Web Design Duds
The .Gov space has thousands upon thousands of Web sites. Some are sleek and user-friendly (<a href=http://www.whitehouse.gov/>Whitehouse.gov</a>, for example), while others appear to be forgotten projects from the Internet's early days. Austin Carr over at <em>Fast Company</em> has compiled a <a href=http://www.fastcompany.com/pics/best-and-worst-government-web-design?partner=homepage_newsletter#0>slideshow</a> of the best and worst of government web design.
The .Gov space has thousands upon thousands of Web sites. Some are sleek and user-friendly (Whitehouse.gov, for example), while others appear to be forgotten projects from the Internet's early days. Austin Carr over at Fast Company has compiled a slideshow of the best and worst of government web design.
Carr points out that a simple and professional design, appealing color scheme, slideshow news items, high-resolution images and blogs all are characteristics of the streamlined, tech-oriented templates agencies are adopting. But, he says, not every .Gov site is visually appealing and forward-thinking. For example, he characterizes the Senate Budget Committee's site as god-awful (for its minimalist design) and the "boring and boxy" House Small Business Committee site as OMFG (look it up). On his yes list are the U.S. Postal Service's priority mail page (sleek, looks like a private company site) and the "amazing" GoArmy.com, aimed at recruiting new soldiers.
Does Web design encourage or deter your visits to the .Gov space? What's on your best and worst lists?
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