Critiques desperately needed!!

For starters, the site is slow. I don't mean slow-loading, I mean it slows me down. Every time I click something, a new animation has to play through before I can see what I came to the site to see, which is your work. It's a fine line because obviously, the site IS part of the portfolio – however, I think I would lose much of the Flash animations and just get to the meat of it.

Second, the text that tells me what I'm looking at (to the right of the pictures) is so tiny it doesn't even look like text. I've tried it on my 1024x768 iBook, as well as a 20" LCD and I can't read it on either one. Same thing with the next and back buttons on the left, though they aren't quite as bad.

When I click your resume link, a Shockwave window opens with viewing controls at the top... which is good because the resume uses type so tiny that I can't read ANYTHING. This is just silly – it's like the designers that use every filter in Photoshop in one ad, it's overkill. You would be doing yourself a huge favor if you just had a page with a link to a MS Word file and a PDF file of your resume.

Keep this in mind, MANY larger companies disable Flash/Shockwave capability in browsers via their firewall software to keep employees from farting around with Flash games on the clock. You are limiting yourself by using all Flash. I'll grant you that most if not all the places you would apply for employment at probably wouldn't, but why risk it simply for frivolous animation. To be honest, Flash really isn't tht impressive anymore, there are tons of "do it yourself" apps that create animations for you via templates... so it just plain doesn't impress anymore.

I like the look of your site a lot, but you could accomplish most of it via HTML, javascript and some animated gifs.

Just my 2 cents.

I tend to be in favor of sites that aren't entirely Flash, so my opinion in this area probably wouldn't be very fair. I did notice that some of the images in your photography section could use some image correction - especially levels on the a few of the desert photos. Hope this helps. :)

Thats it?! lol. Yeah, I'll have to go through and work on almost all of them a little, I just pumped them all out for now though.

As far as flashy goes, its ok to rack on it really, but its my strongest point and my next position will most likely be with a very "flashy" firm, or at least I'll most likely be the flash designer/developer. Though in the future I should make a non-flash site, just so nobody turns me down because I use flash.

Hmmm... what browser? I'm viewing it fine at 1600x1200 in windows/firefox. It is a pixel font though, which means I might not have the text lined up perfectly, but this super important, so thanks!

Yeah, its called "flash paper" I've only used it once, but figured I'd give it a shot, the window is resizeable. I like this because its a lot faster than pdf (just launching the plug-in. I want to keep it, but I definitely will have to offer every possible format, word, txt, pdf. I imagine if people can choose their preferred format I should do ok. What did you think of the actual resume (since it will be the same in PDF)?

I like the look of your site a lot, but you could accomplish most of it via HTML, javascript and some animated gifs.

Just my 2 cents.

First off, thanks for the compliment, actually this is one of the least annimated sites I've made in a long while. I decided I wanted to focus on the details more than having crap flying around everywhere. So I'm very pleased that "the look" passed the test so far at least"

For the rest, I imagine much of this is true, and there are many who will think the same. I don't obviously, but its very useful to know how some/many do or will feel about flash. Though it would be another discussion entirely I'd be seriously impressed to see even this level of annimation done with purely js and annimated gifs, and even more if it were produced in a few days. I'm super stoked about this version of suborior because I can update ALL of the content via xml (which can easily be tied into a database in the future.

Regardless, I'm hoping to land a job where flash is central to my tasks...and am also hoping flash has future. The new flash player 8 sounds very promising, especially with its beefier engine and new video processing features.

Thanks so much for your input, its EXTREMELY important that I hear these thoughts, since I might get an interview with someone who feels the same way (especially if I end up interviewing at Microsoft again).

let me start by saying i like it a lot! however there are some point needs work in my opinion.

1. The descriptors on the right are too small. I couldn't read them on a 20" LCD.

2. Check if the word "loading" for the images is centered. I think not.

3. On the bottom: "My work" is a category and needs to be somehow differentiated with the subcategories. Now, it's on the same level visually.

4. Most importantly I'm not comfortable with the categories. Webdesign is good. But graphics is too generic and not professional. Divide your work into more recognized standard categories, such as "Identity" for example. Flash, again is not a category of graphic design. It's a technology. If you divide your work by technology than be consistent and have PS, Dreamweaver, etc. or instead of Flash call it something like New media or Interactive or smthg. You know what I mean. So, rething the categories. Very important.

Oh I might aswell include this topic in this thread since it'll probably be the biggest part of it.

I was just thinking about the reasons I love flash. One of which is that I detest having to go to a new page with traditional sites. that blank white page you get between pages bothers me and seem unfluid. I love being able to keep all the content going without having to jump from one file to another. Of course I know this isn't always the case with traditional sites, but it is definitely the core concept behind the ".html" info design.

It just seems so horse and buggy to me....

I actually started web designing in '95. I first learned to design for "Lynx" because it was the dying standard of the day. I remember many people speaking about jpegs the same way I hear people talking about flash now. I don't think its the same thing, but its always been a very interesting topic of discussion for me.

I do know that html is a dying breed though. xhtml is just a segway too....I absolutely love that our medium is constantly changing....

oh, i don't mind it being Flash, beacuse it's actually works well even under Firefox for Mac. if you want a Flash job, which seems like your strength go with a Flash site.

OMG, soooo true!!! I kinda scratched my head and went on with it, but you're totally right....looking at it again it just doesn't seem right.

I'm also worried about it not being entirely visible from the start? Do you think it should start opened so nobody gets confused? Also, I was thinking about making it both clickable and draggable...should I bother with the drag?

yeah, it took me a few seconds to find your work. at least somehow indicate that my work button has to be pressed. i wouldn't do more animation, unless it's subtle. nice work!

Yeah, I don't have much of a choice here. I'll make half the amount if I went for a non-flash oriented job. So for now I need to try and focus on my primary strength, and pray every night Macromedia and flash keep doing well:)

Thanks! I'm glad someone likes it! :)

If you want to apply for a position as a designer with the supervision of an art director then it is a good start with some flaws. As others already mentioned the small tiny text, I have to add some other objective remarks. If I hit next, nothing happens for a few seconds. Thats annoying. I need to see a visual feedback of a loading page. Otherwise I will click away, presuming that the page isn't working. Ivan alreadz mentioned the oddly placed "My Work" menu. It took me a while to figure it out where to look for more of your stuff.

Another thing is the proportions of content and presentation. I felt throughout the site that you want to show your ability to do some nifty cool things, but at the same time you lost focus over content. If you want to show how well you present, then you failed. On the other hand if you want to show how deep your knowledge is in the widgety things of flash, then you lost focus again. In the latter case I wouldn't bothered with showing any other work instead I would present the widgets in detail.

This is an interesting observation. I generally focus on less content and more presentation (crazy widgety stuff). This time I simply don't have the time. At the same time, I still feel as though my portfolio is weak and lacking content that accurately displays my talents. To boot, I've been spending more time devloping software than designing front-ends, which is what I'd like to get back into without loosing completely walking away from development.

I'll have to think about this one, I'll definitely let you know when I come up with adjustments to get more feedback. Thanks so much for such an intelligent analysis.

It's probably just me, but I don't dig the scanlines all over the site..

you have it in the main windows and in the background..

you have it in the main windows and in the background..

Hmm, I was wondering if anyone would say anything. I might nix some of them in the flash since they're bitmapped and making the swf bigger anyhow.

Anyone else dislike them?

First of all - pretty good overall look. But let's get nasty :-)

When site loaded, it automatically opens the first category in your portfolio "Web design". I think you should have an introduction page saying a couple words about the site, its purpose and what you suggest people do with it :-) Something like "feel free to browse my portfolio and see my resume" Such shortcuts will help visitors start right away without learning the navigation first.

Logo/site name is in the bottom left corner. On most sites it's in the upper left corner or upper right corner and this is for reason. There are some cultures that read/write from right to left, but all people on earth (except greenlanders who don't mind about orientation at all) read/write from top to bottom. Most people are very conventional, so don't make them feel uncomfortable.

Version. I could never understand who and why started this, but who cares about what version your page is. Especially there is no need to write it in such big text. Considering what I've said before, this also would make some people think this is your web site name.

Next, previous, random. I would place these links on the right where they would be closer to the portfolio menu. Also, moving the description text to the left would make the page more organized. If you consider moving the logo in the upper left corner, then: "SuboriorCom > Web Design > Best Elder Care > Description" Makes sence and also idicates the structure. Right now I have to collect pieces of information from various conrenrs of the web site.

Next button is somehow higher than other two.

I would add the number of works you have in every category and the number of the current artwork. You potential employer might liked the site number 4 and wants to show it to his boss. remembering the number it would be easier to find it next time.

Consider indicating that upper right buttons are opening a new window. Everyone hates popups, even if it cares your lovely resume.

Titles on the menu are inconsistent with page titles. "Websites" in the menu and "Web design" on the page.

Samples is probably not the best word. I would call it "Portfolio" or even "Menu".

There is no reason to hide the menu since there is enough room for it.

To make is easier navigate i would make currently active menu point highlighted (shining with a yellow light or something).

Link to the sites. If I want to see the sites it could be nice if I could click on the site preview image instead of on the link in the description. You could add a little box next to the cursor when it appears to be over the image indicating that this web site ca be visited.

I also agree with other about the size of the description text - it is too small. Also i would avoid using the same font for different purposes. You use the same font for the description which is a static text, and for the buttons titles, which is an interface action which causes action. By all usability rules, links and buttons should look different from any static texts.

So I just put up a bunch of changes. Fixed some of the issues, or at least attempted to. But the biggest news is that did a speed report on it, and noticed everything was super bloated. Then realized I hadn't compressed anything!!!

So...now the total initial download is less than half of its original 118k (yikes!)

I should be able to reduce it even more.....how does an initial download size of 25k sound? Its at about 55 or so right now.

If I'm not doing something semi-experimental I usually target the 8 second download on 56k MAX rule. suborior.com is at about 11.5 seconds right now. If I'm willing to bend a bit I might make 6-7 seconds.

Does anyone here have a different rule?

Dude, check that spelling!

xx

Thanks so much for the praise Pokie!!

Well, here's a long explination short. I can either make someone download a seemingly long list of files that are around 20-40 k each, which would be a lot if you multiply that by say 30....yeah.....600k download would be seriously laggy.

But, to accomadate your problem I'll build a simple script that will download them one after another while you're looking, that should minimize download time between each item.

Stuff like this gets by me since I'm on a T1 connection at home and even faster at work, so everything is just about instantaneous.

haha, yeah, I had a friend fire me a long long list of typos and mispellings.....I'll have to go through it once I'm done each section. At the time of the writing it was about 4am and I was on my 5th highly caffinated beverage, plus I'm a crap speller:)