I’m a sucker for strong, bol typography and this is right up my street visually, (shame that the titles are only images but hey! we’re dealing with a restrictive 6 font web/google world, if you’re bothered about web standards)
The layout is fantastic and there is some great attention to detail, not sure where the ants come in but I love the fact they have burrowed themselves all the way to the bottom.
This site is so well structured and visually demands the users attention (it’s a great advert for when a client turns around and says, “there’s too much scrolling” and…), there’s some amazing stuff coming out of Australia at the moment, I think all that sunshine you guys get is reflected in your designs!
Sadly, I wasn’t compelled to read anything that was written, due to the lack of any discernible reading pattern or visual rhythm.
While the art direction and choice of typography were not bad, the misuse of color contrast and other elements transformed the content into little more than visual noise.
On a 1024 screen, there is no breathing space.
The scroll effect is essentially a gimmick that’s already been done several times before. The “best of” title is arguable when compared to a lot of other current websites.
What struck me as well was the nagging feeling that this site was designed by a print designer, or rather a designer who has most of his/her experience in print media.
Overall: The site’s obvious lack of fundamentals could not be disguised by the gimmick layout and scrolling effect.
Valid comments – the only point i’d like to make is why does it bother you that this has the essence of a print designer? In my opinion this is exactly what the web needs, something that offers a little more than the conventional and after all, what was and potentially is the most used medium for design? PAPER…
Sadly, I feel these aesthetics are somewhat being lost due to the demand of the internet and we shouldn’t lose these core values, yes there may be some gimmicks on the site, the scrolling mechanism being the main/over used one and for me the core body copy is a little small and inconsistent and we could do with some more ‘leading’ or in the web world ‘line height’ but the layout and structure for me is very appealing and refreshing.
I think single page designs are great, but only for people that are famiiar with them. So as a web professional, I love them! Not so sure if they’re good for the average user though.
In this particular design, I love the visual treatment that divides each section. Very creative.
I think theres waaay too much visual noise for those large blocks of text. I also had no desire to read any of the copy.
Don’t get me wrong, the “visual noise” looks very nice. I’m quite impressed with it. But the design + copy aren’t working well together. A few usability tests would show that right away.
could just be me, but that floating navigation is annoying!
Because the print medium has its own set of rules that are not always adaptable to web. Some rules from both mediums can be adapted to the other, but largely, they cannot.
Think of it this way:
The “unpredictable variables” of web begin with the end user: everything from their browser, viewing size, hardware used, available proprietary tech, and a number of other variables have to be taken into consideration.
This is outside of the print/web issue that is color contrast: contrasts possible on CMYK are not always possible with RBG, and vice versa, due to the differences of the two mediums having either subtractive or additive systems.
In comparison to print, where the unpredictable variables are far less (paper size and type, color, print quality, etc. are all controlled BEFORE the end result is presented to the user), the approaches and preparations are significantly different, thus, the end result generally needs to be “made-for-the-medium”.
This is not to say print is an inferior medium. In fact, because the output can be controlled, print designers actually tend to have more “freedom” with their work, whereas web designers have to factor in what I call “consideration” measures for the end-users, thus constraining a lot of what is possible.
However, the above does not change the fact that the designer of this site hasn’t fully grasped the fundamentals of designing for the web. Thus, once this site’s initial “wow” element has worn off, the gimmicky aspects will not be enough to hide how difficult this site is to use for the end user.
I was initially impressed when I looked at this but the more time I spend on it the less I like it.
It seems like it should be good but it just doesn’t work. There’s way too much text and it’s been treated badly. Kind of like it was designed blind – not knowing how much content there was going to be and what it was about until the site was already designed and coded.
I like some of the design elements though, especially how the logo in the menu kind of integrates with the page as you scroll.
I don’t want to get involved in a condescending debate, your long winded reply I hope wasn’t for my benefit, as I’m more than aware of these variables between print and web, as I deal with clients and usablitiy factors day in and day out, but as with the majority of these galeries that are heavily populating the web, we just seem to have a constant stream of portfolio and agency work which is very appealing to the design community yet may not be as appealing to the typical ‘joe bloggs’.
With this in mind and being predominently aimed at the design community I think this site is more than worthy of some praise.
All I was stating was that the aesthetics and approach are refreshing, although not quite perfected are still pleasant on the eye.
Dudeydudey… the dog that barks too much has no bite. All to say there
That being said, I don’t like this site. Looks O.K. on my high res monitor, but I can’t help but feel claustrophobic when I use Web Dev to scale down smaller. Also for ‘Creative Engaging Branding’ as a tagline, I didn’t really feel engaged at all. Seems very cluttered and overbearing, and plain boring navigation doesn’t help. Just my thoughts
The design is overall fairly nice but I do agree with comments above – I found I had flicked right to the bottom and then read all of the comments above before I realised I hadn’t read a single drop of the text on the site. It just isn’t well laid out and has no real visual flow, a shame as the design direction and many of the details are great.
I find the one page site idea great if done well, I just don’t think this has been thought through completely and maybe just needs to a small readjustment to make it worthy of the ‘Best of’ accolade it has been given here.
No problems pal I don’t mind some intelligent debate it’s what sites like this are for.
Personally I would like to see some very client based sites that are created by these fantastic designers and agencies which would really open up a discussion of best websites…
Hey, Personally me I think the site is ok it can be better. Yes the comments are negative but thats what makes feedback/comments very productive. User feedback is the best feedback.
I liked the color selection and the layout design. I don’t know why there are negative feedback too but it is a personal choice! Keep up the good work!
I don’t understand the negative comments either! I think this is a fantastic design, focusing on all the strongvisual elements so many websites ignore these days. Great use of colour and typography, and the clean layout makes it easy to read and use.
I love the fixed position navigation scrolling, it’s so clever and different.
An amazing design!
As a folio piece, it’s fantastic. Really showcases creativity and how you can lay out a website alternatively.
The negative…. although it’s initially very impressive, it’s not the most usable. I’d guess just by looking that the conversion rate of the site is a lot lower than it would be if it was a “traditional” layout that visitors are used to.
Still, +1 for creativity and all around awesomeness
20 Comments
WOW! Stunning!
I’m a sucker for strong, bol typography and this is right up my street visually, (shame that the titles are only images but hey! we’re dealing with a restrictive 6 font web/google world, if you’re bothered about web standards)
The layout is fantastic and there is some great attention to detail, not sure where the ants come in but I love the fact they have burrowed themselves all the way to the bottom.
This site is so well structured and visually demands the users attention (it’s a great advert for when a client turns around and says, “there’s too much scrolling” and…), there’s some amazing stuff coming out of Australia at the moment, I think all that sunshine you guys get is reflected in your designs!
Inspiring!
Thank you…
Sadly, I wasn’t compelled to read anything that was written, due to the lack of any discernible reading pattern or visual rhythm.
While the art direction and choice of typography were not bad, the misuse of color contrast and other elements transformed the content into little more than visual noise.
On a 1024 screen, there is no breathing space.
The scroll effect is essentially a gimmick that’s already been done several times before. The “best of” title is arguable when compared to a lot of other current websites.
What struck me as well was the nagging feeling that this site was designed by a print designer, or rather a designer who has most of his/her experience in print media.
Overall: The site’s obvious lack of fundamentals could not be disguised by the gimmick layout and scrolling effect.
Score: 2/5
I agree with “dudeydudeydude” about it feeling like a print design, but in this case I think it works- and works well.
Nice site
@dude
Our opioins couldn’t be more polarised!
Valid comments – the only point i’d like to make is why does it bother you that this has the essence of a print designer? In my opinion this is exactly what the web needs, something that offers a little more than the conventional and after all, what was and potentially is the most used medium for design? PAPER…
Sadly, I feel these aesthetics are somewhat being lost due to the demand of the internet and we shouldn’t lose these core values, yes there may be some gimmicks on the site, the scrolling mechanism being the main/over used one and for me the core body copy is a little small and inconsistent and we could do with some more ‘leading’ or in the web world ‘line height’ but the layout and structure for me is very appealing and refreshing.
I think single page designs are great, but only for people that are famiiar with them. So as a web professional, I love them! Not so sure if they’re good for the average user though.
In this particular design, I love the visual treatment that divides each section. Very creative.
I agree with dudeydudeydude..
I think theres waaay too much visual noise for those large blocks of text. I also had no desire to read any of the copy.
Don’t get me wrong, the “visual noise” looks very nice. I’m quite impressed with it. But the design + copy aren’t working well together. A few usability tests would show that right away.
could just be me, but that floating navigation is annoying!
@Vern
Because the print medium has its own set of rules that are not always adaptable to web. Some rules from both mediums can be adapted to the other, but largely, they cannot.
Think of it this way:
The “unpredictable variables” of web begin with the end user: everything from their browser, viewing size, hardware used, available proprietary tech, and a number of other variables have to be taken into consideration.
This is outside of the print/web issue that is color contrast: contrasts possible on CMYK are not always possible with RBG, and vice versa, due to the differences of the two mediums having either subtractive or additive systems.
In comparison to print, where the unpredictable variables are far less (paper size and type, color, print quality, etc. are all controlled BEFORE the end result is presented to the user), the approaches and preparations are significantly different, thus, the end result generally needs to be “made-for-the-medium”.
This is not to say print is an inferior medium. In fact, because the output can be controlled, print designers actually tend to have more “freedom” with their work, whereas web designers have to factor in what I call “consideration” measures for the end-users, thus constraining a lot of what is possible.
However, the above does not change the fact that the designer of this site hasn’t fully grasped the fundamentals of designing for the web. Thus, once this site’s initial “wow” element has worn off, the gimmicky aspects will not be enough to hide how difficult this site is to use for the end user.
I was initially impressed when I looked at this but the more time I spend on it the less I like it.
It seems like it should be good but it just doesn’t work. There’s way too much text and it’s been treated badly. Kind of like it was designed blind – not knowing how much content there was going to be and what it was about until the site was already designed and coded.
I like some of the design elements though, especially how the logo in the menu kind of integrates with the page as you scroll.
@dude
I don’t want to get involved in a condescending debate, your long winded reply I hope wasn’t for my benefit, as I’m more than aware of these variables between print and web, as I deal with clients and usablitiy factors day in and day out, but as with the majority of these galeries that are heavily populating the web, we just seem to have a constant stream of portfolio and agency work which is very appealing to the design community yet may not be as appealing to the typical ‘joe bloggs’.
With this in mind and being predominently aimed at the design community I think this site is more than worthy of some praise.
All I was stating was that the aesthetics and approach are refreshing, although not quite perfected are still pleasant on the eye.
Dudeydudey… the dog that barks too much has no bite. All to say there
That being said, I don’t like this site. Looks O.K. on my high res monitor, but I can’t help but feel claustrophobic when I use Web Dev to scale down smaller. Also for ‘Creative Engaging Branding’ as a tagline, I didn’t really feel engaged at all. Seems very cluttered and overbearing, and plain boring navigation doesn’t help. Just my thoughts
@Vern: apologies if I came off as condescending, that wasn’t my intention. I thought you were posing a question, hence my reply.
@Rich: excuse me?
The design is overall fairly nice but I do agree with comments above – I found I had flicked right to the bottom and then read all of the comments above before I realised I hadn’t read a single drop of the text on the site. It just isn’t well laid out and has no real visual flow, a shame as the design direction and many of the details are great.
I find the one page site idea great if done well, I just don’t think this has been thought through completely and maybe just needs to a small readjustment to make it worthy of the ‘Best of’ accolade it has been given here.
@dude
No problems pal I don’t mind some intelligent debate it’s what sites like this are for.
Personally I would like to see some very client based sites that are created by these fantastic designers and agencies which would really open up a discussion of best websites…
Ian nailed it. I liked this site less the more time I spent on it.
I am in favour of challenging conventions but is it too hard to make the logo a link to the homepage?
A good work. I like so much this site by scroll in the menu. A great idea
I can’t believe how negative the above comments are about this site. When I saw there were 15, I was expecting all of them to be high praise.
I love good typography and clever layout – and this site, for me, is what its all about rather than a ‘photoshop’ look.
The fixed position navigation changing the layout whilst scrolling is amazing!
4/5
Hey, Personally me I think the site is ok it can be better. Yes the comments are negative but thats what makes feedback/comments very productive. User feedback is the best feedback.
I liked the color selection and the layout design. I don’t know why there are negative feedback too but it is a personal choice! Keep up the good work!
I don’t understand the negative comments either! I think this is a fantastic design, focusing on all the strongvisual elements so many websites ignore these days. Great use of colour and typography, and the clean layout makes it easy to read and use.
I love the fixed position navigation scrolling, it’s so clever and different.
An amazing design!
As a folio piece, it’s fantastic. Really showcases creativity and how you can lay out a website alternatively.
The negative…. although it’s initially very impressive, it’s not the most usable. I’d guess just by looking that the conversion rate of the site is a lot lower than it would be if it was a “traditional” layout that visitors are used to.
Still, +1 for creativity and all around awesomeness