s_lauer+exercises_p3_e1

[|CREATIF]

CREATIF is the portfolio site of a graphic/web design company based in France. I think this site is extremely successful because of its great visual effects as well as its navigational simplicity. The main goal of (most) design companies’ websites is to display their work, and I think this website accomplishes that in an extremely straightforward manner. Right from the homepage you are able to view all of their work, with just one click. This site is also very interactive and engaging for users (through special effects created in Flash). I think that the rollover effect they use to give users a preview of their work is an important element because it allows users to pick and choose what they wish to view. The only think I found confusing about this site was that it does not seem to contain any information about the company or the designers, (other than the brief contact information at the bottom of the page).

 [|RESN]

RESN is the portfolio site a new media design company based in New Zealand. I find this site effective because of its impressive visual effects. The visuals/interactive elements that they decorate their site with show the company’s great talent/originality/high quality of their work. Although the visuals on the site are a bit overpowering, I still think the site is effective because its navigation and typographic treatments remain simple and to the point. The site is filled with various surprises that I feel enrich the user’s overall experience. The interactive features on the site are extremely innovative, and unlike anything that I have ever seen before. I think this site is inspirational because it is designed in a way that allows people to easily remember the site even months after viewing it for the first time.