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Dusting Off a Classic
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ENTRY DETAILS
ARCHIVE ID 1367 FILED UNDER Critique
PUBLISHED ON Feb.14.2003 BY Sam
WITH COMMENTS
Comments
Sam’s comment is:

I didn't want to put my snarky comments in the main post, but it seems the whole things is built without subdirectories. And that splash-page logo--so old-fashioned!

On Feb.14.2003 at 11:06 AM
Jon’s comment is:

Web was just never one of their strong suits, except they've got Lisa Strausfeld now, and I would think she could do something 'bout that.

I imagine web hawks will describe the site design as coming from a print dynamic, and I'd say they would be right. It does fall nicely, though, into the 'let the work speak for itself' realm. The presentation of the work is nicer than the previous iteration with its too-small flash popup windows.

On Feb.14.2003 at 11:14 AM
Damien’s comment is:

I consider it an improvement on the old 'black' site which never seemed to be updated- even though it was from time to time.

Their organization of site assets are very odd - but perhaps an architect developed the site -

http://www.pentagram.com/images/

On Feb.14.2003 at 11:14 AM
Jon’s comment is:

Their organization of site assets are very odd

For a non-webby, can you explain this a bit more?

On Feb.14.2003 at 11:20 AM
Armin’s comment is:

I think there is something good to be said about the simplicity of the site. It loads quickly and the work really stands out. Their flash "animation" at the beginning is plain dumb. A fade? that's all? whatever!

I have heard a lot from designers who think Pentagram's work is not as good and it's very overrated. This might just be me, but I think their work is excellent and very inspirational. Clean, smart and to the point without unnecessary graphic clutter.

Their identity mark work is exceptional, I just absolutely love it.

On Feb.14.2003 at 11:27 AM
Sam’s comment is:

This is a major mistake in my book:

Zero information on the home page.

I don't think this part falls under the 'letting the work speak for itself' category.

On Feb.14.2003 at 11:32 AM
Jon’s comment is:

Zero information on the home page.

Good point. It really is imperative to have something as an introduction.

By the way, read the Approach copy. The part I like best is "because design at its best satisfies clients, pleases users, and gratifies the designer." (My italics added.) I'm not sure I've ever seen another company willing to admit that they need to be happy with the work, along with the client. It's acknowledged amongst designers that we do our best work when we like what we are producing, but rarely is that noted in marketing materials.

On Feb.14.2003 at 11:39 AM
d’s comment is:

Jon -

Their images folder - to which I provide a link, is extremely well planned out with folders for each type of graphical asset they've created for the site. The Portfolio folder has within it more folders for the type of work displayed on the site.

This is helpful for updating the site with new graphics or content. And so one would 'expect' - but not have to - that the actual HTML files would also follow a similar folder structure, which again would make it easy for site maintenance and management.

However - I am certain this is just silliness on my part to even mention this, and does little to reflect on their real capabilities.

Though the site does seem to sort of imply that web design might not be their strong point.

If you take a firm like IDEO - who don't strictly build websites, they still have quite a detailed and functional website (but with a splash page, alas.)

I am a great fan of Pentagram, especially the model in which they run and continue to grow the firm. I think that they've found a way to continue to attract excellent talent, and deliver consistent results.

I like their convergence in design and their editorial design, marks and print work has been outstanding in the past.

But I have heard its not the easiest place to work if you're not a partner or Associate Partner, because of the way offices and groups are run by partners.

On Feb.14.2003 at 11:46 AM
Armin’s comment is:

>Zero information on the home page. I don't think this part falls under the 'letting the work speak for itself' category.

White space Sam. White space.

On Feb.14.2003 at 11:55 AM
Sam’s comment is:

I have never heard of this "white space" of which you speak. It sounds...intriguing.

On Feb.14.2003 at 12:28 PM
Armin’s comment is:

In clients' minds:

white space = wasted money

On Feb.14.2003 at 01:45 PM
Sam’s comment is:

In my mind:

client's mind = white space

On Feb.14.2003 at 02:17 PM
Darrel’s comment is:

Argghhhh...flash text...ahhhhhh!

I see absolutely no compelling reason for using flash on this site.

Anyhoo...flash text and pointless intros aside, not to shabby. The top bar navigation is a bit cryptic...took me a while to notice that they were breadcrumb...seems to be an afterthought.

The portfolio is a bit too linear for my liking, but it gets the job done.

On Feb.14.2003 at 02:20 PM
Armin’s comment is:

>took me a while to notice that they were breadcrumb

I hadn't noticed that. Aren't breadcrumbs clickable usually? so you can go back on your tracks?

On Feb.14.2003 at 03:34 PM
Darrel’s comment is:

haha! Yea...you're right, Armin. The only item you can click on is Pentagram...which just takes you back to the pointless splash screen.

On Feb.14.2003 at 03:59 PM
Armin’s comment is:

>The only item you can click on is Pentagram...

It's part of their effort to gratify the designers.

On Feb.14.2003 at 04:24 PM
Heather’s comment is:

white space, ho...hum..ho...hum...I stared at this white space for at least 3 minutes before I realized nothing fabulous was going to happen in this lovely white space. the website seems a little elementary. but then maybe that's their point.

On Feb.19.2003 at 11:51 AM