Random Snowflakes: scrutiny: matrixmt.com

I think I've mentioned it several times before, but I work as a web designer. Or at least my department does web design. I haven't designed webpages in a while.

But, anyway, being a web designer by profession (and by passion), scrutinizing website designs comes naturally to me. Even when I'm not looking at a website to analyze its design, it becomes inevitable that I do say something about it.

Sorry, but that's how I am.

Several friends have already asked me for advice on their sites recently (and also none-too-recently). I belatedly realized that I comment on and analyze sites better than I do design. Ahahaha. Ironic, I know.

So I figured: since I was analyzing sites all the time... And friends ask me for advice... Why don't I put up analysis of sites so friends can pick up from my blabberisms? Not an entirely original idea, I know, but whatever, right?

So here goes. Case study # 1.

I was looking up SEO (search engine optimization) techniques the other day, as I have been doing for the past weeks. In doing so, I came across this site on Internet marketing San Diego.

My first impression? Nice. Their banner looks awesome in its simplicity. Their choice of color is great. I've always loved white on grey because it gives the site that smooth, sophisticated, toned down look. And then when matched with other colors -- in the case of matrixmt, orange -- the designer can balance it out so that it won't look too simple and smooth. Their logo is cool, too. Catchy and very easy to remember. The orange on the M makes sure of that.

Navigation is easy, keywords are properly all over the place, and viewers can find what they need in an instant. I think it's pretty obvious that a professional made this website. That, or a really really good designer did it.

I've got a few things to point out, though. If you're going to use awesome stock photos, avoid using clipart. Or if you REALLY want to use clipart, pick ones that match the feel of your awesome stocks. (In the same way, pick awesome stocks that match the look and feel of your website.) MatrixMT made this booboo, methinks. The clipart on their homepage don't match the rest of the site. Not in a really obvious way, but they could do better.

Also, what's with the "Services: " that doesn't have anything written after it? If you're going to put a colon, put something after it. Or if you want to put it for decorative purposes, I think you ought to make it on both sides or something. Like this-> :Services:

Another thing: Most of their links are empty pages, and their case study for BestFriendsPetCare.com doesn't contain anything, either. There's nothing wrong with a site under construction, but if you're going to make a link, make sure the linked page contains something. ^____^ Or don't put links on there yet.

Hm... Maybe the links are live, but viewing the content is restricted to clients? Now that'd be plain weird. Don't put a restricted link on site without putting a warning on there. It'll turn visitors down, trust me.

Despite all those things to iron out, though, I still say the design is nice. I think I'd rate it... 3.5 out of 5. Hehe. ^_____^

Labels: link offer, web design