‘Schematics’ make me laugh.

Unfortunately, the reading we’re finishing up in Baron’s book doesn’t really equate to our class timeline. In order to be on the same page as Baron, we would have had to read ahead by two or three chapters. I mean, I’m done with creating my interface, and there are others who are a decent way through…and probably some who have done very little. Anyway, moving on…

We’re looking at creating an interface for our portfolio, which entails maximizing interaction while being able to correctly manage data and be visually appealing all at the same time. Wow…you get all that?

Four stages of interface design:
Group, Map, Schematic, Look & Feel

Oh look at me I’m all tingly with excitement.

Grouping can be done with spreadsheets before becoming a visual masterpiece, but that’s when you’re not already done with your interface. There’s a bunch of ways to group things…I suggest starting with your strongest categorization and work backwards. Personally, I don’t like splitting up my work into groups. If the max is around 15 pieces, why do you need to split them up into groups? Couldn’t you just put them all on the same page and talk about them in the description? It seems easier to me, and puts less pressure on the user to have to figure things out. At least this way they’re directed to one page instead of 4 or 5 separate ones.

As far as mapping goes, you need to look at grouping, your hierarchy, and any connections that might make your pages fit together…uhh…better.

‘Schematics’ makes me laugh. I feel like if I have schematics then I’m like James Bond. I feel like if I go into the library in my house, pull the secret book and watch the bookcase spin around…then walk into my secret laboratory where there’s like 50 bunsen burners going off…yeah, I feel like I’ll see schematics.

Schematics…a creation of a grid for a given set or level of my map. Yeah, you heard me. Not only was the first sentence of this paragraph a major, major fragment, but it also used that silly word; schematics. Anyway, schematics supposedly help you decide on where to put any recurring stuff…yes, stuff. Like images, text, et cetera.

And as we all know, typography is key. Just have good type. That’s it. Otherwise, you’re fired. We should all know the rules of type by now, so it’s not even worth it to list the things Baron does.

The good Pontiac commercials used to say “wider is better.” Well, in this case, simple is better. Always has been and always will be. To me, that’s what’s hip right now. Simple design with lots of white space. Am I wrong? Someone comment.

Simple designs, when it comes to the web, are very easy to create…and easy to create makes me happy.

The hardest part when we first started creating our portfolio comps was not to fight with our artwork. So there again, simpler is better.

And that makes me happy.