Chapter 12

Balancing Function and Fashion

Activity

Objectives:

· Understand display design

· Understand window design

· Understand the use of color in design

Directions:

• In groups of 2 or 3, complete the following activity. You can refer to your text if needed.
• Write the steps down in order to share with the class during the discussion and for grading.
• We will discuss the results during the next class period.

Activity:

http://www.2atoms.com/comedy/worstoftheweb/worst06.htm

Refer to the above website in order to answer the following questions.

Display design

1. Does the site provide all the necessary data in the proper sequence to carry out the task?
2. Is the design simple and elegant?
3. How is the organization of the Visual Structure:
       a) grouping of items (give one example of presence or lack)
       b) hierarchy of display (give one example)
4. Image and Representation:
      a) immediacy (give one example)
      b) cohesiveness (give one example)
5. Style:
      a) distinctiveness (give one example
      b) integrity (give one example)
      c) comprehensiveness (give one example)

Window design

1. Is sufficient information offered to find what is needed (give one example)
2. Any distracting clutter present (give one example)
3. Time spent manipulating windows instead of on task (give one example)

Color

1. Was the use of color conservative? (Give one example)
2. How many colors are used on the front page?
3. Were green and red used together?
4. Are the colors used for active links in line with users’ expectations?
5. Did changes in color indicate status changes? (give one example)