Web Style Guide: Again, I note the predominence of blue on the page, as well as lots of space. What is it with blue? I guess I'll find out when I get to the lesson on color. I would also note the burgundy color on the header. This connotes to me a leather-like feel, even without the texture. I also like the type, which is very easily readable. The menu bar is also on the top. What a great resource this looks to be! I also visited Patrick Lynch's website. Very similar as far as the nice clean look. Plus, any site which includes recipes is a winner with me. Lovely graphics. This site is definitely a model for a personal website. Sarah Horton doesn't seem to have a personal website, but her other websites are equally as pleasing from an aesthetic standpoint.
Universal Usability: Again, the menu bar on the top. Is this a trend with good web design? I'm not especially partial to the use of yellow, but that's really my only quibble with the website from a design perspective. I like the blue. I also like the quote. The resources look very helpful, if a bit overwhelming. It looks like they have included absolutely everything on the topic of universal usability. Perhaps a bit fewer resources listed -- only the best -- would not be so overwhelming.
JJG.net: Love this design. Interesting choice of colors, with the black, bright blue, and the blue type. Very clean and simple. I read the Psychology of Navigation article -- very interesting. I also read the posted chapter from the book. Very easy to read and thoughtful. Clearly, more web designers need to familiarize themselves with these principles.
Smashing Magazines Top 50 blog designs: Some of these are really cool, and some I don't like at all, particularly the ones with dark colors for the background. I can appreciate the work that went into all these designs, and some are extremely creative and artsy. I think blogs should be a reflection of the blogger. I tend toward the practical. I will definitely fool around with colors and designs when I get some extra time, but for now, I'm happy.
Chapter 1 of Beautiful Web Design: Layout and Composition: Beaird accurately states that the most intimidating parat of the design process is getting started. What a great intro, since this is probably the biggest problem for most people; it certainly is for me! Things to remember: Users are pleased by the design but drawn to the content; navigation should be intuitive; I found the web page anatomy diagram very helpful and comforting. The grid theory was an eye-opener for me, as I'm not a graphic designer or artist and have no experience with this. Very helpful. Just reading these two sections made me really want to get started on my website. Cool designs under "Getting Inspired". Definitely places to come back to if I get stuck.
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