Semester 5: Digital Interface

Digital Interface

Week 1:

Upcoming Trends

1. Bigger Video and Cinematography

High definition video is the new hero header. The new video technique is full-on cinema-style with video that includes a story. Though, high-definition video only works when it streams flawlessly.

Let's take a look at two different approaches.

Photo credit: Sons of Gallipoli

Sons of Gallipoli allows you to start the video on your own and move through the site.

The viewer is thence given complete control of the viewing experience. Viewers have the ability to skip chapters through a off-canvas navigation bar, play or pause the current chapter, or explore the archive. Here, the experience is not dictated by the design completely, but rather how the viewer wants to consume the content.

Photo credit: Ford Focus Fastback Drive

Ford, however, takes their viewers for a more traditional ride. They use a movie-style format that automatically plays once the site is loaded. Once the brief video ends, menu options pop up asking viewers which track would they prefer to explore. However, viewers are also given the option to skip the video, which is a good option for those who visit the site more than once. Other sites opt away from sound because it can be tricky to pull off without frustrating users.