Web critique #1 (class assignment)

1. Chicago Public Schools: http://www.cps.edu/Pages/home.aspx

Content:
-I enjoy a homepage which does not require scrolling, so I find the homepage a bit too cluttered/content-heavy.
-However, the choices of what content are featured are good. There seems to be a logical link to click next for just about any visitor.
-Upcoming events & news keep the site dynamic and current
-The range of topics, from small (school days off) to large (the “turnaround” controversy and explanation) is good

Design:
-It’s a pretty no-nonsense, no-frills site, which has its advantages, but from a design standpoint, it’s a little bit dull
-The color choices are not inspiring…they don’t make me excited about CPS…I definitely think more photos of students learning would enliven the site. No fancy scrolling photos or special effects. Just some more real life shots from inside CPS
-For example, on the Programs > Academic and enrichment > Arts Education page, a photo or two of children engaged in art activities would make a world of difference.
-I also think that more highly contrasting colors would help differentiate text boxes from one another. The use of lots of light shades of dull colors (grays, blues, pinks) – i.e. the teaching recruiting page is more dynamic and interesting: http://www.cps-humanresources.org/Careers/career_index.asp#)

Interface/Usability:
-Highly visible “search” bar in top right corner is good
-The “breadcrumb” trail on each page is helpful -- if ever you need to backtrack within the site, you know just where you are and where you’ve been
-The repetition of “Resources for: Parents, Students, Community, Partners, Staff” at the top right corner of each page is nice – gives confused people a place to go


2. The Art Institute of Chicago: http://www.artic.edu/aic/

Content:
-Good. It all seems to be there.
-Maybe there are a couple too many main menu choices up top on the home page, but none of the drop downs are too text-heavy
-easy search feature
-helpful to have the hours/admission displayed on the homepage, not a click away

Design:
-I like the different-colored & -sized blocks on the white background: it makes for good contrast (that was lacking on the CPS site) a neatness/cleanness that facilitates navigating around the site
-not enough contrast in the white background and the white drop down menus
-the font could be a point or two larger – it’s a bit small
-since they’re an art museum, they could mix it up a bit more from their block-y format, like on the “teens” page http://www.artic.edu/aic/education/teens/index.html
-I like that the photos change – keeps the site dynamic

Interface/Usability:
-I find it generally user-friendly, except for font size
-breadcrumb trail is again helpful

3. National Art Education Association

Content:
-There is a LOT of info on this site (and mostly useful, interesting stuff); seems that if you don’t know what you’re looking for, though, you might get lost
-a nice combination of visual and written content…archives of kids’ work, articles written by teachers, & administrative info

Design:
-I like the color choices and the irregular shapes
-rotating photos/text on home page are nice w/variety of fonts and interesting images make homepage interesting
-Like CPS, the homepage requires too much scrolling & has an overloaded feel! Less can be more…

Interface/Usability:
-Again, because there is so much content, things can get a tad confusing
-Having so many different stimuli pop up in all corners of the page gets me a little distracted from my original intention, but such is our web-cuoture I suppose ☺