WSA Winner
Monday August 29th, 2005
I am quite digging the sparse-yet-complex feel that Stonewall's new site has going for it.
It has a very strong grid feel, similar to Khoi's Subtraction, but is in no way derivative. They have made good usage of in-built CSS styling to contrast headers, highlight and create separate spaces for everything, and the Flash feature panel adds that touch of spice that you need. (Although its absence is sometimes notable if you have Flash turned off)
The only thing I could say is that perhaps the header whitespace is a touch extravagant :)
Reviewed by Cameron Adams
#1
How come in every other review you guys feel the urge to cite the work of a random "trendy" designer out here?
Just because you see black and white cells it doesn't mean the "grid" is similar. Actually, the two layout don't look "similar" at all. The grid of has nothing to do with the current awarded site: it is far more complex and cover the entire longitude of layout. But you need to know something about grid system in order to understand that. :3
Oh, and please stop this nodding to JSM, CM, SI, AC et al.
Posted by Neko :: August 29th, 2005 at 08:06 PM
#2
I can see where Cameron is coming from with the 'subtraction' comparison - but more in a '3-solid-colour' kinda way, rather than with the 'grid' kinda thang.
It's a good site. I like to see flash integrated with designs, but I feel the flash on the home page doesn't really do enough to justify its inclusion - especially when you see the fantastically solid and clean lines of the flat visuals on other pages. I would rather see the 'cross' as a flat graphic with all the lines pixel perfect, like t'other ones on t'other pages.
Other than that - a sound design! Lekker ...
Posted by kevadamson :: August 29th, 2005 at 09:12 PM
#3
Neko, what sort of crack are you on? I never said the grids were similar, I just said that the two sites have a grid feel. Hell, that doesn't even have to mean that they use grid systems. Last time I checked, intersecting lines at right angles made a grid.
And I'm curious, when was the last time we cited the work of a random "trendy" designer?
Posted by Cameron Adams :: August 29th, 2005 at 10:35 PM
#4
If you put half of the effort it took you to write the reply above into the actual review, the entire point would have been much clearer. But, oh well, designers aren't exactly famous for their writing skills after all. :3
And please, asking me to cite your own citations is just a way to embarrass both of us.
Posted by Neko :: August 29th, 2005 at 11:28 PM
#5
I guess there's a touch of similarity between this and Subtraction, but not a lot Cameron. And yes, the header whitespace IS a little excessive.
However, I like the subtle use of greys in the dropshadows and backgrounds - it almost adds a touch of "fuzziness" to the overall effect.
This site is a great example of good grid-based design, however, size the text up 3x and it all goes horribly wrong. Let's hope Joe Clark doesn't see this... ;)
Ok, I've made some constructive comments - you can all carry on with the bitching now...
Posted by Tim :: August 30th, 2005 at 07:53 AM
#6
Hey! *I'm* the one who says when its OK to carry on bitching, alright!? :P
Posted by Cameron Adams :: August 30th, 2005 at 01:39 PM
#7
I find the site very hard to read; there's not enough differentiation between the different elements of the page (sidebars, the newsletter area, etc.). The headers don't really catch my eye either, on the sidebars; black background with white text may be effective if the font size were bigger, but I find I have to read too much to figure out what the site is doing. The navigation also feels too small to be worthwhile.
My two cents, at least.
Posted by Josh :: August 31st, 2005 at 12:29 PM
#8
everyone, just shut fuck up. really.
Posted by kevin klein :: September 22nd, 2005 at 09:49 PM
Comments on: Stonewall