Leonardo DaVinci once wrote, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." I have been thinking about simplified color schemes as a result of our in-class discussion and also about simplicity of design and how that has the potential to enhance usability.
The home page of the International Rescue Committee, www.theirc.org, offers a good example of effective use of restraint in color scheme. Gold and black happen to be the logo colors of the organization, but the addition of gray and yellow-orange provide a limited color range that is particularly effective as a backdrop to the full color photographs of the organization's work.
An example of simplicity of design is offered by the Yale University Press home page at http://yalepress.yale.edu/yupbooks/home.asp. The links are clear and simple. The highlighted books stand out and "unfold" when the cursor is moved over each image. There is no clutter to confuse the user. All the elements are placed above the fold. Leonardo would have been pleased.
2 comments:
I totally agree what that slogan says. I love the websites you chose.
I love simple black and white websites, with a splash of color, even red.
Given the context of the first website, the simplicity of the website doesn't take away from the power of the message.
I tried to find a good example of an even simplier black and white website, so I figured why not look up a famous black and white photographer?
Take a look at http://www.anseladams.com/
-there is way too much going on!
Considering Ansel Adams is one of the greatest American photographers...the trustees who now handle the rights of his photos should work on a better site to uphold his legacy.
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