Charlotte Gundersen is a fashion/feature photographer in Oslo, Norway. A while back we started the project of building her digital online portfolio.
From the very beginning we knew we wanted a minimalistic approach and give maximum real estate to the pictures. The goal was to feature the work and basic contact information. Nothing else. This is why we focused on reducing all unnecessary user interface elements.
The single UI element
The solution is a single element to be the only UI element visible to the user. The element has a semi-transparent offset look, referencing the manual focus system found in many cameras. It has the advantage of not being opaque, meaning the user can see through it to the picture below, appearing less distracting.
When not interacting, the element fades out and blends in with the background, as if an invisible element.
The element symbolises several functionalities:
• A loader bar
• A menu
• Next/previous indicator
To explore the website you simply scroll. As you reach the end of a project the single element transforms into an indicator showing you it will load a new project. As you continue to scroll the previous project animates out and the new project animates in and the element goes back to its default state. The new project gets its unique URL for sharing and no clicking is necessary.
Clicking the element reveals a shortcut navigation to all projects together with contact information.
The element in itself creates a flexible branding symbol for use in printed materials such as business cards, studio posters etc.
Concept: Martin Klausen & Morten Harnang
Design: Martin Klausen
Development: Morten Harnang
Photography: Charlotte Gundersen
Scroll to trigger next project section.
