Currently PoP use two typefaces:
Helvetica Neue Bold
Used primarily for titles, headings and links - Easily legible and balanced sans-serif is appropriate for reading key titles on screen.
Georgia Regular
Georgia is used for all body copy, however due to the small size of the copy and condensed structure of the serif typeface the text is hard to read on screen, especially on a mobile screen as I have often had to zoom in on the page in order to read it, decreasing the user experience.
Using two typefaces creates contrast which is often used to create hierachy between titles/links with body copy. This is successful, however the body copy typeface needs reconsidering in order to make the information clearer.
It's Nice That use a similar approach to typography by using a large sans-serif for the titles/links and then a small serif typeface for the body copy:
This is more successful as the bold type immediately creates a hierachy making it easy for the user to interpret the context of the body copy. Making the body copy a grey tone again helps to separate the information. Personally, the grey is slightly too subtle which doesnt create enough contrast against the white background, however this is much more appropriate than the condensed pink typeface currently used by People of Print.
Colour Scheme
Pink and Blue is a consistent colour scheme used throughout the entire site, from the logo to the copy. Again, the use of blue for titles/links and pink for body copy helps the user distinguish links from body copy, making it easier to navigate the site. Making the type pink goes against traditional rules to typography as the lack of contrast decreases legibility. This was picked up a lot during feedback sessions as people believed the pink type wasn't appropriate and doesn't benefit the site. As the primary purpose of the site is to inspire and educate, a more traditional approach to typesetting would be more appropriate to increase legibility.
In order to find the relevance of this colour scheme I researched into colour theory:
Pink is generally a feminine colour and blue is often associated with males which suggest PoP have chosen these colours to be gender neutral.
Navigation Menu Bar
Home
The Home page is a constantly updated feed of projects. The user scrolls up and down in order to explore the content and click on a project of their choice.
Store
Removes the user from People of Print and takes them to 'Department Store':
Directory
The directory is a section of the site that lists design studios that have been featured on the site and further links to aid designers research. This is a really beneficial section of the website, however the sheer volume of sources makes it hard choose a specific one that is appropriate for the user's research.
In order to simplify this section, the user should be able to save projects or design studios that feature on the site so that they can refer back to them for further reference. Personalising their directory
Magazine
'Magazine' removes the user from People of Print and takes them to an external site. This creates inconsistency for the site, however doesn't impact the users research.
Posterzine
Also takes the user to 'Department Store':
'Shop' and 'Posterzine' are both visible on the main navigation menu but still send you to the same link. This is a waste of space on the navigation bar and distracts the audience from finding inspiring concepts.
Submit
People of Print are open to submissions, creating a design community and exposing designers and studios.
Creatives can submit for:
- Website blog
- Directory
- Department Store
- Print Isn't Dead Mag
Hierarchy of information makes exploring the site problematic. Placing the map at the top of the page makes scrolling frustrating as the mouse hovers over the map.
Advertisement Bar
The side bar on the right of the page provides social media account information and advertisements which are visible all the time. These distract the user from the relevant content, thus obstructing their exploration for creative inspiration.
The main menu hosts categories of the site that aren't primary considerations for researching into print media, these include 'Store', 'Magazine' and 'Posterzine'. It seems that People of Print have evolved a lot since 2008 and their focus is expanding more than just for design inspiration and education. With external links to their web store, live feeds of their social media pages and advertisements for other creative blogs, the inspirational and educational media gets lost in promotional content. Therefor it would be appropriate to change People of Print's interface so that there is a focus on inspiring and educating and include the promotional side in a different section of the site.
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