According to Tollett and WIlliams principles, the ENSI website is successful in one area known as repetition. The website uses constant repetition in stating the “ENSI” title, reminding the reader of the topic. ENCI’s use of repetition helps each page to look like it belongs to the same web site, company, and concept. The colors used as well as the font are also repeated and constant which tie the web site together.
The contrast of the ENSI web site are a major downfall for its design. Although the web site uses different colors, graphics, and arrangement, they do not work in favor of the visual appeal. The colors are very bold. Tollett and Williams suggest that, “If two elements, such as type, rules, graphic, color, textures, etc., are not the same, make them very different-don’t make them almost the same.” The ENSI web site does this, regarding color. However, it does not look good. The colors do not complement each other or the background color, light blue. ENSI does include a focal point that is their logo on the top left of the page. When entering the web site, this logo may capture some readers attention, but can be instantly distracted by the bright yellow background on a news entry.
The ENSI website follows one rule in alignment which is using choosing one and using it on the entire page. The general alignment of the page is centered. Although the search bar is centered along with the rest of the page, it is separated by a line and located on the left. However, Williams and Tollett, discourage that beginners center everything on the site. ENSI’s website also uses borders around all of its writing. The overall proximity of the ENSI website creates confusion for the reader. Everything on the page is crammed together, making it a very unappealing visual.
Check out the site at: http://www.indiana.edu/~ensiweb/
Jenna,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, let me say I laughed a good deal when I clicked on the link to the site you chose. It's quite bad. How do they expect to be taken seriously?
Anyhow, in addition to choosing a site that definitely needs a makeover, you did a spot on job of analyzing the areas that need to be fixed. The site's color scheme is definitely working against it right now, which you explained. Also, the fact that everything is centered and there are large empty spaces on either side make the information hard to access. I had a bit of trouble reading your site maps, but it looks like you want to get rid of the empty spaces.
Also, one thing I noticed was the "site map" that pops up on all but the home page. I like the concept, but think it could be replaced with a simple navigation bar at the top of each page (under the logo). So far, your work looks good to me.
Danger