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Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Web Critique: Chicago Artists' Coalition
Design:
Inviting, warm color palette. new online gallery(good teacher resource). Nice not to have too much info on the front page, but at the same time you get informed. Clean and clear...and little youtube vids a the bottom!
Layout:
Following traditional easy format...tabs up top to search. Layout is simple and clear. The main page can be scrolled down and all the "colorful" information is in that section. To search for basics there are not only the tabs up top but on the left side (clearly shown) on the left side.
Content:
I don't remember the content, design or layout being so clear for this site in the past. I like how it features a main Chicago event right on the front page, has the online gallery for teachers and shows the coalition in action through video. What is really great is that the online gallery features Chicago artists only...great way to get to know the artists in the community. I like the new PROMPT journal..relating art to politics, etc...very good to keep art thriving in Chicago.
Inviting, warm color palette. new online gallery(good teacher resource). Nice not to have too much info on the front page, but at the same time you get informed. Clean and clear...and little youtube vids a the bottom!
Layout:
Following traditional easy format...tabs up top to search. Layout is simple and clear. The main page can be scrolled down and all the "colorful" information is in that section. To search for basics there are not only the tabs up top but on the left side (clearly shown) on the left side.
Content:
I don't remember the content, design or layout being so clear for this site in the past. I like how it features a main Chicago event right on the front page, has the online gallery for teachers and shows the coalition in action through video. What is really great is that the online gallery features Chicago artists only...great way to get to know the artists in the community. I like the new PROMPT journal..relating art to politics, etc...very good to keep art thriving in Chicago.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Web Critique: Street Level Org
Design:
YEa! I new type of design for the front page!!!! Exciting !
Very simple and flashy and to the point.
Layout:
Instead of tabs there are video activated tabs that grab your attention and with one easy click you are to the area you wish to be looking at in the the website.
Unlike some of the sites we have looked at it seems to have a unified look no matter what link you enter.
Because(for the most part) you have to go back to the original page to get to the other links...I think it would be helpful to have tabs in each of the four main links that lead you to the other links or have this flash plug in at the top or bottom of each link to link you to the other links.
Content:
All the content is there...there are four links to choose:Programs, About Us, Media, and Get Involved.d
It is fascinating because the links actually open and look like a typical website. with their own tabs for detailed information. ...but I really like the break down of knowledge distributed to us. The only thing is that it seems that for the most part you have to go back to the opening page in order to get to the other main links.
YEa! I new type of design for the front page!!!! Exciting !
Very simple and flashy and to the point.
Layout:
Instead of tabs there are video activated tabs that grab your attention and with one easy click you are to the area you wish to be looking at in the the website.
Unlike some of the sites we have looked at it seems to have a unified look no matter what link you enter.
Because(for the most part) you have to go back to the original page to get to the other links...I think it would be helpful to have tabs in each of the four main links that lead you to the other links or have this flash plug in at the top or bottom of each link to link you to the other links.
Content:
All the content is there...there are four links to choose:Programs, About Us, Media, and Get Involved.d
It is fascinating because the links actually open and look like a typical website. with their own tabs for detailed information. ...but I really like the break down of knowledge distributed to us. The only thing is that it seems that for the most part you have to go back to the opening page in order to get to the other main links.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Web Critique: Mess Hall
Design:
Eye Catching...and organized-looking...but is it really organized???. Images are not random...but create interest. There are no tabs up top to deepen your search. You have scroll down and really look at the opening page to find links to what you are interested in.The colors are simple but draw attention to necessary areas.
Layout:
I have grown accustomed to the boring tab up top routine but I do like that for easy access...so I wish the mess hall would use that method too. Although eye catching it isn't as easy to navigate as other websites we have looked at.
Content:
All the content is there if you are willing to snoop around and look for it. You can find out how to get there by CTA, there is a calendar of event, you can get more information on workshops, there are random links that you won'tt know what they are about until you click on them and you can find out what the Mess Hall is really about. I especially really like the link that leads to the web showing what the mess hall is all about.
I kind of think that should be on the opening page though.
Eye Catching...and organized-looking...but is it really organized???. Images are not random...but create interest. There are no tabs up top to deepen your search. You have scroll down and really look at the opening page to find links to what you are interested in.The colors are simple but draw attention to necessary areas.
Layout:
I have grown accustomed to the boring tab up top routine but I do like that for easy access...so I wish the mess hall would use that method too. Although eye catching it isn't as easy to navigate as other websites we have looked at.
Content:
All the content is there if you are willing to snoop around and look for it. You can find out how to get there by CTA, there is a calendar of event, you can get more information on workshops, there are random links that you won'tt know what they are about until you click on them and you can find out what the Mess Hall is really about. I especially really like the link that leads to the web showing what the mess hall is all about.
I kind of think that should be on the opening page though.
Web Critique:
Design:
Ugh...the design is a total bore. Really boring that I don't really want to explore the site.
There are images when you enter the tab areas but nothing on the front....it is an artist site and you would never tell by the look of it.
Layout:
The layout is typical with tabs to explore details of the site. The front page is reallyreally lacking.
Content:
BUT the content is so fascinating!!! I live two blocks from pilsen and love the community...and have never heard of this organization. Because the meat and heart of the website is of interest to me I will definitely follow it.
Ugh...the design is a total bore. Really boring that I don't really want to explore the site.
There are images when you enter the tab areas but nothing on the front....it is an artist site and you would never tell by the look of it.
Layout:
The layout is typical with tabs to explore details of the site. The front page is reallyreally lacking.
Content:
BUT the content is so fascinating!!! I live two blocks from pilsen and love the community...and have never heard of this organization. Because the meat and heart of the website is of interest to me I will definitely follow it.
Web Critique: Chicago Art Dept.
Design:
Super simple, catchy easy design that pops with interest/flavor
I like it very much.
Layout:
I really like the layout...again with the tabs up top to navigate to different areas of the site...easy to find.
I really dig the "non pretentious" opening page with youtube videos and clips....very open...nothing to hide...what you see is what you get.
Content:
The very first thing you read on the front is a clip explaining the site---"non pretentious"
There is so much to absorb on the opening page but it isn't wordy and it is easy to see so that you can pick your poison..so to speak.
Under the tabs are more written content...also with more visuals.
I think it is clear...what they are about, how to reach them, who is involved and what is going on there.
Super simple, catchy easy design that pops with interest/flavor
I like it very much.
Layout:
I really like the layout...again with the tabs up top to navigate to different areas of the site...easy to find.
I really dig the "non pretentious" opening page with youtube videos and clips....very open...nothing to hide...what you see is what you get.
Content:
The very first thing you read on the front is a clip explaining the site---"non pretentious"
There is so much to absorb on the opening page but it isn't wordy and it is easy to see so that you can pick your poison..so to speak.
Under the tabs are more written content...also with more visuals.
I think it is clear...what they are about, how to reach them, who is involved and what is going on there.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
3 Walls Web Critique
Content
The content is thorough...but if I wasn't asked to look at this for class, I might have passed it by because of the layout.
Layout
When you first look at this website...unless you already know what it is...it is difficult to tell what it is about. The front needs to be both exciting and informational...especially when it is not well known. I do like the tabs on the left side, but the main images to the right don't really tell us what the place is all about...those images could have been somewhere else in the website.
Design
I really like that the tab/links were located on the left side on a wooden background...wood=walls. Other than that I think the design is lacking interest. I would like more upfront visuals ...maybe visuals that go into the links of artist in residence...like having an image of the artist and the art.
The content is thorough...but if I wasn't asked to look at this for class, I might have passed it by because of the layout.
Layout
When you first look at this website...unless you already know what it is...it is difficult to tell what it is about. The front needs to be both exciting and informational...especially when it is not well known. I do like the tabs on the left side, but the main images to the right don't really tell us what the place is all about...those images could have been somewhere else in the website.
Design
I really like that the tab/links were located on the left side on a wooden background...wood=walls. Other than that I think the design is lacking interest. I would like more upfront visuals ...maybe visuals that go into the links of artist in residence...like having an image of the artist and the art.
MCA Web Critique
Content:
I like how you can find the content in many different places on tabs or already given on the front of the site. I am not sure why Enews and JoinNow are in bright color tabs and the rest of the important information one needs is on the neutral tone tabs. I honestly don't see any content missing that I would like to know. I really do like that the education tab is easily accessible for teachers!
Layout:
It is easy to see the tabs used to find all of the information.
Again...the layout is such that it is easy to find information because layout has put it in multiple areas of the site....maybe trying to be intuitive to different methods people would have for looking for information.
Design:
I really like the new design! I think it is sleek and clean looking...reminding me of the MCA. There are striking images, but not too many on the front of the site. The images and layout seem very intentional.
I like the asymmetry in the design.
I like how you can find the content in many different places on tabs or already given on the front of the site. I am not sure why Enews and JoinNow are in bright color tabs and the rest of the important information one needs is on the neutral tone tabs. I honestly don't see any content missing that I would like to know. I really do like that the education tab is easily accessible for teachers!
Layout:
It is easy to see the tabs used to find all of the information.
Again...the layout is such that it is easy to find information because layout has put it in multiple areas of the site....maybe trying to be intuitive to different methods people would have for looking for information.
Design:
I really like the new design! I think it is sleek and clean looking...reminding me of the MCA. There are striking images, but not too many on the front of the site. The images and layout seem very intentional.
I like the asymmetry in the design.
Monday, March 2, 2009
One more thing!
I went to a flea circus last weekend....and boy(!!!)...what a silly experience. I guess it was very much a traditional Victorian Era thing to do....and ...do try to catch one sometime.
Web Critique: Experimental Sound Studio
Content:
Wow...reading away as I was...I was really impressed by the clarity in their writing. They put tons of informations out there but it is sectioned off neatly so that a reader can easily skim through and find the exact information he/she is looking for when searching this site. I'm really happy to know about this. I instantly emailed my boyfriend and said we should start checking out dates and go enjoy some experimental sounds.
Layout:
It is funny...I was impressed by the layout and design of the last critique but I am really impressed by the crisp layout of this one...or is it crisp design? Hmph. Anyway...I thnk everything is clearly layed out for the reader to sift through. The layout format is consistent with an image and then info...with titles for each section.
Design:
The design is calming. very organized. Very clear. Very easy on the eye.
The funny thing is though...it is an experimental music p;lace and the site is so perfect and organized! ha!
Well....I guess I'll have to see what I think of the site's reflection on the environment when I go listen to a show sometime.
Wow...reading away as I was...I was really impressed by the clarity in their writing. They put tons of informations out there but it is sectioned off neatly so that a reader can easily skim through and find the exact information he/she is looking for when searching this site. I'm really happy to know about this. I instantly emailed my boyfriend and said we should start checking out dates and go enjoy some experimental sounds.
Layout:
It is funny...I was impressed by the layout and design of the last critique but I am really impressed by the crisp layout of this one...or is it crisp design? Hmph. Anyway...I thnk everything is clearly layed out for the reader to sift through. The layout format is consistent with an image and then info...with titles for each section.
Design:
The design is calming. very organized. Very clear. Very easy on the eye.
The funny thing is though...it is an experimental music p;lace and the site is so perfect and organized! ha!
Well....I guess I'll have to see what I think of the site's reflection on the environment when I go listen to a show sometime.
ADDED A NEW LINK
Ok...ladies and gents...
I've added a new link to make you smile.
It is called BOOM BOX...you'll see the link to the right of your screen and you can just click on it and have a little fun....plus...such a great little music mix.
Hope you had a great week and I missed you all on Thursday....my darn TA schedule got in the way!!!!
oh wait....I'm going to try to share right here....
BOOMBOX from Ely Kim on Vimeo.
I've added a new link to make you smile.
It is called BOOM BOX...you'll see the link to the right of your screen and you can just click on it and have a little fun....plus...such a great little music mix.
Hope you had a great week and I missed you all on Thursday....my darn TA schedule got in the way!!!!
oh wait....I'm going to try to share right here....
BOOMBOX from Ely Kim on Vimeo.
Web Critique: Stockyard Institute Chicago
Content:
The site begins with a mission statement making its purpose clear from the moment you enter the site. The tabs are clear and easy to see so that one looking at the site can easily navigate. There is just enough information to understand the site and to get interested. If you need to ask questions there are clear links to reach someone.
Layout:
I actually really like the layout. When the opening page of Stockyard loads onto the computer screen it is instantly clear how to search for information involving the Stockyard Institution. They do not have too much info on any of their tabs making their site easy to navigate.
Design:
Design wise...I am quite drawn to the site. I like the rough feel...with photo image and cutout color. When you click on Press and Contact there are no images. I do wish they would have put images on those two links as well...I mean...why wouldn't you? :)
The site begins with a mission statement making its purpose clear from the moment you enter the site. The tabs are clear and easy to see so that one looking at the site can easily navigate. There is just enough information to understand the site and to get interested. If you need to ask questions there are clear links to reach someone.
Layout:
I actually really like the layout. When the opening page of Stockyard loads onto the computer screen it is instantly clear how to search for information involving the Stockyard Institution. They do not have too much info on any of their tabs making their site easy to navigate.
Design:
Design wise...I am quite drawn to the site. I like the rough feel...with photo image and cutout color. When you click on Press and Contact there are no images. I do wish they would have put images on those two links as well...I mean...why wouldn't you? :)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
New Links
Hello Everyone!
I'm going to start putting good and silly links on my blog to get us through the winter.
Soooo the first one is from Adult swim...it is a game...and once you connect let it load up and have a little fun fun fun!!!!
I'm going to start putting good and silly links on my blog to get us through the winter.
Soooo the first one is from Adult swim...it is a game...and once you connect let it load up and have a little fun fun fun!!!!
Web Critique:SAIC
Content:
I think the content of the SAIC website is good...at least much better than before. I actually enjoy seeing photos of professors! It makes me feel more connected to the school...like if I have seen any of those teachers I now know who they are. I was happy to see that there was a shout out to Hyde Park Art Center's exhibit...I have already told a handful of people that they should check it out. Having a main tab to SAIC's fashion show makes me wonder if that is the most important focus at SAIC since the show does not happen for a couple of months. I think that it is very good that the link to the modern wing is at the bottom of the front page. They realize that we know about the museum and want to learn about other things first. The tabs on the side are useful although I remember when applying I had some difficulty finding things...but I cannot remember what. I was worried that there was not going to be a link to the portal when this new and improved site came out a month ago...but glad that they decided to edit it back into the main page.
Design:
I have heard mixed reviews about the design of SAIC's website. I actually like the teachers being focused on...but I don't think it needs to be as big as it is now. I think if there was an equally large slide show of constantly changing students' work that would be fabulous! I know that it is shown in our portal but I think it would really connect the non-SAIC student to our community and create curiosity...and possibly result in an application to SAIC. I like the picture "buttons" under the professors that you can click on and connect to other sites. There is not too much wording on the front page...just enough.
I like the left column of links to look for important places/people in the SAIC community.
Visibility:
I actually think everything is visible. It is easy to see what is on the front page and find the links to go further with research about SAIC or other institutions SAIC is trying to promote.
I can't think of anything I would change about this section.
I think the content of the SAIC website is good...at least much better than before. I actually enjoy seeing photos of professors! It makes me feel more connected to the school...like if I have seen any of those teachers I now know who they are. I was happy to see that there was a shout out to Hyde Park Art Center's exhibit...I have already told a handful of people that they should check it out. Having a main tab to SAIC's fashion show makes me wonder if that is the most important focus at SAIC since the show does not happen for a couple of months. I think that it is very good that the link to the modern wing is at the bottom of the front page. They realize that we know about the museum and want to learn about other things first. The tabs on the side are useful although I remember when applying I had some difficulty finding things...but I cannot remember what. I was worried that there was not going to be a link to the portal when this new and improved site came out a month ago...but glad that they decided to edit it back into the main page.
Design:
I have heard mixed reviews about the design of SAIC's website. I actually like the teachers being focused on...but I don't think it needs to be as big as it is now. I think if there was an equally large slide show of constantly changing students' work that would be fabulous! I know that it is shown in our portal but I think it would really connect the non-SAIC student to our community and create curiosity...and possibly result in an application to SAIC. I like the picture "buttons" under the professors that you can click on and connect to other sites. There is not too much wording on the front page...just enough.
I like the left column of links to look for important places/people in the SAIC community.
Visibility:
I actually think everything is visible. It is easy to see what is on the front page and find the links to go further with research about SAIC or other institutions SAIC is trying to promote.
I can't think of anything I would change about this section.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Web Critique::::Hyde Park Art Center
Www.hydeparkart.org/
Content:
I think that the Hyde Park Art center should follow in the Art Institute's lead and put their address and phone info on the left colomn where there is less information...also we read from left to right. But I know this is new because I used to always have to scroll to the bottom to get the address and/or phone number....so I'm happy it is moving on up! There is a lot of content on the front that I believe to be unnecessary and distracting. I enjoyed the hole in the wall story :)...and just realized my teacher bio is on there and it is way outdated and I haven't given an art pic to the art center to put with it!!! Who do I speak with about that?
I think the staff info or a link to staff should be on the front page...I would always have a difficult time finding it. I mean it seems obvious...but it would be great if a link were on the front.
Design:
I actually really like the design. I think it is easy to read...and the opening picture really pulls me in...makes me want to know more about the art center. The tabs are easy to see and read and are well placed.
The font is interesting...yet easy to read. The color scheme is relaxed. The design is orderly, artistic...but doesn't quite represent the funkyness that I love about the art center....hmmm....if I knew more about web design I could give a suggestion here. I guess I would like some roughness...layering almost like by clicking on a link on the main page you are peeling away a piece of a collage and revealing the inside of the art center???? hmmmmm
Visability:
The tabs and links are very easy to read. I do think that the address information and transportation info should be the first thing we see. I think the images before each topic on the front page are fitting but I think that they could be used as buttons to click on to lead to different areas to add some interest to the search of info.
Content:
I think that the Hyde Park Art center should follow in the Art Institute's lead and put their address and phone info on the left colomn where there is less information...also we read from left to right. But I know this is new because I used to always have to scroll to the bottom to get the address and/or phone number....so I'm happy it is moving on up! There is a lot of content on the front that I believe to be unnecessary and distracting. I enjoyed the hole in the wall story :)...and just realized my teacher bio is on there and it is way outdated and I haven't given an art pic to the art center to put with it!!! Who do I speak with about that?
I think the staff info or a link to staff should be on the front page...I would always have a difficult time finding it. I mean it seems obvious...but it would be great if a link were on the front.
Design:
I actually really like the design. I think it is easy to read...and the opening picture really pulls me in...makes me want to know more about the art center. The tabs are easy to see and read and are well placed.
The font is interesting...yet easy to read. The color scheme is relaxed. The design is orderly, artistic...but doesn't quite represent the funkyness that I love about the art center....hmmm....if I knew more about web design I could give a suggestion here. I guess I would like some roughness...layering almost like by clicking on a link on the main page you are peeling away a piece of a collage and revealing the inside of the art center???? hmmmmm
Visability:
The tabs and links are very easy to read. I do think that the address information and transportation info should be the first thing we see. I think the images before each topic on the front page are fitting but I think that they could be used as buttons to click on to lead to different areas to add some interest to the search of info.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Week 1: Web Critique
www.cps.edu/pages/home.aspx
Content:Content is clear and consise leading the viewer to other windows for more in depth detail.
Design: Rather boring. The colors are not very exciting, but they are easy on the eyes...relaxing. The design is a great
improvement to the last CPS website therefore it is difficult to really see the negative.
Visability: Everything is easy to read...although I do believe that it would be helpful if the area that most people would go to to
seek answers to questions could use more contrast to excel visability. The area that visually pops is the current
news stories...although important...might not be the most important thing to see first...especially when a viewer is
trying to quickly find answers.
www.artic.edu/aic/
Content: All necessary content is clear to the viewer immediately. All most important content is available to view on the
opening web page.
Design: Design is easy to follow but not very interesting...was a safe design. All items of interest in boxes clearly sectioned
off.
Visability: Everything is completely visable. Although I feel that it could be even more clear to have the museum's address up
near the days and hours. The modern wing's blue stands out the most...so my eye is first drawn towards that
section although the sections the museum probably wants you to notice first are the current exhibitions.
www.naea-reston.org
Content: So much..too much content on an opening page. It looks so exciting...all the fonts and words...but not easy to look
through at a quick glance.
Design: The design seems appropriate for NAEA...alive with color...interesting visuals...just too much info
Visability: Everything is easy to see and read if you are looking at it piece by piece...but it is a difficult site to find what you
need becuase there are too many options on the front page of the site.
Content:Content is clear and consise leading the viewer to other windows for more in depth detail.
Design: Rather boring. The colors are not very exciting, but they are easy on the eyes...relaxing. The design is a great
improvement to the last CPS website therefore it is difficult to really see the negative.
Visability: Everything is easy to read...although I do believe that it would be helpful if the area that most people would go to to
seek answers to questions could use more contrast to excel visability. The area that visually pops is the current
news stories...although important...might not be the most important thing to see first...especially when a viewer is
trying to quickly find answers.
www.artic.edu/aic/
Content: All necessary content is clear to the viewer immediately. All most important content is available to view on the
opening web page.
Design: Design is easy to follow but not very interesting...was a safe design. All items of interest in boxes clearly sectioned
off.
Visability: Everything is completely visable. Although I feel that it could be even more clear to have the museum's address up
near the days and hours. The modern wing's blue stands out the most...so my eye is first drawn towards that
section although the sections the museum probably wants you to notice first are the current exhibitions.
www.naea-reston.org
Content: So much..too much content on an opening page. It looks so exciting...all the fonts and words...but not easy to look
through at a quick glance.
Design: The design seems appropriate for NAEA...alive with color...interesting visuals...just too much info
Visability: Everything is easy to see and read if you are looking at it piece by piece...but it is a difficult site to find what you
need becuase there are too many options on the front page of the site.
THINGS ABOUT ME:
Basic Stuff:
*I'm from Indianapolis...but have lived in Chicago off and on for many years
*I have a bachelor's degree: sculpture focus from Loyola Chicago
*I have a second bachelor's degree in art education from Herron School of Art and Design
*I have been teaching since I was 15(I love it!)
*I have been fortunate to teach in both private and public schools...including Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired(which definitely changed my life)
*I love teaching at Hyde Park Art Center in the summertime*
*I want to eventually be a college professor
Random Stuff and Some Stuff I Shouldn't Admit:
*I get to eat freshly baked blondies every day
*I like watching gossip girl to check out the fashion
*I feel at home in cemetaries...and finally learned why some tombstones are tree trunks!
*I'm obsessed with the -idea- of playing scrabble
*I used to be a foreign film snob...now I like watching vengence movies like death wish
*I don't have any Chicago friends to watch horror films with me and I don't like to watch them alone
*I sell things on ebay that I should probably keep
*I enjoy making jingles about EVERYTHING...I also enjoy teaching in this manner
*I'm from Indianapolis...but have lived in Chicago off and on for many years
*I have a bachelor's degree: sculpture focus from Loyola Chicago
*I have a second bachelor's degree in art education from Herron School of Art and Design
*I have been teaching since I was 15(I love it!)
*I have been fortunate to teach in both private and public schools...including Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired(which definitely changed my life)
*I love teaching at Hyde Park Art Center in the summertime*
*I want to eventually be a college professor
Random Stuff and Some Stuff I Shouldn't Admit:
*I get to eat freshly baked blondies every day
*I like watching gossip girl to check out the fashion
*I feel at home in cemetaries...and finally learned why some tombstones are tree trunks!
*I'm obsessed with the -idea- of playing scrabble
*I used to be a foreign film snob...now I like watching vengence movies like death wish
*I don't have any Chicago friends to watch horror films with me and I don't like to watch them alone
*I sell things on ebay that I should probably keep
*I enjoy making jingles about EVERYTHING...I also enjoy teaching in this manner
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