Information Design:

Vojtechblau.com: Addressing Design Patterns with Success

http://www.vojtechblau.com/

The Vojtech Blau website puts the user in control to explore the degree and type of information they want. At the same time, the information is presented in a digestible manner, never overwhelming the user or deviating from the goal of the site.

The ultimate goal of the Vojtech Blau site is to sell tapestries. In turn, a design decision was made to display an image of a tapestry in the forefront, no matter where you are in the site. Small blue arrows pointing upwards display in the lower-right corner of each tapestry image which can be clicked to display a panel of information about each tapestry, including the name of the tapestry and when it was woven. These blue arrows are predictably in the same place and serve the same purpose on every tapestry image. The information is at the user’s disposal and never takes away from the beauty of the tapestries.

Within each of the five sections of the site, text information displays on top of a small portion of the tapestry in a semi-transparent panel that is collapsible and then expandable on command. This enables visitors to view the entire tapestry on command. The amount of text visible is only enough to fit within the physical constraints of the tapestry, again, never distracting eyes away from the beauty of the art. To view remaining text, users click a scroll arrow at the foot of the window. I like how related information is available within a section and indicates a logical flow of information. For example, in the “About Us” section you are able to click a link to view “Our History” which is located at the foot of the text panel. I appreciate not having to scroll through the entire “About Us” section to be able to click this link. At the same time, I like that this link displays at the foot of the panel, as opposed to in the menu section along the top of the site, eliminating a spatial contiguity issue. Logically, one would read this section after the “About Us” section, so the link should go at the foot of this window.

All in all, this site provides excellent clues as to how to present information in a limited amount of space. The site also serves as a great example of how to use logical symbols to guide users in controlling their journey through a site. The information presented never takes away from the beauty of the tapestries presented at every stage.