fob preview page
fob 1
fob 2
fob 2 with comments section and mouseovered links (blog; change
Surface: The logo (“Surface”) is very clear and clean, which is refreshing after so many websites with ads and options in the top bar. Also, the placement of the logo is clearly a reference to the print magazine, like an endorsement for print media itself. The magazine cover itself is placed prominently in the right sidebar. The detail of the logo allows the primary navigation links in the left sidebar to remain simple and clear in black. This layout is self assured: I feel quality and confidence in the singularity of the shifting central element. The minimalism is classy and it accentuates the colorful feature photos.
Swindle: Here’s another site that incorporates the print magazine cover right into the central layout. The cover art is even incorporated into the top bar with the logo - I imagine this changes with every issue. The primary navigation doesn’t need to extend all the way across the page - there is ample space to the left. I think the primary navigation balances the left side, which otherwise consists mostly of larger elements, while the right side of the page benefits from the blank black space because its so busy.
Good: I like how the Good logo rests on the same baseline as the primary navigation - interesting when “Good” and “News & Features” both link to home. While the primary navigation is dominant, the secondary navigation bars are the last thing I see on the page and they don’t seem important at all.
I wouldn’t take colors from this layout. The black is too inky. I mean, too black. Unfortunately, every inspiration I chose has a black primary navigation bar. I would like to try color.
Theme: Theme looks like a classic publication translated to the web. Is it the five column grid? What do I like about the five column grid? I like the the right column is reserved for ads and other obligations, and the other four can be divided in half. Also, the primary navigation aligns to the grid. It all looks newspapery, even down to the yellowy heading color - not far from the color of old newsprint.
What I want to take from this inspiration:
1. The current issue cover as a secondary element. Its real.
2a. The Beta logo resting on the same baseline, with “: Maine” up to the right, like “Good Evening”
OR
2b. “Beta : Maine” taking up a prominent position centered at the top with primary navigation in the left column, like “Surface”
3a. Five columns. More versatility than three.
3b. Maybe four or six, if I go in the direction of 2b.
4. Not so much black. Maybe one vibrant color, like teal green.
It’s a good example of how to create dimension with subtle angles and curves.
designer: Jan Avendano
