Final Report
The organization of www.tracylocke.com is well done. The viewer can expect that when the go to the site in search of either specific information or even just to find out about the company, they will be directed to their desired area within a reasonable amount of clicks. Their organization is definitely an asset to the site. The organization is done with good design through the use of colorful tabs, pictures, and interactive ways to reach information. Some of this design is evidenced through colorful tabs and using pictures as links to reach other areas of the site.
In contrast, the organization of the Richards Group website was fairly well done, though in an attempt to organize the site through a minimalist approach, the site can be confusing at times, as topics are so broadly categorized for the sake of a clean appearance that a bit of trial and error is required to reach the desired information, or to even get a feel for the company. The Tracy Locke website required markedly less trial and error, and though it appeared to have more destinations, was, in my opinion, more organized.
Presentation at Tracy Locke’s site was phenomenal. Immediately upon arrival to the site, the creative nature of this business is more than apparent. The site features a mix of abstract pictures for backgrounds as well as a gallery of photos of the workplace. The photos of the workplace as well as the vibrant colors and use of creative design give the viewer a feel for the company without even reading the history or current news and clients. The viewer feels acquainted with the web site and the workspace without ever having read a word. This site is presented as a very open look at the company culture. Even the links to the traditionally less interesting links such as company history and the like are inviting, as they are presented in just as attractive manor.
In contrast, the presentation of the Richards Group site is executed in a very different way. The presentation at the Richards Group site features a “less is more” approach. There are really only two main colors, red and black. I can only assume that this was supposed to be a striking contrast, as well as accent the color in the ads, to draw attention to the ads. This is well meaning and occasionally effective, though it seems ultimately boring if lengthy investigation is necessary.
Navigation at the Tracy Locke site is generally made easy by its design. From the home page to the outermost links of the site, one can always find a way to what they are looking for as well as find a way back home. The site features organization which enhances the navigation experience. Though sometimes the unconventional navigation tools (like the central items with a dozen or so “branch off” options) can serve to hinder navigation, it is generally made easy through what appears to be careful consideration of what would be practical, helpful, as well as aesthetically pleasing. I was generally satisfied with navigation at this site.
In contrast, navigation at the Richards Group site was somewhat more difficult. The home page is merely the Richards logo, and it is left to the viewer to click on the logo in order to enter the site. Whenever the viewer arrives at what appears to be their desired destination, a seeming lack of information cannot be ignored. At times, it was difficult to find the appropriate link to desired information, and the difficulty was not helped by frustration with the overwhelming feeling that more information should be present.
Change is an area with which the viewer will be somewhat less decidedly swayed. At the Tracy Locke site, the home page is changed to reflect relevant news as well as to maintain interest in the site. The overall design is the same, as the same tabs are featured for initial navigation to create a sense of familiarity. At the same time, the site features up to date, relevant information.
Change at the Richards Group was even more miniscule. It would be hard to tell if there was change just by visiting the home page as it is merely the logo. This is different than the Tracy Locke experience, in which change is immediately evident to the viewer thanks to the design of their home page, which puts an emphasis on newsworthy events.
In summary, the main site www.tracylocke.com was a well designed site in which organization, presentation, and navigation were top priorities. The site was beautifully designed, and well organized. The presentation of the site was very nicely and colorfully executed. The navigation was made practical through what appears to be careful planning. Change was facilitated through the use of news on the home page. The competing site offers a bit less cluttered organization. The assessment of the site was about equally positive as when it began. The sites changed minimally, and the sites were up to date.