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In the last Graphic Greats, we took a look at navigation systems. While
I was gathering examples for that article, I went a little overboard
... well, maybe more than a little. When I surfaced from my search and
sorted through the bounty, I discovered that I had enough for two features.
I also received a lot of "thank you" mail about the first
one. It seems that many of you struggle with navigation ideas. I can
add quite well, and the answer to this particular 2+2 question is Navigation
Graphics 2.
Professional designers are constantly seeking the perfect way to present
clear, functional navigation, while presenting the correct image for
a client. There is probably no greater challenge in Web design. This
collection of navigation samples illustrates how innovative designers
have achieve this goal. If you did not see the first edition, make sure
you check out Navigation Graphics.
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This site is the pinnacle of simplicity, right down
to a complete lack of any JavaScript.
Design details like the eye-pleasing curved shape of
the menu line and strong color make this site simple, but a long way
from "boring."
Images © Cole and Mason.
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Cole and Mason
This is a surprisingly simple site. The color and design is quite strong,
giving a sophisticated look to a very simple site structure. You do
not see many examples of such basic layout with excellent design. No
bells and whistles – not even mouseovers.
The menu is a simple text list, held as a unit by a curved line with
points at each menu item. The site is so clearly laid out that, even
without mouseovers, there is no doubt about location or purpose for
the links.
Why try to make a site complicated when simplicity can look so good
and perform so well? The strong color prevents any plain look, and if
you visit the site you will notice that the design is strong. Perhaps
we can compare this site to a well-cut jacket. The quality shows even
without any flashy features.
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Italic text, a curved shape borrowed from the photo
and texture provided by the rough line endings add up to a beautiful
and functional entry page.
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Cuisine Magazine
The entry for this site is stunning. Unlike many beautiful entries,
the menu is incorporated right into the art. The menu items are simple
text entries, but the italic font is perfect for this look and the placement
into a curved setting makes it anything but plain.
The photo adds significantly to the menu ... or does the menu enhance
the photo? I suspect the photo may have been the base for the menu design.
Note how the curve of the menu replicates the general line of the strawberry.
I especially like the lines with their rough ends. They enforce the
curve, but also add texture to a look that could have been too perfect.
The chopped bottom "Cuisine" also helps in that department.
We love the beauty and simplicity of splash pages. Often that is the
only place we get to assert our desire to create beautiful images. This
site should be an inspiration to us, especially if we have decided that
splash pages are a waste. Why settle for a pretty impression with a
simple "Enter" function, when we can have beauty and full
navigation in one?
Images © Cuisine Magazine. Design by Steve
Leggat for World Web Design.
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