UNIT 6 WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT
INTRODUCTION:
I have recently joined a web development company as a junior
web developer. As part of my introduction to the company, I have
been asked to select two websites and evaluate them. The
websites I have chosen are WHSmith and Apple.
THE PURPOSE OF WEBSITES:
Websites have different purposes and perform different functions.
In the past, websites were created to provide information to
users. However, content-based technology called Web 2.0 has
been developed so users can interact with and can add their own
content, knowledge, and opinions.
WEBSITE 1 -WHSmith:
The first website I have chosen to evaluate is WHSmith. Below I
have evaluated it according to the principles of web design.
USABILITY:
This website is easy to use. On the top, there is a search field
that allows us to search random stuff. Next to the search field
there is a navigation menu featuring the central content
categories of the site. After clicking on the links, a drop-down
menu appears with all the content available in that category,
, which makes it clear
and easy to use. This allows users to navigate the website freely
and if they do not know how to find something, they can just
type it into the search bar. WHSmith could improve their website
by adding a LIVE CHAT option, so that when users are having
trouble finding the item they are looking for, they can just ask in
the LIVE CHAT and someone from WHSmith will assist them.
CLARITY:
Clarity can be seen throughout the website. As an example,
when you select a category ‘Books’ in the top navigation you get
a sub navigation listing all types of books relevant for this
category. The design of the website makes it simple and intuitive
to use, as it presents the search feature at the top, which is a
typical feature of most websites. The clear design prevents you
from getting distracted from the main goal, which is to make a
purchase. This is helpful for customers when they are unable to
find a product, they can just type it into the search field and the
site will do it for them, which is especially helpful for young
children who may have difficulty finding items.
SIMPLICITY:
INTRODUCTION:
I have recently joined a web development company as a junior
web developer. As part of my introduction to the company, I have
been asked to select two websites and evaluate them. The
websites I have chosen are WHSmith and Apple.
THE PURPOSE OF WEBSITES:
Websites have different purposes and perform different functions.
In the past, websites were created to provide information to
users. However, content-based technology called Web 2.0 has
been developed so users can interact with and can add their own
content, knowledge, and opinions.
WEBSITE 1 -WHSmith:
The first website I have chosen to evaluate is WHSmith. Below I
have evaluated it according to the principles of web design.
USABILITY:
This website is easy to use. On the top, there is a search field
that allows us to search random stuff. Next to the search field
there is a navigation menu featuring the central content
categories of the site. After clicking on the links, a drop-down
menu appears with all the content available in that category,
, which makes it clear
and easy to use. This allows users to navigate the website freely
and if they do not know how to find something, they can just
type it into the search bar. WHSmith could improve their website
by adding a LIVE CHAT option, so that when users are having
trouble finding the item they are looking for, they can just ask in
the LIVE CHAT and someone from WHSmith will assist them.
CLARITY:
Clarity can be seen throughout the website. As an example,
when you select a category ‘Books’ in the top navigation you get
a sub navigation listing all types of books relevant for this
category. The design of the website makes it simple and intuitive
to use, as it presents the search feature at the top, which is a
typical feature of most websites. The clear design prevents you
from getting distracted from the main goal, which is to make a
purchase. This is helpful for customers when they are unable to
find a product, they can just type it into the search field and the
site will do it for them, which is especially helpful for young
children who may have difficulty finding items.
SIMPLICITY:
