Comments on: The Latest Craze

by: Jason Beaird

Sun, 18 Sep 2005 02:30:16 +0000

Derek, I stand corrected and apologize for defending your unique design decision with the erroneous title of print designer. In fact, after doing some belated research, you were probably a source of inspiration to me in the past with your reputation for creating unique designs… I did not call you an idiot. I would call you an artist any day. But I won’t make the mistake of calling you an print designer again.

by: Rose

Fri, 16 Sep 2005 22:13:08 +0000

Jason, you should really do some research on Derek Powazekbefore you call him a print designer. He’s been doing web design longer than just about anyone online. Yes, even longer than the “famous” Zeldman (who interviewed Derek back in ‘98).

Just because the web has evolved does not mean that the people who have been doing this stuff for a long, long time don’t know what they’re doing. Like true artists, they know the rules before they break them.

by: Derek

Fri, 16 Sep 2005 16:04:20 +0000

It’s really weird to me how often I have to repeat this, but here goes: Please for the love of all that’s good DO put nav at the top. I’m not saying that nav should ONLY be at the bottom, I’m merely saying that it should ALSO be at the bottom.

And Jason? Dude. That “1995″ you see on my site? That’s when I started designing websites. Call me an idiot, call me an artist, just don’t call me a “print designer.”

by: paul

Fri, 16 Sep 2005 14:22:46 +0000

i’ve had my main nav at the bottom since the latest redesign, and even my clients like it. the case studies are at the top, and the main items at the bottom. it’s worked for me so far.

by: Jason Beaird

Fri, 16 Sep 2005 13:51:03 +0000

To Bojan: The argument you present here is well supported by UI research and current standards. From a “business” point of view, a web designer would be insane to put the main navigation at the bottom of a page…especially when working for a traditional client. You’ve done a great job at explaining that and it was an interesting read.

but…

To all (including Derek): When it comes to a personal or portfolio design site, sometimes expression and being “different” is more important than rules. Nobody wants to be a sellout. Nobody wants their site to look like somebody elses… I know I don’t. And, I see the value in rewarding the users who make it to the bottom of your page, but if it’s navigation that you’re holding out for those people, you’re cutting your nose off to spite your face. Derek: On Powazek, why wouldn’t you put the Ephemera section at the bottom of the page and leave the navigation for everyone else?…because it’s eyecandy? It’s something that you know people will be interested in. Those images are something nobody else has on their site, and that nice dark border is a visual anchor for the page…heck the first t thing I clicked on after reading your post was the picture of the toilet. Navigation though, is not a reward; it’s a necesity. Otherwise, your website may as well be printed in a magazine. But, you’re a print designer. I think it actually works on your site because people who are primarily print designers have the tough job of thinking outside the browser on a day to day basis, and showing that on your personal site is an asset. In Keegan’s defense, I know the decision to put the navigation at the bottom was probably fueled by the same “I wanna be different” idea. Keegan however (like myself) is primarily a web desginer, and when I’m on his otherwise normally laid out about page, I expect to see a contact or portfolio link. Instead, I glance over and see that he likes Mountain Dew / Frappucino and plays Frisbee Golf…WHO CARES! The bottom line is that if you’re going to buck the system, you’d better be ready for some criticism. The other bottom line is that if you REALLY buck the system, you’re an artist. If you just barely wander off the beaten path…you’re a fool.