ZoomConcept Reviews
Serious Problem vertical rythm
The design lacks vertical rythm, the spacing between the few elements that are their does not add up. A minimal design is made or broken by these type of details. If you don't get the details right its a bad minimal design. I think every element should have white-space around it including the text elements and the size of these spaces should be rational or predictably irrational. By that I mean you can use rational spacings like 20px small gutters and 40px big gutters... or increment spacing with the golden ratio and use for example, 20px small gutter and 32px large gutter and 52px extra large gutter.Desktops
the term "Desktops" confused me, I was trying to find the product page where I can purchase desktop computers. Then I tried to see if you sold actual desks. Only then I reckoned you probably meant Desktop background images. To me it seems like an uncommon word to refer to background images but if this is the right term in the scene I guess it's fine.call to action
The design lacks a call to action, or even a hint to what is the next step for people who are interested in the photos. Can they download the original image somewhere, or do you provide the images in different resolutions? Also, why not have a contact form?Positive Feature Minimal
I like minimal. I like b&w. looking good.New Idea click to download
"CLICK TO DOWNLOAD" this text is too close to the edge of the image, it should either go below the image or go in the image within a 20px gutter or whatever gutter size you use.Summary:
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Alex Y commented:
It will automatically download the image with the right dimensions, although it is not indicated anywhere on the site.
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Summary:
Its hard to give a review about something we know very little about. The screenshot and description you've provided tell very little about what goals you are trying to reach with this layout.
However, your subtle use of gradients and using a greyscale color scheme are a great start if you are shooting for a minimalistic aesthetic.
Please upload more images and/or give us a little more prospective on this project.
-Simon
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Alex Y commented:
Thanks! I uploaded another revision.
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Simon Jackson commented:Its coming along nicely. If you're not familiar with it already, check out the 960 grid system.
http://www.960.gs
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Critical Problem NO navigation
Unless it scrolls automatically, I don't see a navigation. Since you have a lot of white space on the bottom left you can try putting it there.Positive Feature spacing
spacing and colors are obviously minimal and work well.New Idea Don't cacade the workd "Desketops Here." Try maybe having the title and then a very brief description of what the site is about. ie. "Alex Y's Photo Desktop Pics" Summary:
Overall, the strategy is good but missing crucial details which are important for a portfolio site like this.
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Alex Y commented:
Thanks! It is a one-page site, so I don't see any use for navigation. I didn't mention that in the description though :P
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Summary:
Hi there
Nice layout, as far as minimalistic design is concerned. Loved the header and the Font used. The overall color scheme, Grey, looks goo in the backdrop of white.
Though, you can add some content to the pictures you have created. I don't know if they are suppose to be downloaded, if yes, may be a download link would add some value.
Also, consider having thumbnails and clicking it will open the picture using the j Query display technique. That is ideal for the one page websites like yours. Otherwise, what will happen is that it will consume too much of banndwidth as you increase the content, that too, full imagery downloading will have a direct impact on your websites' overall performance.
That's all from my side, I guess it should be helpful. :-)
All the best.
BTW, nice images man!
Cheers
Prashant
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Alex Y commented:
Awesome! I made a mockup of the jQuery fancybox; that's a good idea! I suppose I could add some content to the pictures, but I don't have too much to say about them though.
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Prashant Dubey commented:Never mind, pictures speak for themselves! I guess, focusing on jQuery stuff is more important :-))
Thanks :-)
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Critical Problem No Navigation
This doesn't really look like a website layout without the navigation present.Positive Feature Color Scheme
Or lack there of.Summary:
I would say, rework this concept with a more solid flow of priorities, starting with a navigation menu. From what I gather, this is to be more minimalist than anything, however, it seems to be lacking. Keep on!
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Alex Y commented:
There is no navigation because this is the only page! I suppose I could add more pages...
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Summary:
I really like that you went with a minimalist site design. I think they look great and clean especially for portfolios. I feel that you need to put some sort of contact page in here, right now there is just one page which is OK but I feels like just a page with pictures. on it. If you add some more content and possibly some more pages while keeping the minimalistic feel to it. I am looking forward to seeing your progress.
Minor Problem on site-v4.png 1 This would work better as a carousel. Minor Problem on site-v3.jpg 1 not visually evident. 2 need something to indicate that this picture is selected. Serious Problem on site-v4.png 1 Add a fat footer (http://patterntap.com/tap/pattern/15680407654c8f73f8c2d99) Serious Problem on Site-2v.jpg 1 I really don't get this page Serious Problem on Site-v1.jpg 1 I really don't get this page Critical Problem on site-v4.png 1 Use this area to show details about this wallpaper Critical Problem on site-v3.jpg 1 wrong treatment for this site New Idea on site-v4.png 1 Add the word "Download" Summary:
Hi Alex,
The layout and the wallpaper are great. What needs work is - the user must know what the purpose/intent of the site is at a glance.
- Create a stronger site purpose metaphor (in this case: download)
- Create a Carousel for multiple wallpaper samples
- Create a Fat Footer (see my annotation)
The photography is great - but the site doesn't hang together as a download site. Is it free? What is the download process? Is it copyright free? There are the questions in the visitors mind.
I hope this helps...
Regards, MichaelR
Positive Feature Layout
Love the layoutNew Idea Inspirational websites
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/07/10/35-beautiful-photography-websites/ http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/galleries/photography-portfolio-sites/ http://www.artfans.info/69-stunning-examples-of-photographers-portfolios-websites-for-inspirations/
Thank you for your in-depth review. I have uploaded another mockup, and I found your advice very helpful! The gutters really made a difference. Thanks!