Functionality and usability

Functionality and usability are often considered the �technical aspects� that are critical for a successful website. These allow visitors to easily reach their goals and get exactly what they want. Web designers must involve users in the design process in order to achieve that. The design process includes interaction design and organisation of information architecture. Several sub-categories are discussed below.

Layout/organisation, use and placement of elements

  • My Flaming Heart
  • (a) Looks cluttered. Random and no strict alignment of elements.
  • (b) Some images too big and some too small. Seems like owner just want every space to be filled with things (Point 1 on image)
  • (c) Gap length between the edge and elements on the left is not equal to that on the right
  • (d) Basic layout and organisation, probably due to the fact it does not specialise in direct online retailing
  • (e) Every webpage in the site looks like it belongs to the same site; there are repetitive elements that carry throughout the pages
  • Rokit
  • (a) Comprehensive yet tidy layout
  • (b) Hierarchy of information is perfectly clear (from top to bottom and using decreasing font size)
  • (c) Search engine friendly (Point 1 on image)
  • (d) Register/Sign In option makes it personal to user
  • (e) �New In� page provides recently available items, and would be a good feature for customers who consider themselves as �loyal fans� (Point 2 on image)
  • (f) �Blog� area important in bringing a sense of community to users which would encourage satisfied shoppers to feel involved with the site/shop and anticipate the updates (Point 3 on image)
  • (g) Slider on homepage focuses on one subject at a time, thus keeping user�s attention. Moving of slider automatically helps to capture user�s attention (Point 4 on image)
  • (h) Filters for refining and narrowing down choices of items
  • (i) Detailed �Help & Contact� page that includes contact details, delivery and return information, and easy feedback or enquiry via contact box
  • (j) Website feels fully-featured with vast amount of elements
  • (k) Every webpage in the site looks like it belongs to the same site; there are repetitive elements that carry throughout the pages

Use of graphics and animations

  • My Flaming Heart
  • (a) Meaningless banner graphics of hand holding gun pointing towards the headline (Point 1 on image)
  • (b) Meaningless animations and images with no significant relevance to the main subject. Adding extra�s that take up space and have no realistic benefit (Point 2 on image)
  • (c) Obnoxious animation on bottom left that keeps on repeating (Point 3 on image)
  • (d) Thumbnail-sized images on homepage that are initially thought to have links to larger images do not have them (Point 4 on image)
  • (e) Photographs for jewellery subpage not taken in a professional way with plain background. Dark and distracting background does not make items stand out due to little contrast. Some photographs are cut off at the edge, thus items not shown fully (Point 5 on second image)
  • (f) Poor quality images
  • Rokit
  • (a) Every graphic link has a matching text link
  • (b) Good use of graphic elements (photos, subheadings, pull quotes) to break up large areas of text
  • (c) Every graphic has a purpose (Point 1 on image)
  • (d) Consistent graphics dimension in subpages
  • (e) Excellent graphic quality (properly resized and optimised images)
  • (f) Simple logo and no complex banner as the heading

Loading speed

  • Both My Flaming Heart and Rokit
  • (a) Loading speed is generally acceptable (some graphics might take 1-2 seconds to finish loading during the first visit to the page)

Navigation

Both websites generally have clear and consistent navigation routes. Navigation buttons and bars provide the visitor with a clue as to where they are, what page of the site they are currently on.

  • My Flaming Heart
  • (a) Navigation list and buttons are easy to locate and use
  • (b) Putting �Judy Masliyah� on the second navigation button (and title of the subpage) would create confusion as new users are left wondering what exactly the subpage is about. Should change it to �Owner and Designer�
  • Rokit
  • (a) Navigation bars and buttons are easy to understand and use
  • (b) Sub-navigation list automatically pops out when mouse is hovered over �Womens� and �Mens� buttons
  • (c) Website content well-organised into subpages and sub-subpages onwards

Use of social media technology

  • My Flaming Heart
  • (a) Use of social media applications (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram) help in keeping royal customers
  • Rokit
  • (a) Use of more social media applications (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Youtube, Tumblr and Instagram) help in keeping more royal customers. Both websites allows buyers to post reviews on Facebook page. Social medias also provide free advertising for both stores