Lupton to the Rescue

I was amazed the other day when Doctor Newbold showed our class some examples of the worst websites (naturally, the ugly websites contained nothing more than hideous cats as well). However, because I couldn't really believe that somebody might actually think those looked good, I decided to find my own internet disasters. I think that it can be officially said that some web designers need an intervention... A Lupton intervention.

Let's take this one, for example: http://www.lingscars.com/


At the very least, this site is overwhelming. I think that it is safe to say that when you try to make everything stand out, nothing stands out. This website is jam-packed with information and icons and colors and well... JUNK. It is hard to even notice any of the cars that this person is trying to sell because there are so many things that are jumping out and flashing and moving. Although this author attempts to make some use of the grid, his lack of white space disrupts anything that he might have even potentially done good. I am certain that Lupton would tell this author to embrace the white space, stick to a more neutral color palette, and remove the clutter that isn't helping to sell your product.

Another example I want us to look at is: http://dokimos.org/ajff/


Although this website uses more empty space than the last one, the site is just as impractical. When viewing this site, one is initially blown away by the perpetually moving, neon rainbow background. However, when you get passed that, you realize that the sight has even more issues. This site has some serious hierarchical problems. It is true that the title is bolder than the text so your eye is drawn upwards at first (a good thing); although Lupton might have preferred to have the title be more readable and a little larger font size, overall the problems are minor. However, there is a problem in the hierarchical nature of the navigational part. The navigation directory is tiny. It is so easy to miss. What good is a website if you can't even get to the page with the bulk of your information?

Even though I might have held some disbelief at the start, I now realize that there are people who do think that bad web designing looks good. Lupton and I would disagree with their attempts at innovation. In order to create a good website, critical elements such as grids, spacing, and hierarchy need to be used. Moreover, the usage of a less bold color palette and less flashy icons can help as well! When it comes to websites, user-friendliness, organization, and a degree of neutrality will be most beneficial.