Examples of existing imagery currently used on the Lambeth website. Currently they are very people intensive, but this doesn't include students doing many activities, the general consensus is that the images look posed and fake, and are all very similar in theme.
Some of the pages connected with the credits and contact information are completely devoid of any imagery.
Some of the cropping on the graphics could be improved, making the composition of the page flow better. The colour scheme is very inconsistent, there are a lot of use of colours throughout the current branding of the college, there is no clear theme.
Some of the other images used on the website are concepts of the new building; In regards to the 3D side of the project, this is a possibility to how we could contribute something more along the lines of our specific skills set.
The imagery used in the prospectus more or less follow the same principals of the website - lots of contrasting and inconsistent colours, with generic images of students.
The image with the camera is a little more dynamic and interesting than the majority of the imagery, this is something that could be used more often to improve the current dynamic.
Last years logo designs are more interesting than the current look, however it was noted between ourselves that they look too much like the closed caption, oyster and copyright logos.
The text logos are too feminine, although I like the design in general, but the college also offers male intensive courses like bricklaying, the logo needed to be more universal.
These are the final designs from last years Lambeth project, the colours are more consistent and there is a definite theme across the whole of the design. However the concept of paint splatter does not do the best job of representing the college as a whole. The other courses such as those in the Humanities department etc... are not acknowledged with this design. The design does not get across the theme of an education establishment - more of a painting and decorating company.
On this page, there are some other examples of college website design, such as
Reigate College, which is a far more accessible site, the colour scheme of the site changes on the menus, but at least offers consistency rather than multiple colours being used at once.
Other sites looked at were
Worth School and
Southwark college. Again Southwark uses a lot of colour, which is rather off putting in the design. In contrast Worth uses very little variation in colour, but makes better use of the imagery, showing students taking part in activities, the surrounding area, Classes etc...
Also on this page are possible ideas for ID cards. The MINT card for example has a rounded corner, this reminds me of something I saw done with school canteen cards, people would cut the cards into shapes, as long as the card is able to be swiped, the card itself could be made in a far more interesting shape.
The prospectus for Reigate College uses dynamic imagery to a greater extent, the composition in the library draws the eye into the centre.
The use of simple 3D elements with good rendering can also make a site look more professional and this interesting example of a business card would also be more appealing to students, however the card would still need to be made of plastic to ensure they survive an academic year's worth of wear and tear.
The image directly below also has a nice design, rather than using rectangular imagery. Part of the current problem is that the images do not flow well into the background. There are also some examples of logo evolution and a simple advertisement that makes use of an iconic identity.
References for website design
These are a few images from the current prospectus, there is a swirly spiral theme that runs through the whole prospectus.
