Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
A metaphor is also useful to start you thinking about your concept—and to
keep you from mixing too many ideas. But it is only a starting point—the good bones
that you flesh out with a concept. The concept is the visual way you express how you
think about your work.
A concept is much more than figuring out
whether your buttons are green or blue. It is the rea-
son you make that decision in the first place. At the
very least, the design concept should not get in the
way of the work. It is much better to create a very
simple, barely noticeable interface design than to cre-
ate an interface that overwhelms your projects. At
best, the design concept should enhance your work, so
the two engage in a pleasant visual conversation.
A good concept is easily identified by the fluid
experience it offers. It works with your work, not
against it. It emphasizes the things that you do best. It is consistent on all pages.
Navigation is easy to find, and easy to figure out. On a site with a consistent concept,
elements are related to each other visually and functionally. You should be able to tell
the difference if you move from one designer's concept to another, and you should be
able to recognize the look and feel of each concept when you return.
We first figured out the best way
to present the work and then built
a site around it. This sounds obvi-
ous, but my general impression
from many sites is that the design-
ers set out to build a website, rather
than an online extension of their
portfolio.
—David Heasty
Concept versus style
Don't confuse concept with style. Concept is an idea that you apply consist-
ently because it fits your work and your site's architecture. Style, on the other hand,
is a collection of attributes that create a surface look. For most people, style is what's
hot. If you find yourself thinking of your interface in terms of using a cool effect or
type treatment you've seen in an annual, you're letting a style dictate your concept,
not the other way around.
It's not easy to develop a really brilliant portfolio design, but almost anyone
can manage a decent one. Don't be afraid to look at portfolios by other people. In
fact, look at as many as you can, so you won't be tempted to copy anything specific.
Ask yourself what makes some of them really memorable and attractive to you. If you
select a technology you can master, choose an organization scheme that fits your
work, and design an interface that keeps the viewer interested and focused on what
you do, the portfolio that results will be one you are proud of.
