Axioms of Web Design

Upon receiving this assignment I immediately knew which website I wanted to evaluate. I have been to this website numerous times before, but had never paid attention to the reasons I was drawn to it. I believe that I am drawn to it for several reasons, first because I am a photographer and their products are well designed to suit my needs. Second because they have a well designed website that follows the rules of design, which are entertaining and pleasing to navigate.

 

Clik Elite http://clikelite.com/

The landing page for Clik Elite is interactive, and has a unique design to it. The website for Clik Elite communicates its objective. It also establishes what their product is, how it is used, and provides all the information that is needed for the viewer to be able to navigate the website. This website has a strong visual structure, and its layout is well organized. They use a strong grid that outlines the messages that are most important. The outline helps the viewer know where to navigate to in order to find the information they are looking for.

The image of the climber cycles about every six seconds, revealing another image that indicates to the viewer how Clik Elite camera backpacks can be used in everyday activities. Upon first entering the websites landing page, the Clik Elite logo stands out to the viewer. On this particular image a blue button that reads: Capture Adventure has been strategically placed in the lower right corner. This draws the attention of the viewer, and once the viewer clicks on this button, they are automatically taken to the products page.

The images that are seen both in the background and the foreground are photographs that have diagonals. These images are effective in helping to draw the viewers attention, and to help lead their eye around the web page to help them quickly establish the navigational tools. This website has been well designed and keeps the first-time visitor to Clik Elite's website in mind. There are several tools available that help the viewer know exactly how to navigate its website. Across the top of the website page is a heading that specifies which pages are available for the viewer to visit. Also in the lower middle grid, there is a product list of the types of camera backpacks that are available. This takes the viewer to that specific bag. The viewer can also click on the buttons that appear on each image, taking to that specific product.

There is a high degree of affordance on this website that draws the viewer in. Due to the changing images, the viewer is intrigued to watch and see what will appear next. The viewer is also drawn to the images themselves, because they each tell a story as to how that specific backpack and accessories can be used. The photographs used on the pages are engaging, and entertaining. Another interesting feature that gives the website continuity is the image in the background. This image helps to give the page structure, and gives the viewer an image of where these products can be used. The entire image is not visible, but it intrigues the viewer to find out more about it.

The main image in the foreground is the point of interest, and has the greatest area of contrast. It is the greatest area of contrast, because of how it cycles through different images. It leaves the image up long enough to get the point across, and keep the viewer interested. The buttons that accompany the different images also hold the greatest area of contrast because of the color. This website has an aesthetically pleasing design that is easy to understand, follow, and navigate. Not only is it well designed for the desktop, but converts easily to other screen devices.

The following images are to show how the foreground image changes, but still uses the same design principles that are used on the landing page.

This last image shows how Clik Elite's product page is setup. It uses a simple quiet structure that is clean, inviting, and easy to understand. This page, as well as the other pages for this website are easy to navigate.