Know-How Exchange : Website Critique

So I looked at it, and in 30 seconds of looking (about what many folks would give you), I still had no clue what you do.

I would get rid of that blue intro page and go right to the work page. People like me who click the learn more on the blue page would find out nothing.

Tell me a bit more about you, what you specialize in, and provide contact information for you (not just an email contact form).

Professionals wouldn't be impressed by your "About": "I like to create things, so I created this site to showcase some of my current projects...". Keep the tone professional (for example, "This website contains examples of recent artistic work I've done")

Dear Daniel,

I've read the above posts, I've looked at your site and I'm STILL none the wiser what you do, where you are, how long you've been doing whatever it is that you do, or who you've done it for.

Your "ABOUT" page tells me nothing about you, and, sin of all sins, it ends half way through a word.

Tell your customer who you are, how to contact you (name, e-mail address, street address, telephone number, Facebook, Twitter), and what YOUY can do for THEM.

When you communicate with people BE CLEAR.

I hope this helps.

Gary Bloomer
Wilmington, DE, USA

Daniel,

I think the overall concept is quite attractive, but there are some things that could be better.

I'm not a fan of the blue enter screen. It seems a little outdated and at first glance, is irrelevant since the options to get to both places are available on either page.

The website is attractive, but content is king, and there's not enough of it for me to figure out what you do at first glance (which is vital). I also noticed on your branding copy, you just quoted someone else to explain it. If you're a design professional, I'd rather hear it from you. It gives me confidence you know what you're doing.

As for your About page, I don't have a problem with a more personal tone - being too stiff would keep your reader at arms length, which is not a good idea. That being said, your about page does need to tell me about you as a professional. Why should I hire you? What are your qualifications? Every designer likes to create things - I need to know who the best person is for the job. Why is it you? You don't need to tell me what I'll find on your site if it's well designed and written.

I like what you've done on the branding and design page with the problem/solution and an explanation of the project, but it seems a little haphazard. I'm not sure to which project it refers and there's no similar explanation for each project. I think the organizational structure could use some work. I'm also not so keen on the endless scrolling to see project after project with no explanation of what it is or why it's there. I think there's a better way to implement that.

Additionally, there's no way to navigate to other projects without going back to the Home screen. More navigation options will keep your target on your site longer as they get deeper (and more invested) in your site.

The JMT thing is confusing, too. I get it now, but I didn't know it was your blog until I got there. Perhaps it should just say "Blog." Speaking of your blog, I think there are too many quotes and not enough of your own thoughts (though perhaps that's because you just added them as placeholders).

I have no idea what the "Very Good" thing is about. You should either explain it or ditch it.

My advice would be to create an architecture document to give you a better idea of the organization and check out some other portfolios to see what they're doing. I'm working on mine now and plan to organize both by type of project (article, brochure, website) and by client (so they can sort either way). I'd also invest in a professional writer. I know your website is about design, but the writing is still vital. A picture may be worth a thousands words, but you can't control those words.

Heather Barnett
Copywriter

Hi Daniel,
I agree that I would not have gone past the blue enter screen. If you've done these great projects and you're trying to attract people on the basis of your projects then show them off front and centre!

It's often a good idea to make sure you've answered the who, why, what, how questions. I don't mean literally but if you cover all of these then readers will find what they need to know - For example:

Who you are - a designer of iphone apps, websites, branding, identity, apparel etc. (with some good words such as a prolific designer or multi-talented designer... if you can add a quote from someone else it could work well e.g. if you've had a write up anywhere take a quote from that.)

Why - your philosophy, you like creating or you like seeing your work benefit a client's business ...

What do you do or what services do you offer?
(If you are trying to get new customers be clear and state for example: I can help you with your x, x or x design project. If you would like to discuss a design project or you would like a quote please contact me on: and show clear details.)

Where? Do you work in a particular area or do you do these projects for people worldwide? If you are global or you work online then explain this.


Regarding your portfolio, do you specialize in particular areas? Or maybe you are more a conceptual designer and someone else does the "drawing up the plans" type of work? Do you take a project through from conceptual design to delivered product? Make it clear what your part in it is and how you can help the client.

You've obviously done some great projects and I agree with the last comment that it would help to structure your portfolio a bit more - perhaps put some headings that are the same for each example (though not necessarily the same headings for logo design as for apparel design).
For example:
The Brief - design a man's jacket for x purpose or as part of x range
The client -
The design -
The result - any awards, how pleased was the client, was it a best seller, any photos of the design out there in real life or where could I see it (e.g. the iPhone app designs)

I don't understand what the Features section is. Did you have something to do with these projects? If so call out what your part was. If not then some explanation is required of what this page is about.
I'm afraid I don't understand the "very good" either. It appears at the bottom of the menu bar and on the features.

Hope this helps and that it all goes well for you,
Kerry