Web Design Critique – Web Design Ledger

I have decided to introduce a new feature to my blog. After seeing what the guys at uxbooth are doing (very well I might add), I wanted to try my hand at critiquing websites that inspire me. Whilst studying Digital Media at university I learned that the ability to create great websites stems for the ability to pick apart the great design of others. Only by understanding the tapestry that holds a design together can you see how to mimic it in your own projects.

For my first crack I have decided to critique the webdesignledger a successful web blog which offers very useful tips and tools for web designers. To make things clearer I have decided to break the analysis down into sections as listed below. to give a better understanding of what it takes to make a website work.

Initial Impressions

When I first hit the website it is immediately obvious this site represents a strong design. I can feel the flow of the colors and organization of information. Someone has put a lot of thought into where elements sit in the page. My eyes are drawn to the latest blog title, before quickly noticing the comments to the right. This initially strikes me with surprise as its an unorthodox way of displaying the comments of a blog post, however this actually works really well as I find myself reading comments which influence my decision read the rest of the blog or not, a nice touch.

Colors

The colors used in the site represent earthy browns, but the pallet is spot on. The design has resisted being suffocated with color and these 4 pastels are used through out the website, keeping a clean composition and warm look.

Navigation

The navigation stands out as a really great unique selling point of this website, its chunky and easy to use. I like the bold look it gives to the website, its a usability experts wet dream. The hover and visited colors also match and keep the flow of the website consistent.

Identity

The logo for the site is a simple on a textured background. If you took this away from the website I wonder how successful it would be. Out of the entire site I would say this was the weakest point, but this works well in the environment it’s placed within. The ‘badge’ design has been a popular trend for a while now and the web design ledger utilises this well.

Design

This website not only has great colors but also a strong designed theme. there is no real imagery. Instead the designer Henry Jones has used graphic design through out the site. This is has really paid dividends. There are so many little touches that have been applied that just make it stand head and shoulders above the rest. What I really admire though is the his spacial awareness. The margins and padding are perfect to a T and its this attention to the smallest detail that give the completeness of the entire design. Even  the little touches such as the dotted border that frames the content is so well done, so complete. It reminds me of a great article I read over at A list Apart, titled ‘design is in the details‘

Summary

This website really offers a window into what  a website should be. It proves that you don’t have to have style without content. There is a lot of information, but its presentation never overwhelms the user. Overall this website deserves credit where it is due. It contains substance with style and offers inspiration to all who come across it.

Next week I hope to bring more of the same when I critique another website that has been an inspiration to my web projects. I hope this has been an insightful read.