website and people with a clear understanding of using. It is organized in a really creative way. The first time enter the website, it does not seem like any architecture firm’s website that I had seem. It looks like a website for photo gallery, which also the reason people get attracted and stay with the website. Everything is clearly labeled; therefore, the website is really user friendly. Very well structured website with clear hierarchy! All the categories and sub-categories are list clearly with really organized gridded sample images of projects. Although the impression the website give is new and inexperience, after navigate around will notice that the firm is well experienced and care about their potential client a lot. That is why the website is really easy for everyone to navigate around.
Architecture:
The architecture of the a+I architecture’s website is really well thought out. The structure and orientation are very clear and precise and consistent, which allow people to navigate around easily. In some sense, the overall website seems with elaborate design, which illustrates the precise goal and philosophy of the firm. The website is also really straight forward, what you see is what you get. Two different ways to select project makes the website stronger especially when both option function really well.
Content / Typography:
The impression created by the organization and simplicity of the typography and its interacting with people. Nothing overwhelming, everything appears with just right proportion, giving precise amount at once to give better understanding. The graphic and the layout of the website emphasis how the firm understands the importance of 3d visual effect and creativity in architecture field. The most interesting part of this website is that there is no standard banner as other firm’s website to list out the categories. Only two major contents are shown, which are “sort” and “a+I”. There is nothing I would change to this website. It is really well designed and clearly shows the purpose of it.
Grid / Structure:
This is a very interactive website with consistent structure and grid system after entering any specific categories. The main “sort” and “a+I” icon stay at the same location throughout navigation, which allow people to refer back to the original page to continue searching. However, that also causes problems. The consistent spot of “sort” is somehow also over right on the top of the listed sample images, which allow people to click into to see detail of the project. The consistent location of the search is really strong; therefore, the list of the sample project should be rearranged in different way or different zone of the page. Not as other website, the clean and comprehensible of the website does not lose people’s excitement. Anyhow, the website is clearly promoting an architecture firm in a really creative and interactive way.
Iconography / Imagery:
A very inspired introduction page keeps people interested. All the sample images places as they are photography lay on a table with really realistically view. All the sample images are with consistent size and decent proportion what already give a sense of project. After select any specific project, all the images cover almost the whole page with good quality, which enhance the space and design. Also not all the images are photo some are sketches and plan of the space, which give more life to the project and the firm. There is no confusing about “next” photo. The cursor turns into a cursor with arrow, which allows people to move back and forth between photo. A simple structure website with creative elements helps to keep viewer on the site to create more interaction.
Color Palette:
The black background with contrast white border around each icon and images allows all elements to pop out. Both main icons are highlights with two contrast colors, green and orange. They both are also the most saturated color when compare to other elements. However, that enhances the purpose and importance of both icons. Majority of the texts are in white, which contrast to the black background color and color of images. The texts are also with perfect font size, which clearly shows the purpose.
Site Focus:
The focus of the website is obvious. It is promoting architecture and design in a really creative view. The strongest part of this website is the design of the website. It is design from viewer’s point of view, which make everyone who is on the navigation really comfortable. Also open people’s view about the interconnection between different types of design. The only issue of this well structured website is that the content of each project are not detail enough, which mean I wish there are description about the concept of the project not just the location, size, and date.
Monday, February 16, 2009
VII. ASYMPTOTE Architecture
VII. ASYMPTOTE Architecture
http://www.asymptote-architecture.com/
Navigation:
“Where should I go?” is the first reaction after get into the main page. It is a complicated website. It takes long time to understand how to navigate around. The way the website start is already really different from other website I had seem. The main navigator is an additional page; therefore, there is no need of the first intro page. The hierarchy of the website is really not clear and not organizes. All the categories are not list in a clear way. They follow the form of the background image. Some title of the category overlaps each other and no list of sub-category when cursor moves close to the main category. The center of each page change consistently, which create additional confusion and dizziness. There is no “home” link for people to go back to the original page to see other choice. However, after click different icon realize that by click on the “x” (close) will allow people to go back to the home page. I think when the website is really complicated; at least the “home” option should be obvious for people in order to continue navigation.
Architecture:
The structure of the website well illustrates the experiences that the company had. The first glance of the site gives modern impression; however, the content is not clear. The small font size and the location of the primary categories are not well thought out during the design process. The categories are not obvious and hard to read and follow and they are not place on the consistent location. People have hard time to find other categories when they are already in one and no clear direction of how to get back to the selection page. However, the “main menu” was designed and place on the left bottom corner, which are really not noticeable. It takes long time to realize there is the option. The whole website is considered as an additional page. The original intro page happen to just an intro page and home page is additional page, which is really unusual.
Content / Typography:
The website seems like having a unique way of organizing the typography, but it is confusing for people who use it as first time. It is not user friendly. Also the font size is way too small, which creates vibration on the text. That loses the purpose of the text because people cannot read. As an architecture firm’s website even though the structure of the website is bad, the visual elements, the images, are still playing an important role. All the images are with decent size that tells the story. I will recommend simplifying the website that will be a good way to keep people on the site.
Grid / Structure:
Although the website is hard to navigate around, the structure and grid system are consistent throughout the navigation. After understand how the website functions, everything seems much easier; however, the complicity still give a bad impression especially for people who are not good with figuring out stuff. The whole website lets people feel it move around all the time; therefore, people tend not to pay attention on element that are not moving. If pay attention people will realize there is a stable “menu” bottom banner. The banner should be a little bigger because it is not noticeable and it loses it purpose.
Iconography / Imagery:
As other architecture firm’s website, all the images are with decent size, which allows people to understand the project. There are a lot of unnecessary icons, which did not help people to navigate. There are too many small size arrows around the same location. Also almost all the information are cramped to the middle of the page; however, there are still a lot of space around. The spaces should be use wisely. Now the context and images are located at center of the page and allows people to see other categories that are behind, but they are not clickable until the mini navigation window is close. That is really confusing.
Color Palette:
Midnight blue is the main color of the website with small white text. Although they are contrast color, it does not work. Somehow the blue still feel really bright, which does not really do what the contrast color supposes to do as to pop out the text. The blue background conflicts with the white text when the text is small and not bold. However, the blue enhance the images.
Site Focus:
Promoting the architecture firm is the major purpose of the website, which is shown evidently with good quality of images. The weakness of the website is the structure and the organization of the website. Even though the website structure stays consistent, the weakness still makes the website less user friendly. The biggest issue is the size of the font and the space between because that make people’s eye hurt and cannot focus on reading the content.
http://www.asymptote-architecture.com/
Navigation:
“Where should I go?” is the first reaction after get into the main page. It is a complicated website. It takes long time to understand how to navigate around. The way the website start is already really different from other website I had seem. The main navigator is an additional page; therefore, there is no need of the first intro page. The hierarchy of the website is really not clear and not organizes. All the categories are not list in a clear way. They follow the form of the background image. Some title of the category overlaps each other and no list of sub-category when cursor moves close to the main category. The center of each page change consistently, which create additional confusion and dizziness. There is no “home” link for people to go back to the original page to see other choice. However, after click different icon realize that by click on the “x” (close) will allow people to go back to the home page. I think when the website is really complicated; at least the “home” option should be obvious for people in order to continue navigation.
Architecture:
The structure of the website well illustrates the experiences that the company had. The first glance of the site gives modern impression; however, the content is not clear. The small font size and the location of the primary categories are not well thought out during the design process. The categories are not obvious and hard to read and follow and they are not place on the consistent location. People have hard time to find other categories when they are already in one and no clear direction of how to get back to the selection page. However, the “main menu” was designed and place on the left bottom corner, which are really not noticeable. It takes long time to realize there is the option. The whole website is considered as an additional page. The original intro page happen to just an intro page and home page is additional page, which is really unusual.
Content / Typography:
The website seems like having a unique way of organizing the typography, but it is confusing for people who use it as first time. It is not user friendly. Also the font size is way too small, which creates vibration on the text. That loses the purpose of the text because people cannot read. As an architecture firm’s website even though the structure of the website is bad, the visual elements, the images, are still playing an important role. All the images are with decent size that tells the story. I will recommend simplifying the website that will be a good way to keep people on the site.
Grid / Structure:
Although the website is hard to navigate around, the structure and grid system are consistent throughout the navigation. After understand how the website functions, everything seems much easier; however, the complicity still give a bad impression especially for people who are not good with figuring out stuff. The whole website lets people feel it move around all the time; therefore, people tend not to pay attention on element that are not moving. If pay attention people will realize there is a stable “menu” bottom banner. The banner should be a little bigger because it is not noticeable and it loses it purpose.
Iconography / Imagery:
As other architecture firm’s website, all the images are with decent size, which allows people to understand the project. There are a lot of unnecessary icons, which did not help people to navigate. There are too many small size arrows around the same location. Also almost all the information are cramped to the middle of the page; however, there are still a lot of space around. The spaces should be use wisely. Now the context and images are located at center of the page and allows people to see other categories that are behind, but they are not clickable until the mini navigation window is close. That is really confusing.
Color Palette:
Midnight blue is the main color of the website with small white text. Although they are contrast color, it does not work. Somehow the blue still feel really bright, which does not really do what the contrast color supposes to do as to pop out the text. The blue background conflicts with the white text when the text is small and not bold. However, the blue enhance the images.
Site Focus:
Promoting the architecture firm is the major purpose of the website, which is shown evidently with good quality of images. The weakness of the website is the structure and the organization of the website. Even though the website structure stays consistent, the weakness still makes the website less user friendly. The biggest issue is the size of the font and the space between because that make people’s eye hurt and cannot focus on reading the content.
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