DMMT Chapters 1-3

Very straight forward, quick reading. Very obvious information once read. Makes me wonder if there is a manual for good web page design. Very interesting reference to the the modern mind's trip to easy boredom. The more web site observation, the more jaded we become, the more we demand in quick and easy function. Began thinking about how many people write or design from a saturated information base rather than designing for a person coming to the information for the first time. In other words, make the information as simple and user friendly the first time for people who have no or little web site observation experience. Use colors thoughtfully and keep verbiage to the minimum. Always seek to boil down information to the bare essence, Hold off to the last screens for intense data. Use pictures and icons before words. In my mind I began redesigning the web site I showed in class with this information: Replacements.com. I also believe that the site I showed as an example of a good web site is even better: kimcrilder. com for it's simplicity, beauty, lusciousness and keeping the focus on the subject matter of her art work and not on unnecessary words.

Mobile Usability article

I found Mr. Neilson's article rather difficult to comprehend. I didn't understand what he was trying to sell and to whom. I wasn't in the market for a new phone and was offended by how exclusionary he seemed to be with age groups and who buys what. I have a flip phone because I can't afford to buy a newer phone and use the phone that I have mostly for emergencies and phone calls. This isn't because I'm technologically a dork or a dinosaur but his article seems to infer that. His writing style left me feeling chilled and confused.

After talking about this in the class today, I understand more of what his purpose in creating this site is. I can see where it would be useful for people who have businesses that are interested in trying new marketing avenues. I also enjoyed learning that Mr. Neilson doesn't like graphic designers. However, I disagree with him about leaving art completely out of design for technology. Form should follow function but art makes it palatable.

Web Site Analysis

http://www.replacements.com/
http://www.classicreplacements.com/
Homer Laughlin Eggshell Nautilus Ferndale
http://pinterest.com/pin/256001560039265338/
http://www.replacements.com/webquote/HLCFER.htm
This website is used by people looking to replace pieces of their china, crystal, or silverware, usually antique or hard to find items that are no longer being produced. The content does support the audience. However, it could be clearer and less wordy. It took me hours and hours to find the china pattern that I was looking for even after I knew who the manufacturer was. It would have been better if there was a mechanism to scan in an image and have it search for similar patterns. I did contact them but never got a response. I do think the audience understands the content but I think people stop reading and glaze over before they get to what they are looking for. I believe that someone hired their nephew or son to put together the website and then had a typist put in the info. I'm sure they just took their current inventory and method of categorizing and set it up exactly as that. Better would have been something like a Google image search with great zoom in photos so the person who is looking for a piece can see the images first and then get the info on how many available, if there are chips, what are the prizes, and order info. There are many times that I've gotten lost but it is pretty easy to get back to home to start over. There are times where it has bumped me out and I've had to research my item. I think many customers get confused and overwhelmed by the search if it took me hours to find what I was looking for and I had most of the info I needed! Initial navigation is across the top and then directs you vertically to the left side. It keeps you there until you order. I believe that the format is very straight-laced and old-world typing style. Very Excel based. I believe that they could make more out of their visuals. Having access to so many beautiful pieces of antique china and crystal wear the visuals seem stingy. Why not show some enticing table settings complete with table clothes and lit candles? Who cares what the front of the store looks like? No one is ever going to drive there until they live in the same city or state. The typography seems boring but effective. The sentences are too close together and the font could be a larger size. The block of information about the chosen china pattern is not very visually appealing. I think people order what they want and never go back.