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Topics are identified with the same icon throughout
the site.
Above: Partial view of the main menu on the
front page. Below: Each menu item has a description on the right
side of the entry page.
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CoffeeKid.com
Those who know me well would say that this site could make my column
even without great graphics, simply because of the subject. I protest
that charge. Although I am a coffee connoisseur (sounds much better
than fanatic), this site stands very well on its graphic merits.
The icon use here is one of the best samples I have seen. An icon should
help you to identify a subject, and the samples here are top notch.
Not only are the icons used in the main menu, and then again on the
respective page, but they are also used in a mini site directory, right
on the front page. This site directory is more than just a map –
you can see at a glance what is included on each page. What a great
example of an information packed, but very user-friendly site.
The illustrations used for the icon are beautiful. The color use it
courageous and helps to establish the offbeat tone of the site. Well
worth a visit.
Oops, I just noticed that the menu item I chose to feature is "Obsessions."
That is, of course, simply because it is the first menu item ... certainly
not because my friends have a valid claim.
Images © Coffeekid.com.
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Icons are supported by text which also carries the
brick color to the center section of the page.
Interior menu uses a lightened graphic to represent
your location in the site.
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Patrick Mountain
Advertising
This is another simple site with excellent design and navigation. The
silhouette icons mark your page with a lightened version of the graphic.
One of the few complaints I have about icons is that they can be cryptic.
The benefit of graphic identification disappears if you cannot figure
out what a symbol means. The designer has worked an elegant solution
to this problem by incorporating text descriptions for the icons into
the design. The brick colored lettering adds to the style of the page
while it supports the graphic icons.
Although the gray and black is an important color in the design, it
is used only for navigation, a great trick which makes the menu items
jump off the page without being a segregated section.
This site has a trendy, artsy look. It is also a testament to the fact
that you do not have to give up clear navigation for a great look. Well
done.
Images © Patrick Mountain Advertising.
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The entry page features very clear navigation that
demands attention and hides nothing.
The interior pages feature classy photographs, yet
the icons from the front page fit right in as internal navigation.
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DryMartini.com
I find this site graphically fascinating. The first sample shown here
is the entry page. Navigation does not get any clearer than this. Each
subject is represented by an image and text, in clear bold fashion.
There is nothing to distract you here. Make a choice ... that is your
job as the visitor, and the designer has made that very clear.
The fascinating part to me is that they have changed the mood completely,
moving from primary dots, to beautiful photographs on the interior pages.
Yet, look in the upper right corner – there is the consistency
and it works. The icons from the entry page are repeated as internal
navigation. I admire that the designer came up with the idea. My brain
would have said that it could not work.
The fun color dots fit perfectly into the tone of the site, as does
the beautiful photography. I came away from this site with a "classy
fun" image. What could be more appropriate for a site devoted to
martinis?
I have seen many sites with split personalities, and believe me, I
would not consider bringing them here to show off. But this one is special
because it has a split personality that works.
Images © DryMartini.com.
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