Week 4A

I left comments on:
Patrick Conahan's Blog
Irene Vasquez's Blog
Laura McIntire's Blog

Pennyjuice.com

This is possibly the worst website I have ever seen. It is so bad it doesn’t even seem like a “real” website to me, no credibility at all. The website lacks any real content, except to say that there is a drink for children called Pennyjuice and that you can buy some. Not even one picture of the product is on the website. The colors and the cartoon kids with the dilated eyes on the home page make me think Pennyjuice is L.S.D. for children. The website’s color scheme and imagery looks like it was designed for kids, however kids do not order the product, adults do, so that makes no sense.

To improve this website, the owner should just start over.  New color scheme, new layout, everything. The home page should include information and pictures and/or videos of the product itself without having to click a button. The nutritional content of Pennyjuice should be somewhere on the website. The navigation on the webpages should be easier.

Spotmetering.com

Spot Metering is a website that promotes the understanding of the exposure (spot meter) on a camera and a couple of photography how to books that further explain exposure. This website is a mess to look at. The homepage has multi sized and multi-colored fonts that are unattractive and make reading through the ponderous amount of material difficult. After reading through the website I can’t imagine what it would be like to try and read a book written by the person who created this website. This website does an awful job promoting the books that are for sale.

To improve this site he needs to edit down the amount of text and make it uniform. Use one or maybe two colors for the font and the same with the font size. Also, when you click on the navigation it opens an entire new window, it would be better if the new page would be open in the same window. The homepage should make it crystal clear that it is selling books on the topic of film exposure.

Riversideartcenter.org

Riverside art center’s website straight away tells you who they are, what they do, and how to get involved right on their homepage.  I found the information provided on each page to be clear and informative. I really appreciated the simple and effective design of this website. Nothing fancy, just explains their purpose and highlights some of the artwork/ programs that they are involved with. When you first load the webpage a pop-up comes up asking if you want to join their newsletter. If I lived in this community, I would definitely sign up.

Apple.com

Looking at Apple’s website it is obvious that Apple understands branding and aesthetics. Their website color scheme is simple back and white just like most of their products. The website’s home page both gives the impression of glamor, and simplicity with a picture of the latest IPhone. Navigation is laid out simply across the top of the homepage. Each product line has its own page that has large attractive pictures of the products. If you want to know more there are “Learn More” links by every product that do not add clutter to the screen.

Apple’s website has been one that I have always appreciated. The thoughtful and attractive way they display their products make them appealing and approachable. The website gives the impression that their products are attractive and simple to use.

How a website looks directly relates to how I feel about a product or service that it is promoting. If a website is not intuitive enough for me to navigate easily, I assume the same will be for the product that it promotes. The look and feel of a website should be considered part of the brand, like Apple. The website and product appear to be one, working in concert. Meanwhile, a website like Spot metering make you feel like the books written by this guy are going to be as schizophrenic as the website is. His books could be great, but I will never know because of the impression his website left me with.