Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Relax! It's calm.com

Calm.com is very simple and boring, which is exactly what it is supposed to be.  The site is intended to give people a break from their stressful, internet-laden lives and provide a 2 to 20 minute meditation session. Users can choose between many different themes, from flying through the clouds to watching waves break at sunset. Each scene is accompanied by it's own relaxing music, and the guided session has a voice which talks you through meditation.



Despite it's simplicity, the site is effective. The background videos very pretty, however what I found most relaxing are the calming music and narrated meditation. I recommend making the site full screen on a big monitor, if you can :) Happy relaxing!


Thursday, May 08, 2014

Design Exploration - Thompson




The lost thing is a flash website built for the film and book titled “The Lost Thing”. Initially, I never have heard of this book or film before, but after seeing this gorgeously designed page I quickly acquainted myself with the content. The site is composed of a interesting navigation element, not quite where user’s would expect it but easy enough to locate none-the-less. Each element of the navigation lends animates as it is clicked and really is fun to watch. To load page content a trolley drives by in a way the that it is unloading it’s passengers, or in our case, it is the content.

Other than its fantastic functionality, it’s rustic style, and amazing artwork truly do make this a unique site to look at. It goes to show how much a good design can really take something to another level and engage the viewer. I’ve clicked through every aspect of the site and where it lacks a little bit is simply that I wish it did more. Knowing the power and flexbility of flash I really feel that some great easter eggs could be in the site, but alas, I cannot find a single one. Either way, it is always so inspiring seeing something that is truly original.

 


Custom case mate allows you through an online app that allows you the design your very own mobile phone case. It is a simple three step process where you: 1) pick a case 2) choose your design, text, and photos 3) Preview and order your case. I really like how this make someones experience truly unique upon purchasing the product. The design on their interface is straightforward, and adds a nice functional touch by allowing users to upload their photos from instagram or facebook. My only gripe is that the amount of fonts and layouts to choose from is pretty limited. I’m pretty sure they could find a way to integrate google fonts into this app. Overall though it is top notch work, and I hope to only see more of something like it for other industries as time progresses.