For the third review, the two sites I decided to analyze were no9park.com and burgatorybar.com. These two links led to company websites for restaurants. While both establishments are different from the other, the content of restaurant websites can be easily comparable.
No. 9 Park is an up-scale restaurant in Boston, Massachusetts. They have a pretty aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly website. The sections are clearly labeled for easy navigation with simple designs and verbiage to help get their information across. Balance describes how well elements on the webpage go together. This webpage demonstrates symmetrical balance as each section of the site has like elements that pair with one another. For example, the menus tab has three bubbles that take users to different menus they offer. Each is relative to the other; they are of the same size, weight, color, font, and alignment. Unity describes how each element interacts; if they can be recognized as one shape or part, they have achieved unity. I think this site has done a good job at demonstrating this. It is shown in the reservations tab as each new paragraphs moves as one so the text never separates. Emphasis, which is described as drawing attention to one section of the piece, is shown with the different sizes of font in their text. Normally you’d point out artistic elements in this discussion, but as the site is purely for information, the more important sections are in bigger fonts than the rest. Layout can be basic or intricate, and I see this as simple but effective. Each section has the same general layout; scrollable with pictures separating each new bit of information. It implements four of the five important “things” from Krug as it has a clear visual hierarchy in terms of text-to-pictures, page breaks, clickable links, and little noise on the page.
Burgatory is a Pittsburgh restaurant that runs a very appealing website. It is easy to use on both mobile and desktop, which is a plus as both avenues are accessible. Each new section transitions smoothly with no issues of skipping, graphics not loading, or elements bugging. Their design is simple with a black and red color scheme. Balance is demonstrated with the positions of the graphics (in 3s on the homepage, smooth transitions between promotional images). They are in a line or set to transition on their own in ways that are not distracting. Unity is a big part of the site as each sections interacts with the other. It is shown as the top menu bar on the homepage when you hover your mouse over the “Our Spots” tab. There is a drop-down menu that is displayed but doesn’t interrupt anything else on the page. Emphasis can be seen with the menu and catering page. The titles are larger than the body text, which makes it easier to navigate their food selections. They have a simple layout because on each page, there is a centered column for the text and top and bottom links never go away. Each page is also scrollable. From Krug, the site demonstrates a hierarchy in text-to-pictures, page breaks, and clickable toggles.
Overall, I think both websites are equal in usability and succeeded in the incorporation of proper design elements. Personally, I think the Burgatory website is a bit more interesting because of the color scheme and pictures of patrons enjoying the restaurant. They are able to convey a lively atmosphere through their design choices.