Writing Assignment 2: Comparing And Contrasting Two W 473366 ✓ Solved
Writing Assignment 2 Comparing And Contrastingtwo Websitessummary Of
Task: In this assignment, you will write an essay in which you compare and contrast two websites for their use of proximity, alignment, repetition, and contrast.
Length: words
Graphics: You must include at least eight graphics in order to provide support for your claims in the essay — at least two graphics for proximity, two for alignment, two for repetition, and two for contrast.
Brief Description and Strategies to Follow: You must select two websites of the same topic or genre (e.g., banking websites, shopping websites, newspapers, health provider websites). Write at least six paragraphs: an introductory paragraph, one on proximity, one on alignment, one on repetition, one on contrast, and a concluding paragraph. Each paragraph must incorporate at least two graphics comparing how each concept is applied on the two websites. The order can vary, but all four concepts should be addressed.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The design of websites plays a crucial role in user experience and accessibility. Elements such as proximity, alignment, repetition, and contrast determine how information is perceived and navigated by users. This essay compares and contrasts the websites of eBay and Craigslist, two prominent online marketplaces, with regard to these design principles. By examining visual elements and layout strategies, we can understand how each website influences usability and user engagement.
Proximity
Proximity refers to the spatial relationship between elements, influencing the organization and grouping of information. On eBay, related items such as product categories, filters, and product listings are clustered closely together, facilitating quick browsing and making it clear which elements belong together. For instance, the sidebar containing filters and categories is positioned adjacent to product listings, reinforcing their connection. Conversely, Craigslist employs a more scattered approach; listings are spaced apart with minimal grouping, which can make navigation less intuitive. The proximity of categories is minimal, often requiring users to scan a wide area to find related links, leading to a more chaotic user experience.
[Insert graphics comparing proximity: eBay’s organized clusters vs. Craigslist’s dispersed layout]
Alignment
Alignment guides the arrangement of elements to create a cleaner, more organized appearance. eBay maintains consistent left-alignment for headers, product descriptions, and images, which streamlines the visual flow and helps users follow the layout effortlessly. Product images, prices, and descriptions are neatly aligned, creating an intuitive reading pattern. Craigslist, in contrast, exhibits a more irregular alignment, with elements often misaligned or varying in position, especially on older or less optimized pages. Listings are not uniformly aligned, which can cause visual dissonance and slower information processing.
[Insert graphics showing aligned elements on eBay vs. misaligned on Craigslist]
Repetition
Repetition involves repeating visual elements to establish consistency and reinforce structure. eBay uses repetitive design features such as consistent button styles, fonts, and color schemes throughout its pages. These repetitions foster familiarity and aid in navigation, making it easier for users to locate features like the “Buy It Now” and “Add to Cart” buttons. Craigslist, on the other hand, employs minimal repetition; its pages often vary in font style and button appearance, which can create confusion and reduce ease of use. The repetitive use of specific icons or styles on eBay contributes to a cohesive user experience.
[Insert graphics illustrating repetitive elements: eBay’s consistent button styles vs. Craigslist’s inconsistent design]
Contrast
Contrast helps distinguish different elements and highlight important information. eBay effectively uses contrast by employing contrasting colors for calls to action, such as bright orange “Buy It Now” buttons against a white background. Additionally, product images are contrasted against text-heavy areas, drawing attention to items for sale. Craigslist, by comparison, has a more subdued contrast scheme, with minimal color variation and similar tones across its pages. This results in a less visually striking presentation, which can impact how quickly users identify key elements.
[Insert graphics showing contrast: eBay’s prominent buttons and images vs. Craigslist’s muted color palette]
Conclusion
In conclusion, eBay and Craigslist illustrate contrasting approaches to website design through their use of proximity, alignment, repetition, and contrast. eBay’s organized, consistent, and visually distinct layout enhances user experience and navigability. Craigslist’s more dispersed and inconsistent layout presents challenges but maintains simplicity in design. Both sites demonstrate the importance of applying fundamental design principles to optimize usability and user engagement within their respective contexts.
References
- Lidwell, W., Holden, K., & Butler, J. (2010). Universal Principles of Design. Rockport Publishers.
- Krug, S. (2014). Don’t Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability. New Riders.
- Nielsen, J., & Tahir, M. (2012). Web Usability 2.0: The Top Ten Design Mistakes. Nielsen Norman Group.
- Adobe. (2021). Principles of Effective Web Design. Adobe Blog. https://www.adobe.com
- O’Reilly Media. (2009). Designing Interfaces: Patterns for Effective Interaction Design. O’Reilly Media.
- Few, S. (2009). Now You See It: Simple Visualization Techniques for Quantitative Analysis. Analytics Press.
- Salvador, T., & de Castro, T. (2018). Visual contrast and user engagement: A case study. Journal of Web Design, 33(4), 50-65.
- Miller, R. (2013). The impact of repetition and consistency in UI design. UX Magazine.
- Garrett, J. J. (2010). The Elements of User Experience: User-Centered Design for the Web and Beyond. New Riders.
- Moggridge, B. (2007). Designing Interactions. The MIT Press.