| Answer:
By applying the principles of Vygotsky's mediated tools,
Gillani and Relan's (1997) Interactive Web-based
Instructional Model, Carroll's Minimalist theory, and other
related web design strategies emphasizing the importance of ease of navigation and
simplicity of design, the following suggestions can be made: Clearly identify content with appropriate
headings and titles. In following this guideline, the "Welcome"
title has been replaced by a more appropriate heading bringing attention and focus to the
site. The menu title "Who are we" has been replaced with "Who we are"
so the syntax of the menu structure is consistent.
Each page should be uncluttered, readable and balanced. The
banner located in the "Vibrant Frame" area is unclear. The graphics in the
"Presentation Frame" area could also be sharpened and made more vivid (e.g., the
eye of the spider; parts of the accounting scale). Fuzzy photos are harder to process and
lead to unnecessary cognitive activity.
Simplify navigation. The links located in the
"Instructional Model Frame" area are somewhat confusing. Carroll's Minimalist theory suggests that the "home" page link is
unnecessary and should be removed. This link can more effectively be moved to the logo,
along with the tag "Home Page." Since the most important information should go
on the top left, the menu item
"services" has been moved closer. The menu items have also been rearranged to
more accurately reflect the structure and importance of each menu item in the site, to
give the viewer a more accurate representation of the contents. |