VI. UNStudio

VI. UNStudio
http://www.unstudio.com/

Navigation:
Very well structured website with clear hierarchy! Every sub-category is list clearly below major categories throughout navigation, which allow people to see what options are there. The website shows the creativity and strategy of the firm by the organization of the website. Every visit the key image of the home page changes, which emphasis the diversity of the firm. However, the image is not just there to prominence the experience of the firm, it also give some highlight and texture to the page. Overall the website is really organized and thought out. There are 8 categories locate on the top banner with “UNStudio” as the “home” page link and “search” function placed right above and they all situate at the same location during navigation. So far this is the only architecture website has an option for people to “search” and very simple home page that already show a lot.

Architecture:
UNStudio’s website is designed for users. The structure and orientation are very clear and precise and consistent, which allow people to navigate around easily. Even though the overall design of the website is simple, it still shows the complexity of the firm by the number of elements that are listed below the category and sub-category. The organization illustrates the services and experiences of the firm. The website is really straight forward, what you see is what you get. There is “search” function, but the result does not appear on the additional navigator and the search is focus within the website and the firm.

Content / Typography:
The organization and simplicity of the typography gives viewer a good impression of the company. Nothing too overwhelming, everything is design to show with precise amount at once to give better understanding. The layout of the website shows that the designer clearly understands that architecture is a really 3D visual field. So every image is show in a decent size and quality. I really like the top banner menu, but I think the font size might be a little too big compare to other content. They can be slightly small, but still shows the option. There is nothing else I would change to this website. It is really well designed and clearly shows the purpose of it.

Grid / Structure:
The first impression of the website is modernized. Consistent structure and grid system of the website give good impression because it makes viewers easier to navigator around. The main menu stays at the same upper banner and the content stays around the same grid system throughout the whole exploring. There is no dramatic change to confuse people. Because of its clean and comprehensible, the website might loses some excitement and weaken the interaction with people. However, the website clearly shows the purpose of the website, which is to promote an architecture firm. Therefore, the focal point of the page always stays with the images, which also is the only way to help people to understand the style of the project the company capable of.

Iconography / Imagery:
A great introduction image is really important because that will affect viewer’s decision. UNStudio’s website makes a good decision on the choice of the first images and how it is consistently change, which creates the excitement of the website. Usually people get bored with same layout over and over so subtle change is good and important. There are unusual elements on the website and they move around the site throughout the pages. The red and green dots become visible on different spot on different page and not always on the same spot on the same page. After a click the dot bring viewer to a very specific quote, which is a really intelligent way to emphasis the philosophy of the firm and by click on the quote that allow people to go back to the original page. A simple structure website with creative elements helps to keep viewer on the site to create more interaction.

Color Palette:
There are not too many colors. The red element on the page highlights the keys for people to focus such as the name of the firm and the most recent updated elements. The light grey is the major color of the website and with contrast text color, black, which highlight other elements on the site, such as images. In the first glance on the project list page, there are swap color on each project. That creates a little confusion in the beginning; however, it becomes much clear with its purpose after look into more projects. Realizing different color represents different type of project. Although that is a good way to categorize projects, it could be much clearer. Maybe a label can help. However, the overall website is really well-built and modernizes.

Site Focus:
The focus of the website is noticeable. It is promoting architecture and design as the major purpose. The strongest part of this website is that the website cares its viewers a lot. It designs for people to look at design from different point of view. Also, there are one to two different way specialize the website to make it more unique.