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When designing, we considered using a tab bar with different tasks, such as "find a photographer" and "leave a review". However, we decided to show only the tasks that were applicable to the particular page that a user was viewing. For example, having a "leave a review" tab at the top of the search results page might be confusing to a user. We therefore decided to appeal to the simplicity heuristic.
HomePageHomepage
We considered designing and implementing a site with a prominent login page, which required all users to signup before having any access to the website. However, we opted to allow users to have access to as much functionality as possible without being forced to register.
We considered using designs similar to travel websites.We also decided , but decided that these pages look busy. We therefore opted on a minimal design, which is consistent with sites such as Google's search page that most users are familiar with.
Homepage
- WE CONSIDERED: “travel-website like design”
+ “advanced search” sidebar already present in front page
+ simplicity: page looks a little busier when compared to the “minimal” design. Don’t We also did not want to present too many options to tweak parameters users right at the outset. Instead, instead we opted to make it easy to start and show options when necessary. MAKE CHOICES ONLY WHEN YOU HAVE TOFILTER BAR MOVED TO LEFT FROM TOP
- wanted it to scroll down with the users.
- information in page vs information in head
- if we put bar in a frame, but then we lose vertical real estate and have to show fewer results. vertical real estate is premium because we want to show sample work as well.
WE CONSIDERED: confirmation of search parameters
+ make it easier to tweak parameters later than requiring additional confirmation steps
SearchPage
We considered having a confirmation page in which a user could alter their search parameters before seeing the actual results of the page. However, we decided that it would more efficient if, upon entering a search query, a user saw their results immediately, and then had the option of changing their parameters based on the results received.