The CPS website is an excellent site. Visually, the site is pleasing to the eye and was designed with a wider audience in mind. Even though the homepage is complex, the design of the site is clear and no information is lost from poor placement or overcrowding. This site even has the option of adjusting the font size for your needs. I have never seen that before. As for the features, the site has a variety of ways to find what you need (multiple intelligences, huh guys!) and the content provides visitors with surveys for input on various topics, news updates, a note from the president, and articles that provide a glimpse into what is going on in the CPS system. Even though the homepage is a bit repetitive with their information, this site is a great resource for anyone who is curious about Chicago Public Schools. A-.
Now here is another sight, just like CPS, that has a lot of information that needs to be accessible to a diverse audience, yet because of high design quality you will never get lost in the website. Each category, such as the calender and exhibitions, is clearly visible at the top and the most important categories have their own highlighted section that make up the interesting modular display on the main page. As for features, I truly appreciate that the entry fees and hours of operation in the left margin. I am easily frustrated with websites that make you go on a hunt for this information. Also, the simple flash components with the alternating imagery give a nice touch to the site. The content of the website is relevant and helpful. Anyone visiting the site will get a clear idea of what Institute has to offer from education programs and museum tours. I give this site an A.
I am not sure if this site gets the worst critique because I looked at it last, or because I truly did not enjoy this site as much as the others. Whatever the reason, NAEA's website was initially pleasing and easy on the eye due to the pastel colors and interesting flash imagery, however, the design of the site is not as successful as the others. For instance, the news section could be more user friendly by using less words, as seen on the CPS website, and organized differently to aid better usability. The flash component on the bottom of the site could be taken out completely while the classroom gallery and e-portfolio boxes could be moved since they are lost at the bottom. On the other hand, I did enjoy the monthly mentor box since the site is a resource for teachers, researchers, and artists; and the header on the page is very clear and helpful. Out of the three websites, however, this could use some design help. Sorry NAEA, B.
Meaghan, great observations. You might like a book called "Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability" by Steve Krug. You've identified a lot of the stuff he harps on, especially the importance of the homepage. If you had to rate usability of these three sites based on their homepages ALONE, which would you give the best grade? -Meredith
ReplyDeletei like that you have clearly defined your question here. what makes a good website? and accordingly you rate each site within your parameters. Web designers today have a tendency to over design and lose the broader population with flash animations and pop up menus. clean and clear triumphs over panache and flash. :)
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