Screen Resolution and Design Layout – The DILEMMA!

So what is the best layout option?

Fixed layouts are still common, possibly linked to the fact that designers tend to prefer them (as they allow more control over design, visuals and branding), but liquid or adaptive layouts should be considered, especially when it comes to redesigning your website.
However, the potential drawback of using a flexible layout is that static assets like images don’t stretch, so this can affect the look of the site on different resolutions.

Click image to enlarge

Amazon has a flexible layout which looks good in a variety of screen resolutions, but this works well because there is a lot of text on the site. It limits Amazon’s options for ramping up the amount of images and graphics used.

Projectected Graphics (Video mapping)

These guys got invited along to do some video mapping projections at a private festival in the North East of England. The theme and logo of the party was the heart. They  spent a couple of weeks in the studio creating the show which opened the party…… and this is it. GREAT ENTERTAINMENT!

Site Map info for COMPLETE beginners

By Brian O’Boyle

I  know that I am not the only person that needed site maps explained and so for complete beginners, here is some help!

The following image is a site map…..not to be confused with an XML site map. Confused? Well then your in the right place!

The above is a site map for your own use, to help you with your wire frame development for your website. The following is what is what an XML site map might look like….. (created with Free Online Sitemap Generator www.xml-sitemaps.com)

Google Webmaster Tools for beginners (Essential for new site!)

(Essentials for beginners by Brian O’Boyle)

If you have just designed and launched a new site then these steps are essentials and should be considered as important as any other major step in the design process. I will try and go through it as simply as possible. (If you have any probs or stumbling blocks, just leave a comment and I will reply and edit my post accordingly to simplify matters. We can help each other along, see?!! : )

Ok then, firstly,

Step 1. You need to log into your google account or register if you dont have one, and ad the site submitting it to google. https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin

THE 8 STEPS OF WEB DESIGN

(Good guidlines by Stefan Mischook)

The steps:

• Figure out what the focus of the website will be.
• What specific features do you want in the website.
• Create a list of sections for your website and give them a hierarchy of importance.
• Write out your content and finalize it.
• Find a style / look that meets your website’s and your industry’s requirements.
• Build the website.
• Evaluate the website and make the required changes / updates.
• Go live – register a domain, find a host, upload the website.

1. The focus of the website

This is the first thing you want to define clearly before any other step is taken. You need to decide what the main purpose of the website is – what you want to focus on in terms of a subject.

You just don’t know what is around the corner

My good friend Niall’s Dad passed away yesterday after a brief struggle with cancer. It just swept in and tore his family apart. I am happy to say that wordpress has provided a widget where you can help cancer research for free! Please take part. Just click on the widget on the right. Thanks

EYEKA – Great site for exposure and design competitions

Visit this site and sign up, its a must for graphic designers, animators, video buffs etc. They basically hold competitions for designers to come up with ideas  for companies. Some nice prizes.  There is a Sony comp at the minute. (must be registered and signed in to see)  http://www.eyeka.com

Calling all experienced Designers! Stand your ground!

I was reading an article yesterday about a businness lady who turn down a reasonable price for a logo, and went with a really cheap logo design and designer. She paid the price!! She was soon in court as the logo she purchased was ripped off from another company or included some common clip art or something of the sort!

The temptation is there with the tough times we are experiencing to reduce our prices in order to obtain work and grovel to get the job! I plead with you not to partake

Nice Media Player from yahoo!

Nice. Light and very simple: http://mediaplayer.yahoo.com/

Amazing animation – The Cat Piano

I saw this beautiful animation on on designer Jennifer Farley’s blog at www.laughingliondesign.com and thought I should share it too. I also wanted to put it where I would remember it. Pure class. It just keeps you glued to the movie. Enjoy!

http://catpianofilm.com/watch-the-film/