37signals vs. Pittsburgh Tribune Review
February 21st, 2006
I was struck a few weeks ago when I came across the image on the right, which is a diagram from the Pittsburgh Tribune Review- it bore a strong resemblance to designs by web-service company 37signals. The two are by no means identical, but they share a few key elements – the use of gentle colors, bold sans-serif titles, and the distinctive blue to white gradient along the top. As I see it, drawing parallels between the two is a complement to each – both designs are clear and readable, and look great.
I’m interested in whether this is coincidence, or whether some particularly astute designer at 37signals consciously built on the style of newspaper diagrams in a nod to their clarity and easy accessibility. Of note is that the 37signals graphic is more hierarchical and balanced, but is flatter, losing the depth the Tribune graphic had achieved by using 3D effects and drop shadows. The Tribune example is also more gestural, using a simple but strong diagonal shape, whereas 37signals relies on color and rhythm to make its layout more active.
Link to slightly larger image of the Tribune layout.
Writeboard, by 37signals.
Another great graphic by the New York Times: Link
One more by Time Magazine: Link
Popularity: 5% [?]
February 21st, 2006 at 4:13 pm
Check it out! Nike’s new TV commercial.
This is what playing football should look like!
Nike’s going insane with it’s new campaign for the World Cup 2006, in
Germany. Check out this commercial, first of eigth! The next vids should be
even better.
http://www.nk6.com.br/jogabonito
By the way, ‘Joga Bonito’ means Play Beautiful in Portuguese (brazilian)...
February 21st, 2006 at 5:09 pm
not nearly as cool as the soccer skillz on this video.
Though to be fair to Jeff’s post. I’ve always loved 37signals accessible, simple style and am glad that others are finding it appealing enough to imitate (especially for diagrams which are meant to seemlessly convey rich visual information.)
February 21st, 2006 at 6:12 pm
Hmm, I expect that it was the reverse if there was any imitation…
February 21st, 2006 at 6:15 pm
I don’t know that 37signals is about rich information, more about simple information. Take a look at some of Edward Tufte’s work for richness.