For our Visual Communication Class we had to analyze a site based on the Rutledge’s axioms.
1. The most relevant bit of understanding we must possess in order to design an effective website solution for our client is their business objective(s). This is a true statement. In order to have an effective website the site should include business objectives. On the Settlement Perspectives site I think that John DeGroote does a decent job on telling the objectives and purposes of the site.
2. The most efficient way to clearly communicate a page’s visual structure is by using a strong grid. Agreed. If a page doesn’t have a strong grid then the viewer will just disregard the site. A strong grid will allow the reader to comprehend the information better. In the Settlement Perspectives site the designer did a practical design for the page. You have the company’s logo at the top left corner, then quotes directly under, you have an alphabetized category box on the right, and in the middle you have different articles about negotiation and such. The page is pretty symmetrical and (for me at least) easy to follow and flow through.
3. Generally speaking, the lower right is the most effective position for a large image on a text-filled page. There aren’t any images on the lower right corner, only the category section.
4. The most natural and effective direction for leading a viewer’s eye through a web page design or a landscape painting is along an angle. I agree when information is conducted through angles then the information flows more effectively. The Settlement Perspective site is to an extent made to flow effectively through the symmetrical page and the three columns of information.
5. For first-time visitors who have never seen the layout or used the interface of a website, the most important non-brand related issue the designer must take into account for an effective design is a high degree of affordance or intuitiveness. I think this is true. The affordance of graphic design or the visual clues as to what the site is about is very effective to someone who hasn’t used the interface of a website. On the Settlement Perspective page I had to look for what the site was through information; the pictures didn’t tell me what the site was all about; which to me is a default.
6. The main point of interest is at the area of greatest contrast. On the Settlement Perspective site the main point is in the greatest area of contrast within the color. The black and white difference (contrast) allows your eyes to lead to that contrast which is where the title of the site is found.
7. Aesthetically pleasing designs are widely perceived as being easier to use than less-aesthetic designs. Aesthetically pleasing designs are easier to use. I think that this site was less-aesthetic in the design. It doesn’t show a natural beauty or any types of emotion, to me at least.
