4.16 | on-ground | p2 mockup crit

Due Today:

• P2 mockups to Medium + S26_Project2_DesignProcess
• 15 social media thumbnails
• Animation demo moved to next Tuesday

For Today:

• P2 Mockup Critique + – provide comprehensive comments on 3 others on the shared .pptx.

Event Website Considerations:

• Within the first 5s, can someone instantly answer “what is the event” / “when is it” / “where is it” / “how do I get tickets?” – what is one action you want the user to take?
• Build hierarchy with value, not just size. Contrast is not always a bigger font, consider light vs. dark, spacing, density.
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Squint test. Squint to discern hierarchy.
  

  

  

  

• Design the scroll like a story. Consider rhythm and pacing. You want buildup > pause (whitespace) > emphasis moments > variation. Ask yourself where the page breathes and where it hits.
• Group related content aggressively. Things that are related should feel visually bonded. Rule: proximity=relationship. Avoid: everything floating, weak grouping
• Make buttons / interactive moments impossible to miss. Avoid hiding making them the same color as everything else. CTA should have strong contrast, repeat consistently, feel clickable. Ask: Can I find this button in under 1 second?
  

  

  

• Limit the palette, expand the values. Use 2–3 strong base hues with multiple tints/shade. Show more control over fewer colors.
• Use imagery with intention (not decoration). Images should set tone, support content, feel cohesive. Avoid: random filler, mixed styles
• Align everything.  Design is 50% alignment and spacing discipline. Look for inconsistent margins, drifting edges, uneven spacing.
  Misalignment = amateur feel
• Design for clarity before personality.  We tend to jump towards the expressive, but remember that if it’s confusing it fails. We are designing to help someone navigate, decide, and act.

Due Next Class:

• homepage mockup revisions mobile/tablet (3 sizes) + subpage mockups (1 size) – full crit
• 15 social media digital ideation (due at end of project)
• Post to Medium and S26_Project2_DesignProcess

(looking ahead – due next Thursday: Final Blog – P2 Process: Development plans + wireframe