Case Study 2

Stantec

http://www.stantec.com/default.htm

Navigation
Stantec’s site has multiple navigation systems and the groups are clear. There is not hierarchy among the navigation systems as each group talks about one category of Stantec’s professional services. I always know where I am within the structure of the site because of the clear menu on top, and it is very easy to go back to the home page so the viewers never get lost.

Architecture
Stantec’s site seems to have a fairly deep architecture while the first provides various professional services and the site requires covering a lot of information. However, it is not difficult to access any page within the site at anytime. The design of the site appears flexible and viewer friendly.

Case Study 1

Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning

http://www.kasian.com/

Navigation
On the home page, there are five navigation systems, and each of them seems to make sense. Among these systems, there are not obvious hierarchy. As the navigation systems represent different fields of information, the designer of the site use different background image for each system; therefore, once I click to one of the navigation links, the look of the link gets changed. Also I always know where I am within the architecture of the site because the menu of the site is always shown on the top and indicate where I am browsing now. The home page icon always appears at the corner and so there is no point where I cannot get back to the home page.

Architecture
Kasian’s site does not appear to have a deep architecture. From the home page, it leads the viewers to choose from 5 navigations systems, and each of these systems introduces 3 to 4 subsystems. I can access any page within the site at anytime and I found it good and easy to browse this site.

Content
The hierarchy of the typography shows pretty well. The difference between various headings may be subtle, but the headings do show different characteristics to direct the viewers’ attention. I would not attempt to improve the current typography setting. The headlines are sometimes in different background colours or sometimes in bold fonts to enhance their importance. The labels of the navigation are clear and easy to understand where the link to.

Grid/Structure
The structure of the pages stays consistent throughout the site except the contact page where a world map and several addresses of Kasian’s offices show accordingly. On every page, there is a focal point; the headlines shown in eye-catching colour always grab my attention.

Iconography/Imagery
The imagery adds a strong impact when view the site. The designer of the site uses many photos taken in Kasian’s offices and they reflect the true environment and atmosphere of the firm. I think the amount of imagery is about right. The icon of Kasian’ logo linking the home page always appear at the corner, and it makes sense for even new viewers of the site.

Colour Palette
On any given page, there are 3 to 4 major colours excluding the colour shown in photos. Different colours applied in backgrounds separate content on the page which works quite well. Bright colours, such as red and orange, and dull colours, such as various shades of grey and white, create a visual balance.

Site Focus
The objective of the site is to introduce Kasian in terms of the firm’s work, philosophy, news and career. By browsing the site, the viewers quickly find out the information they want to know about Kasian. This site does not allow the viewers to search as the structure of the site is clear. I find the menu of the site very useful as it always stays on top and tells where you are and where you can go. The only thing that appears to be a little confusing is the home page. I was expecting the home page of such an architectural firm to be a welcome page with its firm philosophy while Kasian’s home page shows their current featured projects. They might think about creating a welcome page to distinguish their firm from other architectural/design firms.