Web Design Clinic - KevinSeals.com
Sunday May 4, 2008
My Thoughts
Kevin clearly worked hard on this site. He's made good use of branding and the images are attractive and easy on the eyes. I normally don't like the reflection technique, but with the other faded and background images it works well. But there are some issues.
How would you critique this site?
What would you suggest to Kevin to improve this design? Are there other things Kevin could do to improve the site? Provide your own feedback on the site design by commenting here in the blog.
Other Site Designs
Do You Want Your Site Considered for the Web Design Clinic?
There are two ways you can have your site reviewed on Web Design @ About.com. You can use either method, you don't have to use both:
- Post a request in the Site Review Requests folder in the Web Design forum. This is the best way to get feedback, as you'll get responses from other Web designers in the forum, and selected posts will be chosen for the Web Design Clinic.
- Submit your site to the Web Design Design Gallery and check the "solicit critiques" checkbox on the form. Pages submitted there will be reviewed by the About.com Guide to Web Design, Jennifer Kyrnin, and may be chosen for the Web Design Clinic.
Comments
The big positive in his site is the branding. I knew exactly the style of music he plays by only looking at the graphics. I could “hear” the music through the design.
Sure, like most flash sites, the wow factors draws you in. Spend a litte time on them or come back a second time and frustration is sure to set in. They’re slow, usually can’t print the entire page (due to flash scrolling) and good luck sending a link to a particular page within the flash object.
Can’t tell you how many flash sites I have closed out of frustration.
Try browsing an automobile site for something as simple as MPG, it’s painful - all the flash clutter gets in the way.
Word to the wise - use flash sparingly or reader will revolt.
Dilbert Goes Flash, Readers Revolt
Bravo Kevin!
I don’t go along with the other people’s criticism not to have the music on by default. I loved the music coming in right in the beginning for YOUR site, since that’s what you are selling, and it’s good, it is effective and an intrinsic part of your message. I also think you made a very good choice by using the mellow piece for the intro. Personally, I spend so much time on the computer that I am really put off by loud music when I am not expecting it, even though I like a wide variety of heavy sounding stuff…when I choose it and I am ready for it. For me, the web is not the ideal medium for hard sell tactics. Being a night owl, I hate bright white screens, so I liked your choice of colors too. Your bio text does bleed strangely on the bottom, but OH, silly me, I just discovered your customised slide utility on the right of the box and now I understand what is going on! The text and font for the music selection page are hard to read. The red notes did not light up on the column on the right either. Maybe you could add buttons to open up a black & white printable version of your bio. I do that for any info I feel might be handy for somebody to print out. Otherwise, I can’t find anything to complain about, it’s GREAT! Good luch with everything.
“The only other thing that’s really jarring is the “Flash required” text link in bright blue that shows up in the upper left corner. I think that was intended to be covered by the Flash animation, but it shows in my browser window.”
This link IS suppressed but gets redisplayed IF/WHEN you hit the stop icon on the music controller. You/She probably stopped the music so redisplayed it.
Kevin, I really liked your site. I disagree with others about the sound - your site definitely is artistic and beautiful. The music isn’t overwhelming and does not appear to slow your site down. I never saw the blue flash message others saw and I did stop the music - I also use IE7. I should tell you I’m not one for Flash - when I run into it I usually will leave right away unless I need to be there for business reasons. Your site is one worth visiting. Keep going your route — it was truly a pleasure to visit it.
Although I loved the visual effects, I disliked the music and immediately looked for an OFF button. Other than that, I really like it. I used to dislike all flash sites but not anymore. I really think when they look as good as this one, it’s worthwhile and seems very professional. I was impressed.