Design Jones

The disciplined grid-based design of the Inventory site HERE really caught my eye. Great to see some lovely type like this online, all too rare! Obviously this site takes strong visual cues from the print version but the application works really well. You can see some of Stuart Hobday’s other work HERE on The Behance Network.

A quick catch up of some useful resources or articles from the last week or so.

‘Branding Starts With A Purpose…”
Great article over at Processed Identity HERE all about creating brands from the inside out and reflecting the heart of an organisation.

“11 Ways to Make Your Space Collaborative”
Having worked in a few different studios over the past few weeks, I’ve seen a few of the ideas in practice, this article is well worth a read if you need to shake up your creative spaces. Read it in full HERE.

“The Current State Of Web Design”
Smashing Magazine taking an in depth look at the latest in web design from 2010. Key things to look for; strong, rich typography and heavy influences from print design. Check it out HERE.

Web Designer Wall have a good roundup of user interface and experience trends and what to expect in 2010 as things moves forward. Their overall feel is that we’re moving towards much greater simplicity. Single page sites, larger areas of white space and the influence of iPhone apps and their sites to grow. Here’s a brief excerpt on what they mean by ‘Design Simplicity’ but you can read the article in full HERE.

“This means fewer pages, less clicks, less clutter and more whitespace. In 2010, clean is King… Now, more than ever, design needs to engage the user, provide succinct information and allow them to go on their merry way…

Now Design Simplicity does not mean removing functionality or access to information. This trend of simplicity is not as easy as reducing the elements and content in your user interface. To achieve the less is more effect, you have to develop a valuable user experience by utilizing a creative toolset.”

“One interesting finding of these studies is that users really do judge a book by its cover… or rather, a website by its design. Elements such as layout, consistency, typography, color and style all affect how users perceive your website and what kind of image you project. Your website should project not only a good image but also the right one for your audience.”

This is just one of the findings of Smashing Magazine’s latest usabilty findings and guidelines report. Others include, vertical layouts for online forms, the benefits of using white space and the degree to which users become blind to advertising.

It is full of things that are reassuring, sometimes suprising but always useful and valuable. You can read the article in full HERE.

Apologies for such a long delay in updates to the blog folks, I know a lot of you have been asking what’s going on so it’s only fair to share some of the work I’ve been involved with these last few exciting and challening weeks. I’m sure updates to the portfolio and everything will follow but until then here’s a glimpse at my recent branding, web, motion graphics and design work that’s been preventing me from touching the blog in so long. Normal service may now resume, sorry for the wait…