Metropolitan State University

ICS 225 Web Design and Implementation

Spring 2004

  

Critique #2 – Usability

30 points

Due February 25, 2004

 

Assignment:

 

BRING TWO COPIES OF YOUR CRITIQUE TO CLASS NEXT WEEK.  ONE WILL BE GIVEN TO THE WEB AUTHOR.

 

During class you will be assigned a classmate's web site which you are to critique.  If you miss class, contact the instructor for the URL of the site you are to critique.  Do not critique your own web site.  Such a critique will not be accepted.  If you receive your own URL in error, contact the instructor.

 

To critique means to criticize, to analyze, or to review.  Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the web site.  Clearly identify the features you are commenting on, identifying a minimum of 15 different aspects of the site.  Clearly note whether you find each feature to be desirable or undesirable and why.  Use everything you have learned about good web design.  Try to focus on the important themes.

 

Out of kindness to your classmates, please be evenhanded in your criticisms.  That is, for every flaw you criticize, find some good aspect to praise.

 

Among other aspects of the site, comment on the following:

 

1.      What is the probable mission or goals of the web site?  Alternatively, what problem does this web site solve or what business solution does it provide?

 

2.      What is the probable target audience or audiences? If more than one audience is targeted, how is audience-splitting addressed? Is it understandable and effective?

 

3.      How is navigation organized? Is it effective?  Was the web site easy or difficult to use?  Why?  At a minimum, consider the location of the navigation, provision of current location information (where am I?), ability to return to the previous page and home, and ability to search the site.

 

4.  Comment on other aspects of the web site as well.

  

 

Hand in a typed, single-spaced report which is at least one full page in length (using 12 pt font).  The report must include the URL’s of the website you are critiquing.   Your report should be written using a word processor. Make sure your work is original and individual.