Born with Potential
April 9, 2008
UCAMA
entrance and first impressions
- this is the one main, legitimate use of splash pages: choose language. would also be nice to have links to other language version within each sub-language page
- overall clean, legible layout and design. main message ("we have a new building!") can't be missed
- last updated text is welcome. should likely update more frequently...
navigation
- main nav sections pretty good. maybe "architectural plans" can be included in "building project"
- sub nav well-integrated, easy to find
- unified navigation; site has not become "frankensteined" yet
- no way back to the home page once into the site
- couldn't find any "rabbit hole" paths through the site (ie shallow navigation)
content
- clear that purpose of current site is to raise interest, awareness, money for new museum. successfull at this.
- at first thought this was a new museum, and didn't realize already exists
- current programming, collection, location, staff, etc downplayed to the extreme. maybe this is on purpose (absolutely no resources; no programming during construction of new building?), but noticed announcements in nov, 2007 for sculpture show elsewhere online - so should be aware people *will* be looking for you.
- are you actively developing new website for launch of new museum?
- use of iFrames complicates access to content that is there
- use of iFrames visually restrictive (as though accessing site through a keyhole)
- use of flash player for video nice (best, inclusive option for multimedia)
- much mention of the collection, I wanted to know more about it (at least highlights, if not collection online)
- ukranian language version obviously less-developed than english version
overall graphic
- clean-looking site with neutral layout allows content to stand out
- gorgeous photos (want to see more of them!)
- the "factlets" that animate in and out and fading images distract from the content. if content wasn't in iFrames, might not notice as much.
Recommendations
2 main issues:
- current programming / site / collection absent
- iFrames!