Please see my final portfolio screen designs below:
Home page
Inner page
Work page
A PDF with more details can also be seen here.
Tuesday 17 March 2009
Monday 9 March 2009
Portfolio initial screen designs
I have whittled my many ideas down to two. My personal favourite is the 2nd, by far - but I wanted to get across the various thought processes I've been through. I'm open to suggestions/criticisms for both of the ideas, and how I could compromise in order to gain the best from my portfolio.
Idea 1:
Idea 2:
I will shortly be posting the ideas on Das Forum, so please comment on them there.
Idea 1:
Idea 2:
I will shortly be posting the ideas on Das Forum, so please comment on them there.
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Competitive Analysis
Professional Portfolio - 'Things That are Brown'
This portfolio has an overall professional feel, with a somewhat personal touch through the playful graphics in the logo and on the left hand side.
The first thing that my eye went to was the small blurb about the company, as it was highlighted by a different background colour and a larger font. This introductory paragraph seems common on portfolios, giving an overall impression of what the designer/company is about. This could be a key attraction to potential clients, and as such it's important that it's right.
My first criticism is the number of featured works on the home page. There isn't one or two pieces of work to invite the user in. Having this large number of works could push users away as they don't know where to look first. However, the prominence of the 'View Recent Work' button is good, as it leads the user on through the site. It may be better to have a specific home page, rather than having the portfolio page as the introductory page.
The 'About' page is a good example of keeping a portfolio personal. By letting clients get to know the company in this way, it helps form a relationship and an association even before contact is made.
In terms of the structure of the site, it is relatively simple, with only a few pages. This helps keep the site to the point, which is definitely a strength.
The inclusion of a blog is a common occurrence portfolio sites, and it's something that I like to see - even if it is more of designer to designer rather than designer to client. However, whilst I would consider adding this in the future, it's not something I'd like to do at the moment - I don't feel I have the time or commitment to do it. An outdated or uninteresting blog could do more harm than good.
On a negative is the fact that the code for the site doesn't validate. For me, this is a priority, as it shows you know what you're doing with the code. A prospective employer wouldn't look kindly on such an oversight.
On the whole, the site is a good example of a portfolio - being both professional and personal, and effectively displaying an array of work. It also provides a good means for contact - although more social networking links, e.g. Twitter, can again encourage potential clients to familiarise themselves with you.
Student Portfolio - 'IAMJAMIEWRIGHT'
The first thing that attracts attention on this site is the flash video at the top right. Whilst this shows technical expertise, to me it just seems a bit egocentric, and unnecessary. It could be considered to be a distraction from the important bit - the content.
The design uses a variety of colours, which although very different, compliment each other quite well. There could, however, be an issue of contrast with the purple and the lighter purple writing on the logotype.
The screen real estate seems rather unbalanced, with a large area at the top which contains little or no relevant content. This is especially noticeable on a small screen - such as that on my Macbook.
The content of the site is quite colloquial in style. Whilst this adds a friendliness to the site, it also takes away from the professionalism in some ways - particularly in the use of some vocabulary.
The display of the work itself is set out over three separate pages - levels 1, 2, and 3. This is a little inaccessible to those unfamiliar with what each of the levels are.
Another problem is the display of the actual work, which is not very visual. For me, this is uninviting - I don't want to have to read a large blurb before seeing what I'm there to see. The final product is what really matters.
A key element missing from the site is a way in which to contact the designer. This is key in looking for potential clients, as it provides a method through which they can make enquiries and approach the designer for work.
As with the professional portfolio, the code doesn't validate. Again, it is strange that this is not a priority - it compromises the designer's professionalism.
CONCLUSION
For me, the differences between the professional and student portfolio is huge. It's important that I take into account the differences whilst considering the development of my design - use the strengths and avoid the weaknesses. Another good resource I will be using is Smashing Magazine's '10 Steps to the Perfect Portfolio Website'.
This portfolio has an overall professional feel, with a somewhat personal touch through the playful graphics in the logo and on the left hand side.
The first thing that my eye went to was the small blurb about the company, as it was highlighted by a different background colour and a larger font. This introductory paragraph seems common on portfolios, giving an overall impression of what the designer/company is about. This could be a key attraction to potential clients, and as such it's important that it's right.
My first criticism is the number of featured works on the home page. There isn't one or two pieces of work to invite the user in. Having this large number of works could push users away as they don't know where to look first. However, the prominence of the 'View Recent Work' button is good, as it leads the user on through the site. It may be better to have a specific home page, rather than having the portfolio page as the introductory page.
The 'About' page is a good example of keeping a portfolio personal. By letting clients get to know the company in this way, it helps form a relationship and an association even before contact is made.
In terms of the structure of the site, it is relatively simple, with only a few pages. This helps keep the site to the point, which is definitely a strength.
The inclusion of a blog is a common occurrence portfolio sites, and it's something that I like to see - even if it is more of designer to designer rather than designer to client. However, whilst I would consider adding this in the future, it's not something I'd like to do at the moment - I don't feel I have the time or commitment to do it. An outdated or uninteresting blog could do more harm than good.
On a negative is the fact that the code for the site doesn't validate. For me, this is a priority, as it shows you know what you're doing with the code. A prospective employer wouldn't look kindly on such an oversight.
On the whole, the site is a good example of a portfolio - being both professional and personal, and effectively displaying an array of work. It also provides a good means for contact - although more social networking links, e.g. Twitter, can again encourage potential clients to familiarise themselves with you.
Student Portfolio - 'IAMJAMIEWRIGHT'
The first thing that attracts attention on this site is the flash video at the top right. Whilst this shows technical expertise, to me it just seems a bit egocentric, and unnecessary. It could be considered to be a distraction from the important bit - the content.
The design uses a variety of colours, which although very different, compliment each other quite well. There could, however, be an issue of contrast with the purple and the lighter purple writing on the logotype.
The screen real estate seems rather unbalanced, with a large area at the top which contains little or no relevant content. This is especially noticeable on a small screen - such as that on my Macbook.
The content of the site is quite colloquial in style. Whilst this adds a friendliness to the site, it also takes away from the professionalism in some ways - particularly in the use of some vocabulary.
The display of the work itself is set out over three separate pages - levels 1, 2, and 3. This is a little inaccessible to those unfamiliar with what each of the levels are.
Another problem is the display of the actual work, which is not very visual. For me, this is uninviting - I don't want to have to read a large blurb before seeing what I'm there to see. The final product is what really matters.
A key element missing from the site is a way in which to contact the designer. This is key in looking for potential clients, as it provides a method through which they can make enquiries and approach the designer for work.
As with the professional portfolio, the code doesn't validate. Again, it is strange that this is not a priority - it compromises the designer's professionalism.
CONCLUSION
For me, the differences between the professional and student portfolio is huge. It's important that I take into account the differences whilst considering the development of my design - use the strengths and avoid the weaknesses. Another good resource I will be using is Smashing Magazine's '10 Steps to the Perfect Portfolio Website'.
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