Spilt Inkwell

1. HOK
HOK’s website was very cool! Their work is amazing and there is so much of it. The site is really compatible with the projects, making it far more appealing. It welcomes you with a slideshow of the company’s various projects. Though interesting the slideshow may have been, I was a little thrown off with confusion as how to actually enter the site; there are no indicators. As I scrolled around the page, I noticed that the only text on the screen would follow me. This ended up being the menu for the rest of the site. I enjoyed the bit of interaction, but I still wish there was more direction. After finding my way into the actual site, I was impressed with the organization of the layout. One has no trouble navigating around. The web designers took a simple approach when it came to the graphics. The grey background complements the images and there are no frills that would distract the viewer. It is a smart design for smart designers.
2. Mancini Duffy-
Honestly, this is not a favorite of mine. I’m sorry to say, but the graphics look rather unprofessional. Both the font and graphics are just too plain. Visiting the main page alone, I would not have the urge to go any further. In other words, it does not grab me at all. Though I may not like this site, I can’t deny that the layout and navigation are very simple. There is no confusion when it comes to getting from one place to another in the site. Those are the only things going for it though. The pictures are too small to really see and their resolution is really bad. I'm sure this firm is great, but the work does not reflect in the design of the website.
3. Colvin
When I browsed for design firms, I came across Colvin Designs. As I clicked on the site, I was impressed with the introduction of the site. Quotes scrolled across the page, raving about the designer in question. My eye was drawn to the center of the screen, not only because of the moving words, but also because the page is sectioned into three parts, with font and pictures only in the center. I thought that was a smart idea. As the introduction ended and the site opened, I could not help but feel let down by the overall appearance of the site. I have to admit, the layout is clean and not overpowering, but the information and project images where nothing too special. They were small in size and in numbers. I wish there would be more examples of the work.
4. Rmjm Hillier-
RMJM’s website is a perfect example of good layout and graphics. The site has color, but mostly white space. The menu is on one side, which makes access very simple. Each label is a different color and as you click on each, it will bring you to the corresponding page. All of the colors on the page match the colors in the menu bar. I found it smart that when I clicked on a label from the menu, the label actually elongates across the page, which made my eye follow it. Equally important is the interaction incorporated. In order to look at projects, you have to drag the thumbnail image into a box, in which it will resize to show it. As I looked more at the page, I noticed the clocks at the bottom. Each clock tells the actual time in each zone. It is not something I would ever think of, but I think it is an interesting idea nonetheless. I really enjoyed this site.
5. SSDG Interior Design-
Good first impression. It is a clean layout and it works really well. All of the information is centered in the page and is surrounded by blank space. I appreciate that idea because my eye was drawn to the center upon entering this site. The layout has no real bells and whistles, therefore pain navigation, and the firm’s portfolio is amazing; it is so unique. They did a great job!
6. EYP-
This site is ranked high as one of my favorites. The flaws are so minimal if there are any at all. The graphics are simple and to the point. I like the way the background is a gradient scale; it makes the eye travel across the page, along with the shading. I also enjoyed how the menu was on one side while the descriptions and additional information was on the other; the organization works well. The only problem I had with the site was that I had trouble accessing a few links but that is a technical problem that can be easily fixed.
7. Spillis Candela DMJM
Design Firm Spillis Candela DMJM has a well rounded website in my opinion at least. The site is surrounded by color (but not in an unappealing way), the graphics are simple, yet intriguing, and the layout has good flow. I think the circles add a nice touch and I think it is good that they incorporate the menu into the site. This firm’s website also has continuity with the design, which is great. I had fun exploring this site; the portfolio is amazing and very substantial.
8. DBI
DBI’s website has a lot of excellent components, but I think it is clear that the site is so interesting because it is so interactive. The Introduction is playful yet serious and it does a good job foreshadowing what the actual site will look like. The graphics of the site are well designed. The main site is largely a black backdrop. The firm’s information rests in the middle on a grid pattern. The contents of the menu takes up an individual square on the grid and when you scroll over a menu square, branch links will appear in the nearby squares, allowing the viewer to see what there is to offer. When it comes to the layout, apart from being detailed, I think it works very well. With each click to the next category, the site changes itself and opens to reveal even more interesting material. Though I don’t particularly like the work of Dbi, I find the website makes up for it.
9. Heery International.
The designers at Heery International have an excellent, not to mention very dynamic portfolio. Honestly, I wish I could say the same for the website. It is too boring for my taste. There is a difference between simple and boring, and this site has crossed the line. It has no real spark to it and because of it; I did not spend much time looking around. This is not to say that everything is wrong with the website, in fact, I think the organization and layout is great. The layout is the same for every branching link. There is a purple stripe that borders every link and I appreciate that. I think the designers could add a few alterations and it would immediately appear better.
1o. Studios Architecture-
Studios Architecture’s site is another simple yet dynamic website. The actual page is very simple. There is a large picture and the main menu is placed in a band at the top. When a category in the menu is clicked on, the page does not change, rather the sub-categories create a stair effect to the next selection. I liked that they chose not to change the page throughout. It makes the site simple in a way, but very dynamic as well. I have not seen another website do that before.