Comparative Web Site Analysis

Web Design Juxtaposition: 

University of South Carolina Aiken and University of North Carolina Asheville 

When considering universities, parents and students open their web browsers for quick access to collegiate websites, in search of maximum information with minimum effort. A well-developed web site provides easy navigation access to the right amount of information. University web site designers must consider the range of readers when utilizing terminology, layout, and features. Generally, all universities are aiming for the same target: new students. Developing an appealing website to new applicants, which maintains an aesthetic of professionalism appealing to parents, alumni, and the general public is a fine line that requires careful preparation. Important factors include navigation, organization, forms, photo galleries, and visual aesthetics. 

Let's take a look at two university web sites within the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges: the University of South Carolina Aiken and the University of North Carolina Asheville, focusing on the Department of English web site for each university. 

First, let's take a general overview of each Department of English web site homepage, starting with UNCA. 

The UNCA Department of English homepage is clean, utilizing white space and navigation tabs well. The terminology used in the primary navigation bar is welcoming and to the point. The photo of a professor engaging with students in a classroom setting is professional, yet inviting. 

Below the welcoming photo is a statement of purpose, inviting prospective students to join the Department of English at UNCA in a fulfilling academic journey. Terms such as "explore", "supportive", "community", and "active" all color these paragraphs to set an adventurous, inviting tone. Yet maintaining professionalism with terms like "scholars", "noteworthy", and "research". 

The bottom of the homepage features a stylish, dark and light contrasted set of organized information and links.

UNCA'S homepage is clean and user-friendly for all audiences. The color scheme adheres to the school colors and utilizes design elements such as photo placement, contrast, color coordination, and white space well.  

Now, let's take a look at the USCA Department of English web site homepage, which I as an English major at USC Aiken am quite familiar with.  

Similar to UNCA, the USCA Department of English web site homepage features primary navigation tabs, a photo featuring an engaging academic environment, well used white space and color contrast. The font and feature colors adhere to the school's colors, and the general symmetry of the page is aesthetically pleasing. 

Mid-page features a statement from a USC Aiken professor, the primary navigation bar, well-placed links to department events, and more information. 

The bottom of USCA's Department of English homepage is well-organized, colorful, and adheres to the overall symmetry of the homepage. Features include addresses, contact information, easily navigable links, and colorful social media links. The overall color tone of the page is cheerful, yet professional, which appeals to multiple audiences. Well done USCA! 

Both web sites have clean, symmetrically placed directories and faculty profiles.

As shown above, faculty profiles provide detailed information while utilizing white space for a sleek, professional appearance. 

Now that we have taken a general overview of the homepage, let's dive into each department's major, minor, and curricula pages. 

The UNC Asheville B.A. in English Literature Concentration page within the Department of English web site adheres to the same color scheme and symmetry as the overall web page. 

The information is given textually, well organized, using well written plain language.

Below this information, the web site utilizes a feature I enjoy, a list of current English and related courses offered, with a link to all UNCA courses at the bottom. This is a stylish, convenient feature that I personally would include within any department's major web page. 

USC Aiken's B.A. in English page within the Department of English web site features an introduction to the program and its requirements. This information is given textually, using concise language. The color scheme and symmetry adhere to the overall web site design. 

USC Aiken then features a table of the course requirements for the B.A. in English:

The table is well written and informative. Providing this information within the degree page takes much of the effort away from the prospective student when navigating the web site. 

Lastly, we will take a look at my two favorite featured pages from each web site.

My favorite page from the UNC Asheville Department of English web site is the Graduate School portion of the "What's Next" tab located on the primary navigation bar. This page provides undergraduate students with a detailed, step by step process to applying for graduate school. 

Like the rest of the web design, the information is given textually, using positive, inviting terminology. As someone interested in graduate school application, the layout and provided information immediately piqued my interest. The advice regarding application timing, personal statement drafting, and test-taking is incredibly helpful!

From USC Aiken's Department of English web site, my favorite page is the The Writing Center information page. 

The Writing Center page features workshop dates and times and a link to helpful online writing resources, which I utilize regularly! 

The links are easy to find, always go through to the directed page, and are organized well. The use of white space, symmetry, and color scheme are well executed within this portion of the page. 

Each web site is visually inviting and positive. UNC Asheville and USC Aiken both have designed their websites in a primarily blue and white color scheme. Blue is often associated with intellect, depth, and wisdom. White is often associated with positivity, cleanliness, and safety. USCA implements red fonts and features, red often symbolizes determination, strength, and leadership. All of which are attributes a university desires to convey to potential applicants, financial donors, and general audiences. The symmetry from top to bottom of the two websites is comparable. The font choice, size, and colors are readable and contrast well with the background colors and photos. Both deliver information textually rather than via infographics, videos, or photo galleries. The textual information is similarly placed, as are the photos. Navigation tabs are located in essentially the same portions of each web page. 

I find both web sites aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate. I personally would not deem one web site superior to the other. Each web site features unique facets that may be utilized by the other if so desired. The two universities utilize optimal web site design and language to draw in prospective students, parents, and the general public.