Bright Portfolio (previously Pure)

v3: Star Bright

• New logo
• Graphical effect navigation menu, using CSS only
• Dramatic, impressive changes with minimal effort

Why & how

Continuing the improved organisation & classification theme, I purchased BrightPortfolio.com, as this domain reflects the content of the site very well.

I was keen to update the image and identity of Bright Portfolio to keep up with the evolving concept. As I have ensured I maintain the look of the site on a regular basis, the site still has a fresh, up-to-date look - with one exception.

Results

• Smart, professional logo
• Minimalist interface; added interest with subtle 3D effects & updated image
• Stunning navigation design, without overwhelming the user with choices

Visitor
feedback
on version 3.0

Impressive logo. I love the connection to the logo, with the stars and site-wide links - wherever you are it reminds you [of it]. I love that your logo has so much white space and just splashes of colour in it - nice, clean design. This design [as compared to v2] looks clearer and more aligned to what you're doing.

I love this profile - so cool to be watching what you were thinking about these things e.g. cutting down navigation, adding breadcrumb trails... It's just really nice to see.

~ Ian Wellock, Night Island - CTO & Founder

v2: Web 2.0?

• Original icon graphics - including bullet points, arrows etc.
• Effective use of white space for greater clarity & better use of page space
• Optimised graphics for faster loading
• Better organised navigation, introduction of submenus, breadcrumb trails,
• Stylesheets for larger screens & for printing

Why & how

Site content had grown significantly since v1. Consequently, I focused on ensuring the new content would be easy to find & read. The site architecture was already well-organised; it was just a matter of making this structure visible at the front-end.

What I did

I decided to reduce the number of links in the main navigation bar from nine items to five, in order to highlight the main sections. I introduced secondary navigation (submenus, breadcrumb trails) to orientate the user. I added a news section to guide repeat visitors and linked to it from the home page.

Results

Easily navigable pages, users know where they are within the site and how to get to other areas, content is not lost or buried under the hierarchy

v1: Launch

• Original graphics - including logo & title - for funky, fresh look
• Structured back-end site architecture to allow for easy expansion
• Flat level presentation of a hierarchical structure until site grows

Results

Clear navigation structure, beautiful layout, well-designed pages, potential for growth, easy maintenance