Blog #4

After reading this weeks readings, two examples of effective design are Starbuck’s website, and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Rapid Transit and Key Bus Route Map.

The reason why I think Starbuck’s website is an example of good design is, it’s minimalistic, very straight forward. It’s also very easy to navigate, and the use of a sans serif makes the site look very clean, and very readable.

The reason why I chose MBTA’s Rapid Transit and Key Bus Route Map as an example of good design is because the layout of the map is very easy to read and follow. The map clearly shows the different route of the Rapid Transit by using a color code system, and the Key Bus Routes are clear bold purple lines. The map depicts all the stops that the bus and transit makes throughout the city, and it also shows where there is handicap access.

For the two examples of bad/poor design I chose are, a website called arngren.net and Suzanne Collins website.

The reason why I chose this website as an example of poor design is, the whole page is fulled with so many things. The layout is confusing, the site is too busy, and there is little to no navigation to help you navigate through the site. The type is in different colors throughout the page, and the site is not organized.

I love Suzanne Collins, I’m a big fan of her works, but her website could be layout better. The navigation is fine, very straight forward, but what’s poorly design is the home page. You have pictures scattered throughout the page. You have two colored columns, the one on the left side is okay, but the “Selected Works” column feels awkward where it is placed. I feel that if they were to change the layout of this home page, it would be more successful.