Group items tagged

In this article, we will focus on a variety of techniques and best practices to improve the usability of horizontal navigation bars, and we will note less effective styles. We'll also look at several trends that developers can choose from when working on the navigation design for their next project.

Likes- This page layout is simple and the main menu has all the information an employer is looking for, from studio projects to resume and contact info. Dislikes- (and there are many) The navigation is not easy to understand once you get past the main menu. After selecting the studio option I could see the photo icons at the bottom, though small and not titled, but it took me quite some time to notice the tiny light gray arrows in the upper corner. The main images do little to evoke thought, and are too small to really see any detail. It is almost as if she doesn't want you to see her projects? Also, there is no narrative present in the portfolio and no words to express her intentions. It shows me that she put as much thought into her website as she obviously put into her projects. Very little. I think that Vanessa gets a D on this one.

Like: -Very Easy Navigation -Layout of page stays the same no matter what level you are on, so it is very easy to return to a previous screen/project -It is all about the images! Brief descriptions are available for each project, but can be hidden/displayed at viewers discretion -Clear organization (broken down into studio work, thesis work and employment; all of which can be navigated to at any time from any screen. -Appears as though new projects could easily be added without altering the overall layout -Resume is displayed on site, but can also be downloaded  Don't Like/Needs Improvement -Thumbnail images at bottom of page for navigation to projects are too little; could be a little larger to give a better preview of the project -Don't know what the project is until you select it; a brief title could be helpful -Overall, the site is too small; filled less than 1/4 of my screen and images were a little hard to read -When you reach the end of a series of images, it quickly rewinds to the begining; would prefer it to be a loop. -The solid color across the screen when you load a new project is distracting; it might just be the color, but a smaller bar might be better -It is nice that the project title displays when you first select it; but then it goes away until you show the project details.  Perhaps having a constant title bar at the bottom displaying the project title would be helpful

Like:-Overall Layout is clear and concise/simple-Navigation bar remains constant at all levels-Contact information is very clear-Load Sequence of projects is very interesting, and looks great when done-Large thumbnail images -Simple project description on each page; not too distracting and a good balance of images and text Don't Like/Needs Improvement-Page is too simple when you first open it; looks like there is information missing-Projects load too slowly-When you first load a project, it defaults to a blank box, rather than automatically loading the first image -Could be helpful to have a thumbnail image associated with each project to give a quick glimpse/overview -Overall, the site could be a little larger; only fills a small portion of my screen.

What I like... - Branches that come out from bigger titles - Easy to jump into the other work images and to come back - Clear organization of works with proper details What need to be improved... - PDF file rinks on the left and top make me confused and give less impact on the main manu on the bottom - Taking a little time to show related images - Since worked by Flash, web address doesn't change when I move around on the web site

Works: 1. Includes a variety of examples, illustrations, web design, photography. 2. Clean simple, with bold colors for tabs to draw viewers eyes, very large texts. 3. Large images on every page. Does not work: 1.Too much text. 2. Also sells his own art work??? but thats kind of cool, but draws less focus on main point? 3. Not much about info/resume.

+ project navigation on the left and project images on the right is simple and intuitive and project images are a great size. + Variation of media such as video with images creates an interactive feel + Project text on left is a good size and about the optimal amount (verging on the lengthy side however) - Navigation buttons to switch between different images in a project are not as intuitive and harder to find - Direct posting of project boards instead of individual images make site less engrossing - The web design is light on unique details, and therefore it is hard to get a sense of the personality of the artist from exploring the webpage (the about section is also very short)

Pros: 1 Call me a minimalist, but I think with online academic portfolios --less equals more. These example speaks to that. 2 Simple sidebar navigation with links to PDF CV/ Portfolio. Everything is easy to get to and download if need be. 3 Images standalone to let the work do the convincing. Additionally, even the text is transparent to distract less from images/ work. 4 The idea of putting the title at the bottom right corner is intriguing, settle, and sexy...a slick move indeed! Cons: None!

Really simple, beautiful portfolio site. He only has one trade he showcases and that is just fine, allows for simplicity. His site is easy to navigate, has clear definitions of content, and good typography. A good trick he's done for his homepage is shown one strong piece of his that communicates what he's about. He only includes on his site what is necessary. Less is more.

likes: -simple non confusing website -easy to use -less is more -you just have to scroll up and down - great visuals dislikes: -too baron -hard to find artist information -lack of title. -boring -no intro or animation