Welcome to David Gary Studio's project evaluation

Every once in a while, technology and modern design come together and create something that is so fundamentally "right", it changes the spectrum of new industry. Such is the case with David Gary Studios', "Full-Throttle". First debut online in April of 1999 and reaching the 10 million visits mark, the overwhelmingly influential, website took viewers by storm. Even the top design agencies were quickly taking notice. Fundamentally superb design application and stunningly elegant site ergonomics,

"A High-wired album cover!" - Rolling Stone.

Principles of Interactive Design. Great interactive design of a flash web site, such as "Full Throttle", requires perfect integration of form and function, of art and science. This is still rarely achieved on the world wide web. It is, however, with David Gary Studio's online masterpiece. Simply put: The site looks good because of what it does, and it 'does good,' in part, because of the way it looks. Let's examine some particular areas where this is demonstrated. At the heart of every interactive design project there is a basic conflict. The elusive balance between unique identity form and intuitive function.

The very unique techniques DG uses to build FT - the fundamental of performance - often work against traditional online design standards because they add file size and bulk for a slow--band community and/or because they depend on complex animations and FX that tend to upset the

lower processor speeds. The experience and interactive design techniques of David Gary allows these contradictory needs to be brought into balance. DG's interactive design takes substandard processors and bandwidth into consideration. This makes animation(s) run smoothly while taking into mind, the user's download time. Also, because of DG's experience in the traditional animation field, animations reflect much more than just amateur flash effects. Important time and research is taken in the animation process to apply unique and effective interactive presentations for online usability. File size is closely monitored to apply competent and efficient streaming. Image quality is balanced to maintain both crispness and small file size. These factors allow the site to be efficient while still remaining extremely dynamic; two qualities that increase both ergonomics AND performance at the same time. A challenge, that faces David Gary's high-end Flash(TM) sites is keeping the site compatible and at the same time keeping enough functional application and unique "cutting edge" design to give a new, impressive experience to the masses. For Full Throttle, David used mostly Vector graphics, animations and special FX developed solely

using Flash(TM). This, along with the integration of professional level animations, FX, sound complex interactive programming and the design used in the majority of the site -- allowed all the conflicting needs to be satisfied. It also influenced the file size in all aspects of the site that effect its appearance as much as they do

it's usability. The beautiful 'chrome' detail that covers all the extraordinary program engineering of the site is functional. That it is so pleasing to the eye is simply 'icing on the cake.' But that 'icing' is what makes this cake so very special. Originality, Continuity, Symmetry. For an 'interactive production' to stand out it must be original. That is obvious. But true originality is rare. That is the reason most sites, CD-ROMs, and even gaming front-ends, made during the same period look much alike. And, while most of us like things to appear "new" and "different," the best designers know they can only go so far. Because -- along with originality -- a part of the human psyche also treasures continuity; the placing of forms into an historical context. Thus the visitor wants to see "new" form, but he/she also wants to see things "in their proper place." Oh, the challenge! But that is not all... Once an interactive designer starts to develop individual ideas that demonstrate originality and continuity those ideas must be integrated. This is "symmetry." The ability to pull off this hat trick is a true sign of dedication. For a perfect example simply look at "Full Throttle". The chrome robot interface theme, now copied the world over, was totally new and unique at the time, but the simple font icons were traditional as well as organic. This no doubt helped viewers accept the design's simplicity.

despite its "newness." Now look at the load bar, with it's unique glass and chrome cover and different color fluid fills for different load times(in kbs). Totally NEW, but also somehow familiar. These two distinctive features make the site stand apart. But they were designed not principally for appear

-ance, but for function. Those same features that look so elegant are also fundamentally helpful. They allow the viewer to automatically realize the link selected and current file load creatively without traditional and over used type. A perfect example of originality, continuity, and symmetry, all in one fully integrated design. Full Throttle; study it. Everywhere one sees such examples of dedicated engineering. Experience it, and realize the fruits such engineering brings. "Full-Throttle" is fundamentally great design!