What some might consider the most important aspect of of a website is the overall user interface, and after having read chapter six of “Don’t make me think” and looking over various websites, I can clearly see as to why that is. No matter the website, who ever searches one needs to be able to understand how to navigate it. Having a website layout that is too vague could have the viewer spending to much of their time attempting to find what their looking for. On the other hand, a website that breaks down everything it has to offer means that the developer has to spend an unnecessary amount of time creating it, and the viewer has to dig through link after link to reach their goal. While examining multiple websites, the two that caught my attention in terms of understanding the site were for the restaurants No. 9 Park, in Boston, MA. and the Cheesecake Factory. Both these sites have a simple style which allows for easy navigation and understanding.
What these two sites had that made them both stand out from other websites was their subtle layout and visuals. In terms of No. 9 Park, it has a clean, sophisticated look that matches the experience and service someone would get if they were there. From entering the site, the homepage tells about the restaurant and its location, staff, and cuisine. From the homepage, the contents are clearly labeled across the top and all the different opinions the restaurant provides are shown, and clicking them brings you to a page in similar design to the homepage. One of the things a liked about No. 9’s website was the well balanced and simplicity it had to every page. Each page is designed to show only the important information without any unnecessary distraction. For example, the basic layout of any page can described as such, it begins with the title of whatever the page holds, which paired with a image is used to divide the the headings from the following text and whatever other information that page may have. The simple layout of dividing the page as you scroll makes for easy navigation and great layout. However, one issue I have with the site lies in its lack of emphasis. What I mean in this case is how little the site does to show off the restaurants entire purpose for existence, its food. While it may not seem like a big deal, I felt that while even thought the large pictures used to divide up each section are eye-catching, when it comes down to looking through the various menus, there isn’t any way to show emphasis exactly what you would get. While overall aesthetic of the website works great for the restaurant, and makes it simple to navigate, it just feels like you’re not seeing every aspect it has to offer.
In terms of layout and simplicity, The Cheesecake Factory was one of the best websites I explored. Upon entering the site, the homepage consists entirely of a single, non-scrolling page. With a few scrolling pictures detailing their latest information, that’s all there is to the homepage. Now assuming the next thing someone wanted to see was the menu, across the top of the page are the links to other pages, so it’s very simple to find the menu. What I like about the menu is how it’s presented. Instead of bring brought to another page with row of items and information, what they decided to do is to have a small window appear which contains information leading to their various appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Upon finding what you want, or what sounds appealing to you, you can click on it and will be show a picture and details which describe it. Personally, I like this approach to the menu better than No. 9 Park for one reason, while No. 9 doesn’t have a ridiculous amount of pages by any means, the way The Cheesecake Factory presents theirs in a more organized and understandable format makes for a smooth transition from one item to the next. However, another more opinionated reason I like The Cheesecake Factory’s menu is because they’ve provided a picture to go along with each menu item. I feel this gives the viewer something more to entice them and have them further explore. Aside from the menu, the overall layout of the site works, everything is clearly laid out across the top and makes sense to someone anyone new to the site. There’s a simple aesthetic that remains professional, while still seeming amusing and modern. The Cheesecake Factory has a great website that provides all the needed information a restaurant should have at first glance and anything else is a simple click away.
I would consider the overall layout and design of these two sites to be a good resource and a standard for anyone looking to design a website for their own restaurant. (or any company for that matter.) Of course, like anyone would have, there are some changes I would think to make for each, but in this case, I don’t think my ideas have anything to do with how someone would interact with or come to understand either website. For an example, for No. 9 Park, I would simply think to dial back the sophistication aspect of it and introduce a more modern vibe, similar to the of the Cheesecake Factory. (As well as more pictures of course.) Not saying that both websites are perfect, but when it comes to designing a site for any company, it needs to function in a way that tells something about the company while also providing all the necessary information. With that in mind, I think both No. 9 Park and The Cheesecake Factory are each an excellent example of websites that demonstrating layout, emphasis, and unity for anyone looking into creating their own.