Instead of blogging about the newest gadget or latest technology, I wanted to write about how vital it is for someone to keep up with the advancements of technology, in a sense of websites. After researching for work, I came into a fairly frequent problem – most websites are HORRIBLE! I’m talking about websites that just come off lazy. Sadly a lot of these websites belong to companies, enterprises, schools, etc.
My theory is that you need to do as well as your best competitor and then more, in order to stay in the game. If your competitor’s website is decked out with adobe and flash banners, and you’re running on just clickable links, then you are falling behind.
The common finding I discover to these horrible websites consist of:
1. Tough to navigate
2. Rough on the eyes
3. Cheap Looking
4. Having links that dont work
5. Way too flashy/busy
6. Outdated
7. Links are not categorized correctly
I hate to do this, but let me show you a screen shot of three different school districts to compare:
Now the first one on the left has an eye catcher, sufficient amount of information, and the colors blend well with each other. The middle one looks way too busy with text and has too much information that will turn people away. The Third just looks plain, lazy, and very simple. The third one would be okay, 10 years ago that is. If i was choosing a school district for my child, it would definitely be the first one. In my mind, if a school district or company is willing to take the time and effort to create a great website, they will take the time and effort to give my child a good eduction or provide consumers with good products or services.
I’ll leave you with this, if your company’s website doesn’t look as good as someone’s myspace, then you definitely need to hire a web designer or hire a new web designer. There are a ton of books about html or even guides online that will allow people to learn how to design a great website.
Hip Technology 