A little bit a template in my life...

In preparation for creating a good amount of pages with similar layouts and consistent content, I learned the rather simple process of creating an HTML page templates. I'm attaching a link to the PDF download for the tutorial I put together on it...

Don't click me... I may actually be a can of tunafish in disguise.

Recipes, anyone?

So yeah, I thought I would update a little bit and display the two composite layouts I'm working with for the recipe sections on the site. I am leaning towards using the second image, that being the two-column fixed layout for these pages, mostly because it makes the most sense. I want my users to be able to see enough information instantly to know where to look for what they want, and I want them to feel confident using it for the first time to stay. I like the idea of adding new recipes at the top of the left column and allowing the older ones to shift below. The column on the right would be used for cooking tutorials and interesting articles relating to that specific type of meat, in this case, beef. As always, critiques and comments are welcomed and encouraged. 

Sample Layout 1

Sample Layout 2

Site Critique / Project Idea

www.conceptart.org (HTML site)

www.2advanced.com (Flash Site)

For this site critique, I’ve chosen to review the flash based site, 2advanced.com. 2advanced.com is a promotion site for 2advanced Design, which focuses on cutting edge design for nearly every method of communication. They have completed a wide variety of high-profile projects for the entertainment industry, especially in game development. Ultimately, the purpose of the site is to communicate the portfolio and services of the firm, and provide the user with adequate contact information, which the site does effectively.

I’ve spent a considerable amount of time reviewing the content and all the gizmos and gadgets built into this stunning design, and feel it qualifies in nearly every category for the title “magnificient”. I feel confident saying that primarily because of the site’s ability to make me forget I’m searching a website. While the layout does require the user to pay attention, the atmosphere created by the elements utilized creates a memorable experience around their futuristic theme that encourages me to return often to slate my newfound thirst. The interactivity is enjoyable and allows the user to quickly navigate amongst the large amount of content available. The navigation (found consistently at the head of each portion of the site) is also designed to fit the theme and is easy to understand organizationally. The menus effectively slide out into pre-designated space on each link to create a consistent experience and feel.

The aesthetics and design of the site is perhaps it’s strongest point. The colors of the site shift depending on which portion of content you are viewing. The homepage is currently a chilly blue scheme, which strengthens the current projects that the design firm is working on. The site features a wide variety of visual interest, from well thought-out illustrations, font choices that further the atmosphere being created, and a steady stream of tool lines and frames that unify the individual elements. The audience of this site is somewhat limited to potential clients for larger scale design projects and is directed towards the more youthful and upcoming generation of developers.

I do have a small amount of previous experience in regards to flash and web design. I managed to squeeze out a very rough site a little over a year ago to start displaying information amount my freelance work, but realizing it’s ineffectiveness, I temporarily abandoned the project until a stronger portfolio and business structure could be implemented. I plan to return to the site this coming spring.

www.knightfiredesign.com

For the HTML site project, I am having a bit of a struggle finding something other than design and arts that I can be excited about long enough to use for this task. I have toyed with the idea of creating a site to explain a little about being an off-road enthusiast where I can share my experiences in the local off-road areas and the knowledge I have of driving techniques, safety, equipment care and maintenance and good practices. I’m confident this is the direction I will be heading in, but I’ve also considered a site to share the ins-and-outs of becoming a pirate. Could be AARGuably better, methinks. The pirate site could be a lot more fun as a flash site, though. Any thoughts?