How Cool is This???
Check it out
www.veer.com
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Veer
I received their holiday catalogue form work, and I definatley want some stuff out of it!!
How Cool is This???
Check it out
www.veer.com
How Cool is This???
Check it out
www.veer.com
November 18 Process
Concept 1:
Training a dog is like going to work. Before any new project begins research must be done to fully understand all aspects. This is the core of all new things: books, research manuals, tables, diagrams; anything that can help you gain a better grasp on the task at hand. It often seems that all your effort is going unnoticed or you will never get it done, but when the time finally comes you realize all the hard work that was put into the project pays off in the end. Just as training a dog, after the research, and work is done your end result will be a better dog.
Moodboard
Frame 1
Frame 2
Concept 2:
Training a dog is like taking a walk downtown on a rainy night. There are beautiful things that you would not have noticed if it weren't for the way the light shined off it or how it glistened. A town that seems so aged and boring in the day can seem modern and young at night.
Moodboard:
Frame 1:
Frame 2:
Concept 3:
Training a dog is like shopping at a trendy boutique. It is exciting and entertaining looking around because of all the bright colors to catch you attention. You find yourself gravitating to the bottles where you like the design even if they are not exactly what you are looking for. When the bottle is fun the product must be good. Training a dog can be hip and fun if using the right tutorial.
Moodboard:
Frame: 1
Frame: 2
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Project #3
Teaching a dog simeple tricks helps the bond between you. Dogs enjoy pleasing their owners and a well-trained dog is a happy dog! The only difficulty is in making the dog understand what you want. Commands should be given in a firm, low, voice. Don’t expect them to understand perfectly the first time. Be prepared to come back tto the same commands again and again, leaving in a few days between. Most dogs are perfectly willing to jump through hoops (literally) for their owners.
“Speak”
This comes under the group of tricks from observed behavior. If a dog does something and a command word is uttered and a treat is given everytime, they will quickly associaate the treat and the pat with the command word. Say “Speak1” when they bark and in a short time, they will bark the command. Saying “Are you sleepy?” when they yawn works in exactly the same way.
“Sit”
Everyone is familiar with this one. It is important that a dog should know to pause at every curb rather than rush across. Sitting helps to mark the importance of roads. Repetition is the key here—even bright dogs like collies can take two years to become well trained. Do not expect overnight results with any of these. Press the dogs hindquarters down firmly, while saying “Sit.” Then give a treat—s piece of biscuit for example. It doesn’t have to be much. A pat on the head will probably do, but you’ll find training easier with some sort of small reward to hand out.
“Down”
Always follows “Sit.” Point firmly at the floor in front of the dog’s head. As with teaching them to “speak,” you might try this when they are on their stomachs naturally. Otherwise, you can try placing them in the “down” position manually, then express delight and give them a treat. They should remain upright, like a sphinx.
“Play Dead”
Usually follows “Down.” “Dying” involves lying comletely flat on their side. You may have to press your hand gently against the dog’s head to indicate what you want it to do. Dog’s love this and though they lie still, their tails wag madly. Keep your voice very low and touch tail, saying slowly, “Dead dogs dont’ wag...” Hold it for two or three seconds, then get them up and give them a pat and a treat.
“Paw”
This is one you have to demostrate. Simply lift the dogs paw in your hand and shake hands gently before giving them a treat. Follow with the command “Other paw” for them to swap over. It won’t be long before they offer paws on command. I had a terrier who took forever to get this, but managed it in the end.
“Over”
This is used when you want the dog to run—to cross a street swiftly is the most common use. Train the dog by holding their collar and raising your tone in excitement, holding them back. When all is clear, say “Over!” loudly and let them run. They will probably not cross neatly the first few dozen times, so don’t train them near cars.
“Gently”
This is usually said with the second syllable elongated. A dog must be taught not to snap at food, though their instincts tell them to grab things before anther dog gets it. You must never tease a dog with food—they will learn to snap at it and someone will get hurt. Always present food firmly on a flat palm. If they lunge at it, say the word “Gently!” in a firm, low voice. They will hear the tone and hesitate.
“Heel”
Crucial when walking a dog on the lead. It is tiring and annoying to have a dog pull as it walks along. Curb the habit early with a sharp jerk of the lead and a very firm tone as you say the command word. Puppies are excitable and curious. They often take a long time to learn this. Be careful not to hurt them and do not worry about looking like a fool. Anyone who has ever had a puppy has walked along a street saying “Heel” over and over and over again without any clear effect. To state the obvious, the dog does not understand why you are calling out parts of your feet. You are setting up a link in their minds between the word and the action of being jerked back. It will probably take a good year for this to work, depending on how young the puppies are when you get them. Be patient. It’s good practice for controlling your temper when you have children later on. Seriously. Like a lot of things in life, early work bears fruit when it really matters.
“Stay”
This is another important one to teach early. Most dog owners have been surprised by a situation where the dog is far away and suddenly there is a car coming toward you. If you can tell the dog to “Stay” and have it remain still, a series accident can be avoided. This is taught with the aid of a pocketful of treats and many afternoons. You have the dog sit and say “Stay!” in your deep command voice. You hold up your hand at the same time, showing the dog flat palm. You take a step back. If the dog follows you, return it to the same spot and begin again. Begin with three steps and then give ti a treat and a pat, making a big fuss of the dog. When they can remain stiil for three steps, try six, then a dozen and so on. You should be able to build up to quite a long distance in only a short time. Dogs do like to be able to see you, however. If you turn a corner, almost all dogs will immediatley move forward to find you again.
“Over! Over!”
Different families will have different command words, of course. This one is probably not that common. Our dogs are always taught to jump at hearing this. You may be out walking and need them to jump a low fence, for example, or jump up onto a table to be brushed. Begin with a higher surface and simply pat it firmly, saying “Over! Over!” to them in an excited voice. If this doesn’t work, do not pull them up by the collar. They could be frightened of being pulled off the ground and that won’t help. If you can, lift them to a higher level then make a huge fuss over them, giving a treat. Repeat pats and lifts until they are comfortable with the higher position.
This is quite fun to see. Like cats, dogs can really jump, but they aren’t taught to do it on command very often.
Jumping through your arms
Not all dogs can do this—the terrier absolutley refused point-black. The command “Over! Over” is useful as the dog knows it is for jumping. Begin by making a circle on the floor with your arms and having the dog called through for a treat. You need two people for this. After a few successful repetitions, raise your hands from the floor, so the dog has to step up a little to pass through. They’re probably far too excited by then, so try it again the next day. Raise your hands higher and higher, then stand upright, holding your arms out in the largest circle you can make. Dogs the size of collies can do this, though some with thump you in the body or hit your hands as they go through. They improve with practice and it is a great trick to impress other dog owners.
Finally, attack commands
There is no secret to having an attack word for a dog. Be aware, however, that unless it was absolultey justified, the dog is likely to be destroyed. Children accompanied by dogs are much less likely to be troubled by strangers, regardless of the breed of dog. Dogs are known to be aggressive and territorial, especially with strangers—men in particular. They fo not need to be taught higher levels of aggression.
The opposite of this is what to do it you come into contact with an aggressive dog. First of all, it is a risk to put your hand out to pat any strange dog. If you must take the chance, let the dog smell your hands first, coming in slowly and low down so as not to startle them. If they show their teeth, move way. Mankind is the only animal on the planet who shows his teeth to smile. The rest of them are saying “Go away or I will attack.” The same applies for growling. It is never playful. Never growl back. That is what another dog would do and the aggression will increase dramatically. Most dogs have the courtesy to warn you. Take the warning and back away.
If the dog attacks, remain on your feet and protect your face. Don’t scream. Break eye contact if you can, as dogs see a direct gaze as aggressive. Dogs are almost never interest in serious damage. They simply want to remove you from the area. Do not run, however. Walk slowly away. Big dogs like German Shepherds will hit you hard in the chest or back to try to knock you down. On the ground is not a good place to be in full attack.
If you do end up on the ground, curl up to protect your face and neck. Again, they will do a lot more than barking than actual biting in almost every case. Remain as still as you can and don’t call for help or scream. The noise may excite them.
A well trained do will not be aggressive with other dogs or people, or at least they’ll bring the poodle back back when you call them. They will guard your home, force you to remain active to walk them, play with you whenever you have the slightest interest, and adore you with complete trust in all weathers, on all days.
“Speak”
This comes under the group of tricks from observed behavior. If a dog does something and a command word is uttered and a treat is given everytime, they will quickly associaate the treat and the pat with the command word. Say “Speak1” when they bark and in a short time, they will bark the command. Saying “Are you sleepy?” when they yawn works in exactly the same way.
“Sit”
Everyone is familiar with this one. It is important that a dog should know to pause at every curb rather than rush across. Sitting helps to mark the importance of roads. Repetition is the key here—even bright dogs like collies can take two years to become well trained. Do not expect overnight results with any of these. Press the dogs hindquarters down firmly, while saying “Sit.” Then give a treat—s piece of biscuit for example. It doesn’t have to be much. A pat on the head will probably do, but you’ll find training easier with some sort of small reward to hand out.
“Down”
Always follows “Sit.” Point firmly at the floor in front of the dog’s head. As with teaching them to “speak,” you might try this when they are on their stomachs naturally. Otherwise, you can try placing them in the “down” position manually, then express delight and give them a treat. They should remain upright, like a sphinx.
“Play Dead”
Usually follows “Down.” “Dying” involves lying comletely flat on their side. You may have to press your hand gently against the dog’s head to indicate what you want it to do. Dog’s love this and though they lie still, their tails wag madly. Keep your voice very low and touch tail, saying slowly, “Dead dogs dont’ wag...” Hold it for two or three seconds, then get them up and give them a pat and a treat.
“Paw”
This is one you have to demostrate. Simply lift the dogs paw in your hand and shake hands gently before giving them a treat. Follow with the command “Other paw” for them to swap over. It won’t be long before they offer paws on command. I had a terrier who took forever to get this, but managed it in the end.
“Over”
This is used when you want the dog to run—to cross a street swiftly is the most common use. Train the dog by holding their collar and raising your tone in excitement, holding them back. When all is clear, say “Over!” loudly and let them run. They will probably not cross neatly the first few dozen times, so don’t train them near cars.
“Gently”
This is usually said with the second syllable elongated. A dog must be taught not to snap at food, though their instincts tell them to grab things before anther dog gets it. You must never tease a dog with food—they will learn to snap at it and someone will get hurt. Always present food firmly on a flat palm. If they lunge at it, say the word “Gently!” in a firm, low voice. They will hear the tone and hesitate.
“Heel”
Crucial when walking a dog on the lead. It is tiring and annoying to have a dog pull as it walks along. Curb the habit early with a sharp jerk of the lead and a very firm tone as you say the command word. Puppies are excitable and curious. They often take a long time to learn this. Be careful not to hurt them and do not worry about looking like a fool. Anyone who has ever had a puppy has walked along a street saying “Heel” over and over and over again without any clear effect. To state the obvious, the dog does not understand why you are calling out parts of your feet. You are setting up a link in their minds between the word and the action of being jerked back. It will probably take a good year for this to work, depending on how young the puppies are when you get them. Be patient. It’s good practice for controlling your temper when you have children later on. Seriously. Like a lot of things in life, early work bears fruit when it really matters.
“Stay”
This is another important one to teach early. Most dog owners have been surprised by a situation where the dog is far away and suddenly there is a car coming toward you. If you can tell the dog to “Stay” and have it remain still, a series accident can be avoided. This is taught with the aid of a pocketful of treats and many afternoons. You have the dog sit and say “Stay!” in your deep command voice. You hold up your hand at the same time, showing the dog flat palm. You take a step back. If the dog follows you, return it to the same spot and begin again. Begin with three steps and then give ti a treat and a pat, making a big fuss of the dog. When they can remain stiil for three steps, try six, then a dozen and so on. You should be able to build up to quite a long distance in only a short time. Dogs do like to be able to see you, however. If you turn a corner, almost all dogs will immediatley move forward to find you again.
“Over! Over!”
Different families will have different command words, of course. This one is probably not that common. Our dogs are always taught to jump at hearing this. You may be out walking and need them to jump a low fence, for example, or jump up onto a table to be brushed. Begin with a higher surface and simply pat it firmly, saying “Over! Over!” to them in an excited voice. If this doesn’t work, do not pull them up by the collar. They could be frightened of being pulled off the ground and that won’t help. If you can, lift them to a higher level then make a huge fuss over them, giving a treat. Repeat pats and lifts until they are comfortable with the higher position.
This is quite fun to see. Like cats, dogs can really jump, but they aren’t taught to do it on command very often.
Jumping through your arms
Not all dogs can do this—the terrier absolutley refused point-black. The command “Over! Over” is useful as the dog knows it is for jumping. Begin by making a circle on the floor with your arms and having the dog called through for a treat. You need two people for this. After a few successful repetitions, raise your hands from the floor, so the dog has to step up a little to pass through. They’re probably far too excited by then, so try it again the next day. Raise your hands higher and higher, then stand upright, holding your arms out in the largest circle you can make. Dogs the size of collies can do this, though some with thump you in the body or hit your hands as they go through. They improve with practice and it is a great trick to impress other dog owners.
Finally, attack commands
There is no secret to having an attack word for a dog. Be aware, however, that unless it was absolultey justified, the dog is likely to be destroyed. Children accompanied by dogs are much less likely to be troubled by strangers, regardless of the breed of dog. Dogs are known to be aggressive and territorial, especially with strangers—men in particular. They fo not need to be taught higher levels of aggression.
The opposite of this is what to do it you come into contact with an aggressive dog. First of all, it is a risk to put your hand out to pat any strange dog. If you must take the chance, let the dog smell your hands first, coming in slowly and low down so as not to startle them. If they show their teeth, move way. Mankind is the only animal on the planet who shows his teeth to smile. The rest of them are saying “Go away or I will attack.” The same applies for growling. It is never playful. Never growl back. That is what another dog would do and the aggression will increase dramatically. Most dogs have the courtesy to warn you. Take the warning and back away.
If the dog attacks, remain on your feet and protect your face. Don’t scream. Break eye contact if you can, as dogs see a direct gaze as aggressive. Dogs are almost never interest in serious damage. They simply want to remove you from the area. Do not run, however. Walk slowly away. Big dogs like German Shepherds will hit you hard in the chest or back to try to knock you down. On the ground is not a good place to be in full attack.
If you do end up on the ground, curl up to protect your face and neck. Again, they will do a lot more than barking than actual biting in almost every case. Remain as still as you can and don’t call for help or scream. The noise may excite them.
A well trained do will not be aggressive with other dogs or people, or at least they’ll bring the poodle back back when you call them. They will guard your home, force you to remain active to walk them, play with you whenever you have the slightest interest, and adore you with complete trust in all weathers, on all days.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
WOW
I saw this while watching Bones and I had to find it to let others see!!! What an impacting commercial!
Thoughtful Question
After reading "Recipe for good Design" I began wondering how long can something be used as a resource before it becomes outdated?
I know this is an open-ended question, but when I was reading this article there were a lot of useful tips but there were also many that seemed outdated, such as the programs needed to be designed for. With technology moving so rapidly how often do we as designers need to rethink everything we are doing?
Ex: CS4 just came out, and I am just getting comfortable with CS3, I know that most others are not going to own CS4 yet, but at the same time I do not want to not want to change because of fear of not knowing how to use it, does that make since.
I went to a metals conference last weekend and there were some artists that used CAD and then some that did not. I overheard many of the people that did not use the program bad mouthing the people that did saying it is the computer doing the designing these days not the person. I do not want to be one of these negative, judging people because I uninformed.
I know this is an open-ended question, but when I was reading this article there were a lot of useful tips but there were also many that seemed outdated, such as the programs needed to be designed for. With technology moving so rapidly how often do we as designers need to rethink everything we are doing?
Ex: CS4 just came out, and I am just getting comfortable with CS3, I know that most others are not going to own CS4 yet, but at the same time I do not want to not want to change because of fear of not knowing how to use it, does that make since.
I went to a metals conference last weekend and there were some artists that used CAD and then some that did not. I overheard many of the people that did not use the program bad mouthing the people that did saying it is the computer doing the designing these days not the person. I do not want to be one of these negative, judging people because I uninformed.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Good Websites
1. www.pizzahut.com
I enjoy looking and showing people this website because you can look at menus from other companies. Its main purpose is not met by me because I have never ordered anything off of it or even thought to look at the online menu before I order. So far I think Japan is by far the most different from what I know as Pizza! TAKE A LOOK.
Yummy!
2. www.bernstein-rein.com
This is a deign website that is on the links page, but it is wonderful!! I love the bold solid colors and the transitions are great. It is like you are seeing the page being put together in front of your eyes, AWSOME!!
It is great how you can get to anywhere from anywhere, I can go from their works to their Culture without having to go to the homepage.
3. www.barkleyus.com
This site is wonderful because of its simplicity, although it is another design website. It is very easy to see what is suppose to be the main focus. There are a couple of things that I do not like such as when you view the works and click on something twice they play at the same time and is sometimes hard to turn one or the other off so you have two streams going at the same time.
4.www.usa.visitmaine.com
This is a beautiful website. It was actually and accidental find off of the website we are redesigning. It actually makes me want to go visit Maine! The mainpage has a large revolving photograph with reasons why to visit Maine. It is simply beautiful and the typography caught my eye. I am also interested to see if they change it based on the seasons because it does feel like fall.
Enjoy the type in this one:
5. www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/
Here is in my opinion an effective nature website. Like the one my group is working on this one contains a large amount of information. What makes it even more complex is the fact that it is a branch off another large information website, PBS, but they have set it up to were you can access the main PBS webpage along with the internal nature webpage without confusion. This is huge, currently I am working on a project that is almost the same thing, and I am having difficulty with it, I will be referring back to this page as a resource.
6. melissahie.com
This website is neat because of the way it slides you to the next page, very unique! This would work for a more simple website, but when it comes to one with tons of information like the ones we are working it might be too confusing and overwhelming!
7. www.sitotis
This one just reminded me of one that someone in class is working on with a play book. I thought this could be used as a resource.
8. www.richardguerreiro.com
This is a cool website because of the use of Flash, I like how when you roll over the buckets their is a thumbnail of his works.
9. www.proyectiva.com
AWSOME, it almost seems like a game, I just wish I could understand it.
10. www.cokoon.de/cokoon07.swf
Very elegant, I love the little butterfly that flies away when clicked.
11. www.coolhomepages.com/#
Not necissarily designed but lots of other good websites that have neat designs.
I enjoy looking and showing people this website because you can look at menus from other companies. Its main purpose is not met by me because I have never ordered anything off of it or even thought to look at the online menu before I order. So far I think Japan is by far the most different from what I know as Pizza! TAKE A LOOK.
Yummy!
2. www.bernstein-rein.com
This is a deign website that is on the links page, but it is wonderful!! I love the bold solid colors and the transitions are great. It is like you are seeing the page being put together in front of your eyes, AWSOME!!
It is great how you can get to anywhere from anywhere, I can go from their works to their Culture without having to go to the homepage.
3. www.barkleyus.com
This site is wonderful because of its simplicity, although it is another design website. It is very easy to see what is suppose to be the main focus. There are a couple of things that I do not like such as when you view the works and click on something twice they play at the same time and is sometimes hard to turn one or the other off so you have two streams going at the same time.
4.www.usa.visitmaine.com
This is a beautiful website. It was actually and accidental find off of the website we are redesigning. It actually makes me want to go visit Maine! The mainpage has a large revolving photograph with reasons why to visit Maine. It is simply beautiful and the typography caught my eye. I am also interested to see if they change it based on the seasons because it does feel like fall.
Enjoy the type in this one:
5. www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/
Here is in my opinion an effective nature website. Like the one my group is working on this one contains a large amount of information. What makes it even more complex is the fact that it is a branch off another large information website, PBS, but they have set it up to were you can access the main PBS webpage along with the internal nature webpage without confusion. This is huge, currently I am working on a project that is almost the same thing, and I am having difficulty with it, I will be referring back to this page as a resource.
6. melissahie.com
This website is neat because of the way it slides you to the next page, very unique! This would work for a more simple website, but when it comes to one with tons of information like the ones we are working it might be too confusing and overwhelming!
7. www.sitotis
This one just reminded me of one that someone in class is working on with a play book. I thought this could be used as a resource.
8. www.richardguerreiro.com
This is a cool website because of the use of Flash, I like how when you roll over the buckets their is a thumbnail of his works.
9. www.proyectiva.com
AWSOME, it almost seems like a game, I just wish I could understand it.
10. www.cokoon.de/cokoon07.swf
Very elegant, I love the little butterfly that flies away when clicked.
11. www.coolhomepages.com/#
Not necissarily designed but lots of other good websites that have neat designs.
Recipe for a Successful Website
Great, fun to read article, but seems a little outdated.
(Combine)Content:
Must have only the BEST content, if it is good you do not need to have that much as long as it entices viewers emotions and makes them want to come back for more.
"Most people will not finish a meal if it is not tasty in the beginning!"
Freshness Counts...
It is important to have up-to-date information, no one wants to read something that is old. Nathan Shedroff (author) makes the point that you would not use week old lettuce or month old tomatoes in a salad so why would viewers want to consume old content. Of course something things can last and still be appealing, but for the most part change and updating is regularly needed,
So Does Quality...
Many sites feel that they need tons of content, so they create or add things that have no connection with that actual purpose of the site.
"If you aren't a content king, don't try to be."
What is interesting though is even if you do have to correct context interactivity is still needed to be successful. Ex, Newspapers have got it down on printed information but do not have good results with websites because they do not understand what interactive media entails.
You Can't Please all of the People all of the Time...
Some sites try being objective and end up creating sites NO ONE is interested in, your voice is why people will or will not come to your site!
(Mix)Information Design
The next step is to take this context and add organization and clarity. This begins with mapping everything you want included in the site then arranging and rearranging until the correct layout is found.
Navigation...
The setting of context which allows people to know what to expect, what to do, what they can do, and even, to some extent, how to do it. This is referred to as a cognitive model. If too much thinking is involved before entering or while visiting viewers will not visit or stay.
"Don't require them to return to the homepage every time they want to backtrack or access a different portion of your site."
One good element in good navigation is allowing your audience to navigate in many different ways. Along with knowing what the next pages purpose is before clicking. It is important to not confuse information design with visual design. Even if a cake looks nice on the outside if there was not enough time spent actually making it then it will taste bad. Remember do not organize too much. DO not have a separate folder for everything, it is suppose to be a linear experience.
Example of over organized website: The SIGCHA Baseline
(Whip)Performance
If your site takes a long time to load people will not want to wait for it and will probably not return even if it is a great designed site. This is where compromising has to take place, even though it looks great if it takes to long... This is when it is important to know who your audience is, what is the average software used?
"if you are trying to sell to "consumers," don;t even think about the building a site that requires anything more than a 14.4 modem connection!"
Assume the total size of the page = how many seconds it will take to load, 30K= at least 30 seconds.
Tricks to make Graphics files:
– GIF for graphics, JPEG for photographs
- Graphic styles of illustration and design (large expanses of colors)
– Vertical gradients vs. horizontal gradients
– Adaptive color palettes and small color depths
– Reuse of graphic elements
– Height and Width tags
– Interlacing JPEGs
(Bake)Compatibility
What ever is on the page should look good across all the different computers and operating systems, not just the latest versions. Determine your audience, and again figure out what they mostly use in the form of computers. Not as much of a problem currently
(Decorate)Visual Design
Many may look good but not taste so good. As in food the same goes in websites, they have to look aesthetically pleasing but not at the expense of the accessibility/organization/content. There are many wonderfully informed and organized sites that look extremely amateur, which detours people because they send a message that quality is not important.
"Whatever you do don't try to dictate your favorite color to them!"
(Serve)Interactive Design
Interaction is very important, most people who go out to eat go to a certain place because of more than just the food, service/location/convenience/price/ect. this is the same for a website, it is visited most often for more than just the information.
Feedback...
Allowing the customer the option of doing something on your site. If there was something to do on your site other than read more people might visit.
Communications...
Allow your viewer to talk, everyone likes to share his/her thoughts. Anything that will allow this will make the success of your website greater.
Adaptivity...
One of the most important experiences are those that are adaptive, or change with each member to meet their specific needs/interests/skills/believes/ect.
Location,Location,Location
Where your customers come from is very important to your design, you would tell different things to different locations.
(Combine)Content:
Must have only the BEST content, if it is good you do not need to have that much as long as it entices viewers emotions and makes them want to come back for more.
"Most people will not finish a meal if it is not tasty in the beginning!"
Freshness Counts...
It is important to have up-to-date information, no one wants to read something that is old. Nathan Shedroff (author) makes the point that you would not use week old lettuce or month old tomatoes in a salad so why would viewers want to consume old content. Of course something things can last and still be appealing, but for the most part change and updating is regularly needed,
So Does Quality...
Many sites feel that they need tons of content, so they create or add things that have no connection with that actual purpose of the site.
"If you aren't a content king, don't try to be."
What is interesting though is even if you do have to correct context interactivity is still needed to be successful. Ex, Newspapers have got it down on printed information but do not have good results with websites because they do not understand what interactive media entails.
You Can't Please all of the People all of the Time...
Some sites try being objective and end up creating sites NO ONE is interested in, your voice is why people will or will not come to your site!
(Mix)Information Design
The next step is to take this context and add organization and clarity. This begins with mapping everything you want included in the site then arranging and rearranging until the correct layout is found.
Navigation...
The setting of context which allows people to know what to expect, what to do, what they can do, and even, to some extent, how to do it. This is referred to as a cognitive model. If too much thinking is involved before entering or while visiting viewers will not visit or stay.
"Don't require them to return to the homepage every time they want to backtrack or access a different portion of your site."
One good element in good navigation is allowing your audience to navigate in many different ways. Along with knowing what the next pages purpose is before clicking. It is important to not confuse information design with visual design. Even if a cake looks nice on the outside if there was not enough time spent actually making it then it will taste bad. Remember do not organize too much. DO not have a separate folder for everything, it is suppose to be a linear experience.
Example of over organized website: The SIGCHA Baseline
(Whip)Performance
If your site takes a long time to load people will not want to wait for it and will probably not return even if it is a great designed site. This is where compromising has to take place, even though it looks great if it takes to long... This is when it is important to know who your audience is, what is the average software used?
"if you are trying to sell to "consumers," don;t even think about the building a site that requires anything more than a 14.4 modem connection!"
Assume the total size of the page = how many seconds it will take to load, 30K= at least 30 seconds.
Tricks to make Graphics files:
– GIF for graphics, JPEG for photographs
- Graphic styles of illustration and design (large expanses of colors)
– Vertical gradients vs. horizontal gradients
– Adaptive color palettes and small color depths
– Reuse of graphic elements
– Height and Width tags
– Interlacing JPEGs
(Bake)Compatibility
What ever is on the page should look good across all the different computers and operating systems, not just the latest versions. Determine your audience, and again figure out what they mostly use in the form of computers. Not as much of a problem currently
(Decorate)Visual Design
Many may look good but not taste so good. As in food the same goes in websites, they have to look aesthetically pleasing but not at the expense of the accessibility/organization/content. There are many wonderfully informed and organized sites that look extremely amateur, which detours people because they send a message that quality is not important.
"Whatever you do don't try to dictate your favorite color to them!"
(Serve)Interactive Design
Interaction is very important, most people who go out to eat go to a certain place because of more than just the food, service/location/convenience/price/ect. this is the same for a website, it is visited most often for more than just the information.
Feedback...
Allowing the customer the option of doing something on your site. If there was something to do on your site other than read more people might visit.
Communications...
Allow your viewer to talk, everyone likes to share his/her thoughts. Anything that will allow this will make the success of your website greater.
Adaptivity...
One of the most important experiences are those that are adaptive, or change with each member to meet their specific needs/interests/skills/believes/ect.
Location,Location,Location
Where your customers come from is very important to your design, you would tell different things to different locations.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Ladislave Sutnar
The original website is no longer accessible but I am still blogging about Ladislave Sutnar. I think he is a very important designer for design students to know about, especially given the assignment we are currently working on. He is the father of information graphics, inspiration for designers such as Edward Tufte and Richard Saul Wurman (previously blogged).
He is the greater of area-code design. Even before they were needed Sutnar foresaw the overload of information that would be needed in the near future and found a method to help organize it. He also made manual like devices that helped users effectively sort through enormous amounts of data. Even with these being written over 40 years ago they are still considered efficient and up to date designs.
Good sites about Sutnar:
www.magtypo.cz
www.aiga.org
www.designboom.com
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