Building & Managing Web Sites with Microsoft Technologies
Lab 4 - Web Site Critique

Homework Instructions:

An important way to learn good design is to examine the good and bad features of other web sites. Writing skills are also important, as you often need to convince decision-makers in writing. In this assignment, you will combine both skills.

Open and browse the California State Personnel Board web site at http://www.spb.ca.gov/ . Review this site based on the materials presented in class (HTML review, site architecture, page design best practices).   Then write a 300-500 word critique of the site.  The critique should be formatted as an HTML page, which should include your name, student ID number, and be formatted using the page design best practices discussed in class. At a minimum, the critique should address the following:

• Describe the general purpose and goals of the site. Who is the principle audience(s)?
• What type of organization scheme(s) are used in the site (mention at least 2)? In your opinion, are the schemes effective -- why or why not?
• Describe the navigation features available on the site. Do you think they are effective?
• What are the best features of the site? How could the site be improved?

This assignment is worth 15 points. Due by e-mail to chris@valtara.com by midnight, March 9th, 1999.

Notes and Hints:

• A common technique to write a 300-500 word essay is to break it up into 5 paragraphs -- introduction, topic 1, topic 2, topic 3, recap/closing. Each topic paragraph has a topic sentence, 2-3 sentences hitting various points, and a sentence that leads into the next paragraph.
• Many people find outlining your thoughts before you begin writing is helpful.
• Don't obsess about length or comprehensiveness -- just make sure you what you do write about is readable.