Blog Topic #10: iPoint Critique (Extra Credit)

The iPoint Advisors websites created by our class all had unique design solutions despite having identical content.

One of the best design ideas I saw was to break up the public and private sector content of the "Services" topic into different sections, as Amy and Nichole did. By using two pages instead of one, the page content became more user-friendly. The content was easier to read because it was about half as long as it had been originally. Alternatively, Suzanne's solution was to use collapsable spry panels to hide or show content as needed. This idea kept the content on the same page but allowed the user to select what topic to view. Many students split the public and private sector information into two columns. This solution was also effective but ultimately I prefer using separate pages because it kept the content more manageable. Regardless of how the Services information was presented, appropriate formatting of the font and effective use of lists made the information more clear to the user.

A second design element that supported usability was the selective use of repeating elements throughout the various pages. For this reason Gary's iPoint Advisors website appealed to me in particular. Gary used a muted color palette with a bright orange accent throughout. A vertical orange boarder brought attention to menu options and various content sections. A vertical gray line was also used to indicate secondary information. Although this element was simple, I thought that it helped to unify the website and give it a professional look. Other class members used repeating colors to unify their iPoint Advisors websites. For example, Pamela, George, and Eric all used a signature color to connect the different areas of the web page. I thought that the use of a color that visually linked the menu, header and main content helped to give the site a professional feel.

Lastly, a design decision that helped to create professional but friendly website was the creative use of space. Langa, Suzane, Nichole, Fawn, and Amy all used space in a way that I had not expected. Rather that the traditional columns, their websites placed information at unexpected places on the page. The information was still very accessible to the user, so the design was very effective. A different format for the website made it feel more modern and customized. It also made me a little more inclined to pay more attention to the website. Rather than just skimming over it, the user is probably likely to examine the website more closely.

If I were choosing the iPoint Advisors website, I would probably choose Suzanne's site. I think that the unique layout of the site is appealing. It looks very professional but it not intimidating or too formal. It gives the impression that the company is comfortable with the internet, and will probably answer their email. It helps iPoint Advisors to appear quite competent and dependable.

If I were to redesign my iPoint Advisors website, I would be sure to include more repeating elements. The simple addition of a partial colored border would help to showcase the information and images more effectively. I tried to remember this for my final project by repeatedly using boxes and rounded corners. Although I tried to use space a little differently on the iPoint Advisors site by using a horizontal menu bar and a vertical page id section, I could have pushed the layout a little farther. I admire the design solutions that used an unconventional but still functional layout.