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.