Web Design: Retro style

Lately, retro vintage designed websites are all the rage. These older styles capture much attention from users because of the texture, fonts and use of color. Elements used in retro and vintage websites communicate information effectively using emotions, nostalgia, and triggering memories. 

The people at noupe have selected a few great examples.
http://www.noupe.com/design/web-throwback-showcase-of-vintage-and-retro-web-design.html

Web Design and Development Inspiration

We found a collection of beautifully designed and developed websites. Most of these are single page websites which have well suited interactivity. They are pretty engaging and the themes invoke emotions from users.

Overall these are impressive, a favorite is "Bagigia". It's design is photography driven and it has playful interactivity, which creates an enjoyable experience for the user.

Which site do you like, what do you like about it?

This compilation was created by Speckyboy Design Magazine.
View website compilation.

Inspiration: Urban Calligraphy

There's something charming about the free flowing nature of the Calligraphy pieces, created by Alexis Persani, Jackson Alves, Ivan Lyashenko, Boglárka Nádi and Mauro Melis. The grittiness and texture make it feel tactical and human, while the confident strokes give it elegance. It's like refined graffiti.

In my opinion Calligraphy tends to hold its own ground in design. It's hand drawn quality adds and organic flow to type that traditional typesetting can't seem to replicate. Type can be rigid and structured, it often has to be placed, and even when it's distorted it's being manipulated within constraints and rules. That's why I feel Calligraphy flourishes in font, typography and logo design.

Check out their work on this blog post.
www.noupe.com/graphics/typography-inspiration-calligraphic-masterpieces.html

Interaction Design
Bombay Sapphire Sky Pavilion
This piece is definately next level work. This interactive installation displays a sky which can be manipulated by users with the use of motion sensing technology. In addition to this the pavilion has it's own atmosphere composed of sounds, scents and temperature. What a unique sensory experience for users, it looks like so much fun to play with.

View Bombay Sapphire Sky Pavilion

Web Design
Arguably, one of the most important content elements can be a websites about page. This single element, when made well, not only introduces who you are to your visitors, but also is a great way to reveal some tidbits about yourself or your business.

The folks at Web Design Ledger made this collection of brilliant about pages that captivate users long enough for the viewer to read the information, which leads to good interaction.


What do you think works best on about pages?


webdesignledger.com | inspiring examples of about pages

Design: Typography

In typography, the theme, style, emotion and meaning of the project are the most important factors when selecting the font. During this porcess it's helpful to see fonts in environments that best suit them.

Linked below is a collection of fonts, from Webdesigner Depot, which would be great for all kinds of design projects. The fonts are from various styles and each one conveys a unique feeling. These are so diverse and can be used in almost any theme.

http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2012/03/20-examples-of-beautiful-and-inspiring-fonts/

What's in a name...

What’s in a name…uh, we mean job title? 

Here at Noir we are always serious. In fact we are so serious, even prospective interns have to walk on hot coals and complete a series of “mock trust falls” just to prove their worthiness to enter the room. In the spirit of our time honored tradition of what like to tell our wide eyed hopefuls are “the trials” we’ve come up with some wonderful new job titles they can aspire to.

-          Human Branding Planner

-          Better Esteem Enhancement Facilitator or “B.E.E.F.”

-          Frame Advancement Technician

-          Pod Caddy

-          K-Cup Specialist

-          Advanced Human Input Device Depressor

-          Digital Eye Candy Confectioner

-          Pixel Magician or what we like to call “Copperfield Standards Consultant”

-          Motion Graphic Artist or “Dueling Gratification Specialist”

Of course there are many other titles available here of the highest esteem such as “Grand Puba of Swingline” but sadly most of these positions have been filled. Who knows maybe you can be one of the lucky few who earn the title of P.O.O. “Pharaoh of Outgoing Operations”.

Sincerely,

    

            Noir Scrabbleizer Department