I set out to create a portfolio site that could be somewhat exploratory, but at the same time would offer the viewer the option to also quickly access certain pieces of information. I acknowlege that the grid view can be busy and lose its novelty (I am still trying to work out the jerky nature of the 'reverse' highlight, or dim), this is why I also offer a list view.
I also wanted to introduce myself from the start-this is why my contact page is also an intro page. This is almost symbolic of a firm handshake with good contact at the beginning of an interview.
I'm really proud of the amount of code I've produced to trouble shoot the adverse reactions that are going on between different components. That being said, I feel like I'm still having a ton of issues that I need to work out. For example I haven't figured out how to combine my sorted views with my slide-show view. I definitely had a few moments over the last couple weeks where I would stand up and exclaim "I'm an f*(%ink genius!" while others I wanted to stomp my macBook into pieces because I was missing one little tiny detail that would make my code work. Evidence of this is the fact that I started over nearly clean slated upwards of 60 times. I definitely learned that I am not a patient person and have a lot of trouble learning without example, or with an example that's out of context of location to the code.
Regardless, when I work my issues on this out, I think it will be an innovative yet clear way to introduce myself.
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2 comments:
• overall usability of the site:
i assume when the links work, it will be a pretty innovative site! the links seem nice, big and simple. the thumbnails in the bottom of the individPiece pop up work as a great representation of the work. plus the tweening is smooooth as a babies bottom.
• the degree to which it pushes boundaries / questions traditional presentation of portfolio work:
i enjoy the rollover images in the gallery view a lot. it shows variety in the images as a nice large collage of squares and rectangles. this keeps from having a very static grid system to show the same content. i'm excited to see what it'll look like with the images in place. the idea to have two sorting methods is pretty great. it shows your thinking about different users and how they are able to interact with your work.
• same as above but for overall site navigation:
navigation seems very easy to understand. make sure to delineate which section i'm in (grid view/project view when i'm in that sorting method) just to weed out any confusion. i think having the navigation always available at the bottom is a great solution so i can access any part of the site from any section of the website. nice!
• if the site utilizes linear / cinematic elements (such as transitions, image sequences, etc) and the success of those linear elements:
the cross between linear and cinematic elements works great. you start from an exploratory experience by rolling through the images. after choosing an image the focus becomes more linear. it's hosted in a line for users to scroll through. although not totally linear, users are able to click in succession, or jump around on the timeline. having both is good and important.
• overall organization of the work -- logical? interesting?:
yeah! once you get this bad boy linked up and working, i believe it will be a good user experience. i really enjoy the discovery vs linear aspect of the sections!
Ms. Nik,
The overall usability of the site (at this point, minus some of the technical problems) is pretty good. I enjoy the image on the index page that flashes. However, I do wonder about how that is going to manifest itself once you drop the image in there and the type is laid on top. I think it would be worth considering how you can make both these aspects function without any contrast issues (a transparent box behind the text, a color rotation instead, a screened back image, etc.). But again, I think the idea is strong, interesting, and fun.
I also think that this flashing aspect on the homepage does push boundaries in terms of portfolio sites. I think very few do that (maybe because if beefs up the file size, i don't know thought) but I think it adds a level of dynamic that most sites do not offer.
I am really glad that you are giving the user two different modes of viewing your work (the grid and the list). I think that the grid could be beautiful once constructed with your work, but it could also look crazy and messy. That's one of those things you'll probably have to mess around with to find the right composition so that it "sings beautifully" as a patchwork quilt of your work. Great idea though.
I also think that the comments brought up in crit about reducing the amount of "jumpiness" on the grid would be very good consideration. Greg's suggestion to give it a minimal black & white feel and allowing the work to fade through color once rolled over, is a great idea. Again, i think that this small change could really make the composition "sing".
The overall navigation is pretty standard but i think fitting for the paradigm you've set up. THe grid however is dynamic and gives me the oppurtunity to navigate in an alternative way.
Once I dive into the work (the maximized view), I think that the navigation on the bottom left is a bit confusing. I question why one is bigger than the other. I think a more traditional approach would be benefitial. Possibly a button on either the left and the right. I know that is one of those technical issues you were trying to work out, but I do think it is worth revisiting.
The overall organization of the work seems pretty standard (again, minus the grid, which is awesome). But I think it is logical once I am in the list view. It is also helpful for a possible employer to search specifics.
Overall, I think the site is quite dynamic and has a lot of potential once you work out the little kinks. I think that all the comments brought up in crit are good considerations in moving forward with the site. But in general, I think that you've put forth a good effort in trying to create a dynamic and functional portfolio site.
Good Job.
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