One of my personal favorite websites is pitchfork.com. One if its major appeals is that it has a signature look, which carries higher emphasis on the simplistic and clean cut design, focusing primarily on the writing, which happens to be the primary product this online music magazine is trying to market. The web page is clearly divided into specific sections at the top navigation bar. The navigation bar offers immediate connection to: reviews, news, features, pitchfork.tv, forecast and best new music sections. This arrangement is done hierarchically in accordance to the reader's interests. The top left corner is always reserved for the magazine's "top stories." That particular location is the most visually grasping and immediately catches the viewers eye upon the first entrance to the page. This way one can see the most important stories that the magazine wants to offer.
Each section is fit for intuitive navigation. Depending on whether you are in the reviews, news, features, etc section you are provided with the content narrowed down according to your particular interest. Each tab also offers a scroll down menu on the home page, so that you don't have to click into each section to find individual sub sections. This little trick makes user navigation even easier, which is the online magazine's primary goal.
While visually simplistic the Pitchfork webpage definitely stays true to the magazines identity. It is all about music which comes through such nuances as music notes, vinyls and miniscule radios as bullet points and tabs that serve as visual gestalt within the web page.
Overall i find this webpage extremely well designed and user friendly. It fulfills its primary function which is to deliver music news to its audience.
Irina,
ReplyDeleteSuperb job at design. I liked your observation of both print and online unity in design. Would have liked to see you comment a bit on how this fits into our consumption of media/media culture today.
Keep up the good work, and we'll have to talk music sometime.
Cheers,
paul