Web Design ResearchChoose two website categories and search for one example of each. Fill in the activity boxes below:

Type of Website:Aesthetics The appearance is somewhat appealing but it I sometimes

hard to find specific things because is a lot of information on the one page. The appearance is appealing in the sense that the colours work.

Content The info is very up to date and all the news is current. To me I did not seem very organised or sequenced but I only got a glance at it.

Functionality Yes the site loads very well and all the button and links work. The videos load very fast and don’t stop during play.

Type of Website: E-commerceAesthetics The appearance is appealing because it looks neat and

organised and all a similar colour palette that doesn’t clash

Content Yes. On the home page there are direct links to all types of things that target sell. Yes the writing is clear and not crowded. Very current because it has the new spring clothes.

Functionality All the links work and it loads well. It is very easy to navigate and all the links are visible.

E-commerce

This category is for websites whose primary purpose is to sell products online or conduct an interactive transaction online. The key component is the user experience in the online transaction system.

User experience and development are important, and credibility plays a role. The issues of trust and the level of fitness of purpose are influenced by the type of security certificates, customisation and shopping cart flow.  

1Design IT/Kerry Rowe/2014

WEBSITE CATEGORIES

1. E-commerce2. Commercial3. Government4. Education5. Culture & Events6. Not for Profit7. News, Politics and Current Affairs8. Social Media9. Personal

Commercial

Sites who provide a service or information of a commercial nature, whether that audience is individuals or enterprise-level clients.

The core aspect of the site will not transactions or e-commerce but on selling the service or product, hence visual design, content and user experience are important.

Government

Government websites or wholly government-funded programs. 

Local councils and state.

Education

This is for educational institutions such as schools (private, public, primary and secondary), Registered Training Organisations and universities.

Typically, the sites would support the ongoing business of education and recruitment of prospective students, as well as supporting current students and staff. User experience, accessibility and content are important criteria

Culture & Events

The category includes events, conferences, festivals, the Arts and sport.

Content, visual design, user experience are important criteria.

2Design IT/Kerry Rowe/2014

Not for Profit

Not-For-Profit organisations, non-government sites (NGOs) or industry associations. 

User experience, visual design and content are important criteria.  Matching the style and utility of the site to the purpose of the organisation is also important.

News, politics and current affairs

Online newspapers, media, current affairs, political forums, political campaigns, political parties and lobby groups. It also includes campaigns and projects seeking support, funding and policy positions from government.

Social Media

Websites for interaction among people in which they create, share, and/or exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks.

Personal

This is for non-commercial sites – e.g. bloggers, amateur photographers, social causes and musicians. Sites should contain little or no commercial content.  

3Design IT/Kerry Rowe/2014