too tired >> school holidays

should be full of energy as the school holidays are here at last!
I am just too tired to get things going. I have two new web sites to re-design and a whole bunch of other stuff to get done, so today I am taking it easy.

a quick flash >>

for a long time I was one of those people who didn't like flash introductions to websites preferring to go down the jakob nielsen route of usability when designing as well as using the internet, and I know that a few years ago the most clicked button on the internet was skip intro!

however I have changed, obviously with the brandband pretty much the norm. a good flash introduction can really help and differentiate design as far as a website. watching the way the students I teach use the internet gives me a real insight as to how people view things and I have noticed that a good short flash clip adds to the site. to this end I have started to add into some of the teaching I do flash animation especially centred around web intros. concentrating on a really tight, well thought out, well structured mini film.

one example I think works well is the intro on the kustom footwear site.

doesn't have to be complicated >> to be good

occasionally I happen across a website that I like the look and feel of straight away. zapata design is just one, I am not even sure how I found it or what I was looking for. the site was designed by patricia zapata a graphic designer with over 10 years experience in professional services and consumer product design.

however a lot has been said recently after the cost of the london olympic logo (don't go there!) was made public. a bad example but it did get design and designers in the news.

it is difficult to put a value on ability, in my opinion the zapata web design gets close to a pure simple yet considered layout with a clear navigation with great subtle touches. and I just like it.