Layout, for both print and screen, is one of the most important aspects of graphic design. Designs that extend across multiple pages or screens, whether containing large or small amounts of type, must be carefully controlled in a way that is enticing and is easy for all to access.
Careful control of visual hierarchy is a key aspect of the design decisions we have to consider. In this article, we will look at how frequently type needs to be broken down into different levels, such as topic, importance and tone of voice.
When I think about where we are with the Web in comparison to other media in history, pinpointing it is really hard. Is it like when the Gutenberg Press was just invented and we’re experimenting with movable type, or are we still embellishing pages and slavishly copying books by hand?
Our knowledge of building digital things changes rapidly, taking us from newborn to adult and back again every couple of years. It’s both exciting and frustrating, because just when you think you have it all figured out, it completely changes. But if you’re like me, learning something new keeps things interesting.
So, it seems pretty normal that our methods of designing and building websites are questioned every so often. The argument to ditch design apps (or to drastically minimize the time spent in them) and go straight to the browser has popped up a lot in the past few years and then quite recently. It’s obvious that our digital world and, by proxy, our design process are in a state of transition. And they should be: considering design in the context of your materials and goals is always important.
I tend to shy away from prescriptive approaches. Most decisions are framed by our experience, and, as humans, we’re continually drawn to and seek out what we already believe (known as “confirmation bias”), ignoring the rest. So, I strive to keep that in mind whenever listening to advice about how things should be done. We’re all navigating the same changing landscape here. What many designers recommend is the right answer for them and not necessarily the right answer for you, or your client. As Cameron Moll more eloquently states:
“You know your circumstances, your users, and your personal preferences best. And if that means responsive web design — or design methodology or todo app or office chair or whatever — isn’t the right choice for you, don’t be ashamed if you find yourself wanting more, or at least wanting something else.”
That’s exactly how I feel right now. A lot of the explorations into Web design lately have been looking for the best ways to optimize an experience and to make it as flexible as possible across devices. These are important issues. But what about the design principles we’ve proven and iterated on through a variety of media? How can we apply what we’ve learned about design so that it can be utilized in an appropriate way to create websites in this multi-canvas world?
In an interview with Elliot Jay Stocks, legendary typographer and designer Erik Spiekermann explains how he finds it funny that designers today complain about limitations in designing for mobile…
Fluidity allows you to reach people through all the different methods available
Some devices actually create new data, which yield new insights (i.e. FitBit, Fuel band, etc. This idea will also be interesting for toys.)
Network speeds increasing (huge difference from 3G to LTE)
With the decreased price of cloud storage, sharing content across devices is easier (shared experience)
Content management systems drive the consumer experience and should be integrated into the foundation of your platform
2. Types of connected experiences
Synchronized: for example, the eReader let’s you make notes and brings you back to where you last stopped, no matter the device. Evernote allows you to share information and access documents from different locations and devices.
Adaptive: content adapts to your current device. This could mean apps for the device you want to target or responsive websites. It’s important to consider how the customer will engage on a device and what information you need to share.
Complementary(second screen): people interact with content at an event or with others experiencing an event. A lot of networks are investing in second screen platforms. 80% of people with tablets watch television with a second screen in front of them; an opportunity for networks to build deeper experiences for customers.
Device shifting: people start searches on mobile/tablets and finishing them elsewhere, shifting seamlessly from device to device. Consider content and context of each device. For example, when searching for cars, on the phone you might want to show visuals, basic information, and location-based results, while on the PC you have expanded information, but don’t focus on location-based information specifically. Continuar leyendo «Multi-Device World: about design and more, and more… // @smashingmag / @flipthemedia»
All designers make mistakes. Craig Minchington examines the most common howlers, and how to avoid them.
Although we don’t like to admit it later on in our careers, when we start making our way as designers, we make a lot of mistakes. Once you’re working in a creative agency you quickly learn that there are a lot of things you should not do. Here I’ve compiled a list of 10 common design mistakes for you to be aware of. Although I’ve committed most of these crimes myself, I have learned from them and hopefully they can help you too…
01. Not understanding the brief
Get as much detail about what the clients wants and needs, as early on as possible
Without a clear idea of what the client wants you can end up making matters complicated for yourself. A lot of time can be wasted procrastinating, or working up design ideas that may not be relevant to the client’s needs. Instead, you need to read and understand the brief carefully from the start, make notes, brainstorm and try to keep in contact with the client to ensure that what you are working up is heading in the right direction.
02. Not saving files correctly
In general, save your designs as CMYK for print, RGB for web
Knowing how to set up your files correctly from the start is vitally important. There are many things to consider depending on the output of the work.
Print work is generally set up as CMYK and at 300dpi, whereas work for the web should be RGB at 72dpi. Remember to consider bleed, trim and safety areas. Before sending to print, think about your file formats, outlining fonts and colour profiles.
In many Eastern cultures the Dharma is the mission that is entrusted to each person in the moment of birth. It is said that if we are able of hearing ourselves and act on our essential nature, we will find the meaning of our life. DARMA was born that way, from the vocation and the need to devote our lives to what excites us the most: the graphic design and advertising on the one hand, and the engineering on the other. This blog is a space for our thoughts and for all those things we like and love: design, art, architecture, inspiration, lifestyle…
Typography is an important and crucial part of any web design. For this reason, almost every designer pays lots of attention to the use of typography. In this round-up, we are showcasing some excellent examples of typography in web design.
The latest trend in web typography is to employ bigger fonts that grab the attention of the viewers. Applying big typographic elements helps visitors in paying attention to the main element of the design.
Now, we shall take a look at some great examples of websites that demonstrate effective use of typography in their design. Enjoy!
Sebastien CUYPERS is a french graphic designer and illustrator based in Paris, France. Born in 1980 and got used to drawing from early childhood on, in his works typography adds to the motif to make it complete but at the same time acts as an autonomous and stand-alone feature of the layout. He handles letters like characters, allowing for their own and strong expression.
CUYPERS designs are not bound to one single medium, he is working as a graphic designer for a communication agency as well as designing for skateboards and customizing vinyl toys. Besides that he has a particular affinity to T-Shirt design which he calls his first love. He likes the way shirts are transmitting a message or a mood according to place and situation and sees an artist designed shirt as a kind of living support for self-expression.
Typography is one of the most fascinating elements of graphic design. If it’s web design, album art, posters, or any other type of graphic design, typographical inspiration can be a great resource for designers. Here we have added 22 most beautiful examples of creative typography designs for your inspiration. Continuar leyendo «26 Creative Typography Graphic Designs and Illustrations for your inspiration»
Purpose of brochure may vary from business to business. Some are designed to display services, whereas others are focused on selling a product.
Print design is becoming quite influential in print design. As I am looking for print design references for a brochure I am working on, I decided to select some nice brochures and print design examples to share with you.
As a graphic designer, it could be challenging sometimes explaining to a client the elements needed for an effective business card design. To be more specific, I think it’s trying to have your client visualize what you are trying to explain to them that’s the real problem.
I took a stroll a the Daily Infographic and found this cool guide on how to properly design a business card. Very basic for designers but it could be a fun tool to use for your clients.
Having a good design on a website is somehow important in a way that it increase the brand and to have a so called professionalism. As you may see, we have featured many inspiring website designs in the past articles for you to have some fresh ideas. Now we have compiled another list of beautiful websites that maybe you haven’t seen yet.
Here, in this next post, a compilation of cool website designs is showcased to further inspire budding website owners and designers in creating cool designs. Take a peek at this 33 Splendid Website Designs and let these great ideas inspire you… Have fun!!!
Author : Ebrian Acebedo
A medical student from Philippines who apparently likes web design. To get in touch with the author, Follow him on Twitter or be a friend on Facebook
Having a good design on a website is somehow important in a way that it increase the brand and to have a so called professionalism. As you may see, we have featured many inspiring website designs in the past articles for you to have some fresh ideas. Now we have compiled another list of beautiful websites that maybe you haven’t seen yet.
Here, in this next post, a compilation of cool website designs is showcased to further inspire budding website owners and designers in creating cool designs. Take a peek at this 33 Splendid Website Designs and let these great ideas inspire you… Have fun!!!
You may want to take a look at the following related articles:
Thinking about what’s next online is fun because everything you wish to come true will come true. While commercial products obey to the laws of the market, which in part are influenced by the resources needed to create these products, the web is defined by the user. If the user wants something he will either get it or create it himself. To see beyond today’s limits of the web all we need to do is see what is needed.
Simplicity
Most of us will agree that today’s web sites are still way too difficult use. They are overcrowded with irrelevant information and confusing functionality. If you open a contemporary news site you get bombarded with features and advertisement. Many web sites want to do too much, too quickly. They lack in mainly three regards:
I’ve been asked by the Italian magazine L’Espresso to write an article on The Future of Web Design. Here is the (longer) English text.
Thinking about what’s next online is fun because everything you wish to come true will come true. While commercial products obey to the laws of the market, which in part are influenced by the resources needed to create these products, the web is defined by the user. If the user wants something he will either get it or create it himself. To see beyond today’s limits of the web all we need to do is see what is needed.
Simplicity
Most of us will agree that today’s web sites are still way too difficult use. They are overcrowded with irrelevant information and confusing functionality. If you open a contemporary news site you get bombarded with features and advertisement. Many web sites want to do too much, too quickly. They lack in mainly three regards: Continuar leyendo «What’s Next in Web Design?»
This time we’re having a look at some web designs that are examples of true art: keeping it simple. Making a simple and clean design can be quite a challenge for any of us, and it usually needs a lot of practice to be able to get it right with as few elements as possible.
Why do Simple and Clean Web Designs Work So Well?
There are several reasons why these clean designs seem to work very well and have become so popular:
* They load quickly
* They’re easy to navigate through
* The content stands out better
* They feel comfortable to visit
* In a world with a lot of info, they stand out
* They stand the test of time better than many other designs
There are more reasons as well. Be aware though, that making them doesn’t necessarily have to take any less skill or work hours compared to more complex designs.
Keeping It Simple
These designs have been selected by browsing design galleries for hours. What we looked for were simple and clean designs that give a solid and professional feel.
This time we’re having a look at some web designs that are examples of true art: keeping it simple. Making a simple and clean design can be quite a challenge for any of us, and it usually needs a lot of practice to be able to get it right with as few elements as possible.
There are several reasons why these clean designs seem to work very well and have become so popular:
They load quickly
They’re easy to navigate through
The content stands out better
They feel comfortable to visit
In a world with a lot of info, they stand out
They stand the test of time better than many other designs
There are more reasons as well. Be aware though, that making them doesn’t necessarily have to take any less skill or work hours compared to more complex designs.
Keeping It Simple
These designs have been selected by browsing design galleries for hours. What we looked for were simple and clean designs that give a solid and professional feel.
50 Clean & Minimalistic Web Designs
Now, let’s have a closer look at our selected websites!
Personal websites are becoming increasingly popular and they are often provide an excellent source of design inspiration. In this post we’ll feature 25 examples of well-designed personal websites. This showcase presents a variety of different styles. You’ll see mostly blogs and/or social streaming sites, but there are a lot of different approaches and design styles.
The list was so inspiring and commented on that we decided to do a new one with another 50 inspiring dark web designs. So here they are, 50 new examples of how some sites are using dark colors as main elements of their design. Enjoy.
The list was so inspiring and commented on that we decided to do a new one with another 50 inspiring dark web designs. So here they are, 50 new examples of how some sites are using dark colors as main elements of their design. Enjoy.
Alimentación, ocio y negocios, ALOYN, es un Grupo dirigido a Directivos y Propietarios de empresas, interesados en el mundo de la industria de alimentación y bebidas. Tanto por la parte de la industria productora como por la parte de la industria consumidora y/o distribuidora (Distribución Comercial, Horeca, Vending, Venta Directa, etc). También nos interesan las actividades ligadas al agroturismo y el enoturismo como magníficas actividades de promoción y difusión de la cultura gastronómica.
Gabriel Catalano® 
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