ZoomConcept Reviews
Summary:
Tim I fel that you ave gone off on a wrong direction of your path… I lik the design, but now it feels off balance as the 'ts' is tiny and shunted into the corner and deign sits below your name, try and centre the box with the text, thus bringing the design in align with the bottom of the box, Then make the 'ts' about 50% bigger and center it within the box.
Good luck!
-
-
Lisa Tweedie commented:Tim could you put a link in the description back to your original concept then it is easy to flick back and see what you did before. However I tend to agree with Aaran!
-
Tim Sullivan commented:
Lisa, I have included the URL for my original concept.
-
Summary:
Option 1 is my favorite. The balance of the black space with the smaller almost sub/superscript letters really works for me. I can't explain exactly why, but zooming out a bit from each of them helps.
I can understand your concerns about the color/registration problems. If you stick with Option 1, you may consider coloring the block rather than the letters. Keep the letters black.
The first association I had with the block in Option 1 was the Adobe CS4 icon set. Its not the same, it is just stuck in my head as the first association, but that may be from too much Photoshop use today. Second thought was the periodic table of elements, but that may be from too much Breaking Bad. ;)
Minor Problem on option-3.png 1 Hmm this one is too big! Loses the balance... Minor Problem on option-2.png 1 Make a bit bigger ... perhaps ... not sure.... Minor Problem on option-4.png 1 Hmmm no ... not sure I like that either ... too boring! Positive Feature on option-2.png 1 Like it Summary:
Hi Tim
I tend to agree the actual logo in iteration one is less good. I actually like option 2 though. It feels well balanced. I like the reduction down to just "Design" The circle behind the ts works for me. I like the connected t & s... Wonder if the ts need to be bigger to make it a more usable design... not sure ... want to try it?
-
Tim Sullivan commented:
Thanks for your comments, Lisa. I have uploaded two more options, both with a larger circle. This is something Aaran suggested as well. Option 3 leaves the circle in the upper left corner. I don't think it works very well. Option 4 places it in the center, which I think is quite a bit better. What are your thoughts?
I am working on a new iteration with a different type treatment that I'll post in a few days.
-
Lisa Tweedie commented:
I still liked it in the top left corner (somehow balances well) ... just thought you could go bigger on the text.
-
Tim Sullivan commented:
So, your preference is option 3? Or did I make it too big?
-
Lisa Tweedie commented:
Too big ... I edited my review ... and put tags on the pictures ... sorry was not very clear...
-
Lisa Tweedie commented:
However what works partly depends on the context in which it is used. Because you might find yourself just using the icon. So maybe think about the different places you may be putting this.
-
Summary:
Hello TIm,
I do think that you are into something. First of, you are right, the simpler the better. Even if you stay black and white, and then define a few colors to work with, it will be really nice. Here are a few thoughts: - Maybe you could make the square bigger so that the top and the bottom letters fits on the same line. - Have you tried a really big circle to see what it could look like?
I hope this helps!
--
-
Tim Sullivan commented:
Thanks for your ideas, Marjorie. As I go deeper into this design, I continue to like placing the circle in the upper left. I think it adds elegance and creative tension. Admittedly, I seem to be rather alone in this opinion. I did try a large, centered circle, but found it too static. For the next iteration (which I will post soon), I have made changes to the text so it relates better to the square. I will be interested to see how people react to it. I appreciated your input.
Attached Files:
-
Minor Problem box
not a fan of the "ts" inside the box, maybe use a different font or make it larger.Summary:
-
Tim Sullivan commented:
Concept Feedback is a community based on mutual support. Its purpose is to provide designers a forum through which we can give each other high quality reviews in order to receive high quality reviews in return.
Writing reviews with few or no constructive comments is called an empty review. It is a practice that is discouraged.
If you have not already done so, I suggest you take a few minutes to read some reviews that have been written by established CF members. There are many talented designers here who freely give of themselves by writing reviews that will help their fellow CF community members. It is possible to learn a lot by reading their reviews. Since CF is a mutual support community, many of CF’s best reviewers will look at the reviews written by new members before taking the time and effort to write a review for them. If the new member is putting effort into their reviews, established CF members are glad to write thoughtful reviews for them. On the other hand, if a new member is writing empty reviews, established members are seldom willing expend their energies on that person’s behalf.
While there is no required formula to follow in writing a review (each of us has his/her own style), to help you get started, here are a few questions that you might address in a review:
- What works about the design and why?
- What does not work about the design and why?
- How can the design be improved? Specific, actionable comments are encouraged.
- Does the design effectively communicate its message? If not, why not and how can it be improved?
- Is the design well suited for its target audience?
- Do the design’s colors support its message?
- Is the typography effective and appropriate?
- Is the text legible?
Reviews that you have already written can be edited. I suggest that you return to any reviews you have written that do not provide insightful, meaningful feedback and take time to rewrite them. This will improve your standing within the community and increase the likelihood that you will receive well written reviews when you post a concept. If you need help understanding how to use the review page interface, let me know and I will be glad to walk you through it.
-
Aaran Casey commented:Tim, that's a very thoughtful reply, and it's nice to see that you are offering to help… Personally I this person had posted a concept, I probably would of just ignored him, or written a snarky comment!
-
Serina Patterson commented:This is a great explanation, Tim. I almost want to have some sort of copy/paste comment like this for new folks who leave empty reviews. The sign-up rocess has changed a lot since I joined - is the feedback process explained to new members? There seems to be so many nowadays and people who respond to me usually say they had no clue they had to leave feedback along with a rating.
-
Tim Sullivan commented:
The sign-up process tells people that they are expected to review five concepts before being eligible to post a concept. However, it does not tell them what constitutes a good review according to community standards or offer any guidelines for writing one. Unfortunately, the sign-up process only shows a screen shot of the five-star rating system and the review title box. So, I think there is plenty of room for confusion as to what community standards are.
I suspect that for a lot of new members, this confusion is deepened by the fact that many sites where designers post their work, only provide feedback in the form of a quick pat-on-the-back and a star rating. Deviantart.com is a good example, but there are plenty others. Of course, there is nothing wrong with these sites, it's just not what this site is about. For many—and perhaps even most—newcomers here, the idea of a site dedicated to providing genuine feedback may be something they have not experienced before.
I am willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. If we can help new members understand what we are up to and give them information to help them become functioning members, then we are all stronger. They can then make a decision as to whether or not they are interested in becoming active members. If they choose not to participate at the level we are asking, they can part ways with us in an atmosphere of friendship and respect.
My plan in writing the comments in this post is to do exactly what you are proposing: namely, copy and paste the text as necessary. I have rewritten my comments slightly and, in the interest of saving space here, will email you a copy. You and others are welcome to use what I have written as you like.
Since CF's founder is no longer actively managing the site, it is up to all of us to find our own answer to this problem. I think this approach will provide needed information to new members and help keep the quality of feedback high.
-
Tim Sullivan commented:
Serina, it looks like its not possible to send an attachment to an email here, so I'll just post the revised text here.
Concept Feedback is a mutual support community. Its purpose is to provide designers a forum through which we can give each other high quality feedback in order to receive the same in return. CF welcomes new members, and both invites and expects them to write substantive reviews. This is the same expectation that is made of all members.
Writing reviews with few or no constructive comments is called an empty review. It is a practice that is discouraged.
If you have not already done so, I suggest you take a few minutes to read some reviews that have been written by established CF members. There are many talented designers here who freely give of themselves by writing reviews that help their fellow CF community members. It is possible to learn a lot by reading their reviews. Since CF is a mutual support community, many of CF’s best reviewers will look at the reviews written by new members before taking the time and effort to write a review for them. If a new member is putting effort into his/her reviews, established CF members are glad to write thoughtful reviews for them. On the other hand, if a new member is writing empty reviews, established members are seldom willing to expend their energies on that person’s behalf.
While there is no required formula to follow in writing a review (each of us has his/her own style), to help you get started, here are a few questions that you might address in a review:
- What works about the design and why?
- What does not work about the design and why?
- How can the design be improved? Specific, actionable comments are encouraged.
- Does the design effectively communicate its message? If not, why not and how can it be improved?
- Is the design well suited for its target audience?
- Do the design’s colors support its message?
- Is the typography effective and appropriate?
- Is the text legible?
Reviews that have already been posted can be edited. I suggest that you return to any reviews you have written that do not provide insightful, meaningful feedback and take time to rewrite them. This will improve your standing within the community and increase the likelihood that you will receive well written reviews when you post a concept. If you need help understanding how to use the review page interface, let me know and I will be glad to walk you through it.
-
Serina Patterson commented:
Hi Tim, Thanks for the explanation and text. I actually took leave from CF a year ago because the noob empty posts/one-liners got so bad (with no consequence) and I was being harassed in my inbox day in and day out from newbies who didn't actively contribute to the community. I've chewed some people out already for leaving empty posts since coming back but I think posting the rules/guidelines is a better idea (since it seems like new folks have no clue what this site is about).
If it is alright with you, I'd like to copy/paste your well written guidelines on concepts left by people leaving empty reviews (since boycotting won't help the sitation either). I agree: this is the best way to maintain the health of the community. We've got to moderate ourselves ;)
Best, Serina
-
Tim Sullivan commented:
Hi Serina, Thanks for your supportive comments. You and others are very welcome to copy and paste these guidelines.
-
Thanks, Aaran. That helps.