GMD 177 Web Page Design

Spring 2010

Instructor: Mark Daybell

Email: mark.daybell@canyons.edu

Web: www.daybell.com

Website Analysis Paper (100 points)

You are to choose one website and analyze its design focusing on Information Architecture and Usability topics, such as:

• Web Conventions: Is the Logo in a standard location? – Does it link to the homepage? - Is the navigation’s placement in a standard location? – Are the links clearly links? – Do they “Feedback” to the user?

• Visual Hierarchy: Does the site make good use of high priority areas? – Does the hierarchy communicate an order of importance, ultimately creating an easier, more enjoyable experience? – Is Negative Space used to emphasize important information?

• Trunk Test: Does it quickly answer all three basic needs, if so, how? – How do the graphics inform the visitor to the site’s main purpose? - Does the site use Page Titles? Does the site use Bread Crumbs?

• Navigation: Does the placement follow web conventions? - Is the navigation consistent, persistent or hub and spoke? – Are the links clearly links? – Are they readable? - What is the style of navigation, Rollovers?

• Ease of Use/Efficiency: Does the site consider its main purpose and present it on the homepage? - Does the site force the visitor to wade through pages unnecessarily?

• Resolution: Does the site make good use its real estate? – Is the site designed in a “Scroll-less,” Liquid or Fixed resolution? – If the site does use scrolling, could it have been avoided?

• Speed: Does the site take a long time to load? - Is it worth it?

• Color: How does the site apply color, does it add to the experience?

• Legibility: Are the logo, copy and links (typeface, size and color) clear and easy to read? – Is there enough contrast between the type and its background?

• Other: Consider your overall experience, are there design choices or interactions, not listed above, which could have made your experience better?

The paper should be 500 to 700 words long. It should be computer generated and include your name, name of the assignment, date and URL of the site you’re evaluating. It should be spellchecked and proofread before it reaches me.

Don’t just pick your favorite site; rather, pick a site large enough to handle 500 words of criticism and/or praise. It may be better to pick a site you have no emotional connection to so you can keep a professional distance. Finally, don’t just base your choice or limit your analysis to the homepage but rather navigate and evaluate the entire site.

Due by the end of class on March 8th