Thursday, October 11, 2007

Making It All Fit

As Nielson points out, one of the biggest challenges with any design (specifically web design) is the available space for the impression that you make. Our users are presented with a standard web browsing window - a space that needs just the right touch to make the perfect impression.

There are many variables that Nielson discusses into making that impression just right - these vary from the text flow, navigation options, the amount of white space allocated, and the grouping of items based on likeness (association). Essentially the message that i obtained from Nielson's reading is that keeping the webs page simple and organized is a key factor to creating the right impression / interest in the visitors. "Less is More"

One of the best examples of keeping it simple and organizing information in a small space can be found in the iPhone commercials - when the product was first released. The simplicity of the single person / phone portrayed upon a black background really intrigues the audience because they are not distracted by multiple graphics, text, or a moving background. The design of the commercials were simple and sleek - it was as if a friend was showing you the product.
http://www.apple.com/iphone/gettingstarted/guidedtour_large.html

-Bryan

2 comments:

Unknown said...

What do you think of Neilsen and what he said about white space? Do you agree or disagree with the use of white space?

RDMillner said...

If only Apple had maintained the simplicity of the commercials in it's iPhone website, http://www.apple.com/iphone/. I think the website is cluttering and ugly for such a sleek and elegant device.