Another feature for Computer Arts Projects magazine. This one looks at some innovative website experiments with outstanding graphical user interfaces (GUIs). It goes something like this…
According to web usability king Steve Krug, the first law of interface design should be: “don’t make me think.” He’s written a best-selling book about it, preaching that good web design should be simple, structured and obvious.
And he makes a strong case. He believes that the majority of Internet users crave a “reassuring sense of familiarity” when they visit a website. They like to know where the main menu is, what their options are and where they can click next. “Users like conventions,” says Krug, “even if designers find them constraining.”
Then again, some websites push the boundaries. On www.egofoto.net, photographer Senol Zorlu showcases his portfolio work on a stunning, scrollable photo-wall built in Flash. While Japanese clothing company Unicloq goes to town with a bold, fast-cutting combination of info-graphics and video footage.
Web design in 2009 is characterised by dramatic visuals – think Flash animation and bold artwork; oversized typography, 3D effects and full-screen video. But designers are also keen to develop fresh and innovative UIs to engage and interact with website visitors. By sidestepping conventional page furniture, sites like these can stop you dead in your tracks.
The guiding principle isn’t so much “Don’t make me think”. It’s “go on, surprise me!”.
There are some great websites on show here, including: Sour Sally, Thank You begins with a T and Barcinski JeanJean.
The full text of this feature appears in the ‘Interactive issue’ (#125) of Computer Arts Projects.
Oh, and for anybody wondering what the GUI depicted in the image here is, it’s WHITEvoid’s incredibly speedy (and Webby Award-winning) 3D portfolio system built in Papervision3D.
[There's currently no link to this article. But you can find issues of Computer Arts Projects at myfavouritemagazines.co.uk. Want to know more? Find Computer Arts online at www.computerarts.co.uk.]
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