GRC 175 Learning and Discussion Forum

This is my first set of rough thumbnails inspired by web sites of creative people I work with.
Keoki Flagg, Jeff Dow Photography and I also was inspired by several auto magazines (i.e. Jeep & BMW).

Initially, I preferred the layout with the dark background. The more I thought about the name, though, with a name like 'switch on,' the layout with the white background works better. I also prefer the alignment of icons and text and images on design1 (the one with the light background).

Both of them are beautifully created and have a nice consistency! I also like the style of the black back ground one.

I'd say you can probably show links for only this web class projects, so it will be more simple

I want to focus on the first draft you posted with the matte black background. I think your hierarchy and layout is very clean and enjoyable, it has a great use of symmetrical balance and the pictures are in a high quality. That being said, the text over you pictorial navigation are hard to read. I at first thought they were just pictures and it took me a while to figure out they were buttons to direct the user to another page.

Your experience is evident in your website designs. I prefer the second layout for readability, interest and use of color. I get more information quickly from this second design, as well as a feel good quality from the cheerful colors. I think they set off your picture better as well. My only suggestion would be to eliminate the number 1 in the word switch. I think I'd prefer the logo with just the lightbulb.

I love how organized and professional both of your designs are. Great job! If I had to choose one I would pick the concept with the dark background. It makes all of your images pop. Your layout is very unique and the navigation is very user friendly. The only suggestion I have is maybe making your text a little bigger because it's a little small in places and hard to read. It's a very strong concept so I really wouldn't change much:)

I like both of your designs very much but for me I like the dark background better the images really pop against the background and it has a nice symmetrical balance. My one critique would be the text over the images is difficult to read. I would suggest that maybe instead of having the text over the images you make them a hover button or something to that effect. That way you can have the image fade out and the text pop up over the top but you can play with that when you actually begin to work on the site. overall great stuff.

Jodi,

First of all, both of your layouts are presented beautifully! I love how professional and clean both look! I can see how your experience is effective in this project. Great job! I'd have to agree with most of the comments tho that the first one really pops off the page! You can definitely see more, and it is intriguing. Again, Great job on both!

Both of your layouts are quite excellent. I love the color schemes for both layouts and both are very interesting ideas, they look very professional.

I'm leaning towards the second layout since the first one kind of looks more like a blog than a website (not that there is anything wrong with that!). I think Ryan is right, the "switch on" theme works really well with the white and yellow color scheme and the lack of many images piled together allows the viewer to focus on your main imagery, which is the photograph and the logo/illustration. I like your little logos on the top of the layout but I think they're also kind of distracting. Maybe consider using a similar color palette to the whole piece so they are more cohesive, instead of standing out? Also perhaps consider making them smaller, just a tad, or moving them up more.

Whichever layout you choose, both are very intriguing and exciting to look at. It really depends on you.

Both are clean, cohesive designs and very well done. Each has it's own appeal, but I find myself drawn more to the lighter one. It is less cluttered and feels friendlier than the darker design. I understand the the icons at the top, as they represent who you are and what you do. The color choices don't seem to mesh with the rest of the design though and that makes them feel out of place. I also am not finding the links to projects 1 & 2 and resources. If you have them in there they are a little too well hidden for the average user. Overall, I am impressed with your skill.

Happy Designing!