There are several ways to consider web site structure—the tagging is made explicit in HTML tags. For this assignment, consider the organizational structure of the web site at a coarser level—what are the entry/exit points for each “page?” How many objects are included on the page and how are they organized with respect to each other? How many links are provided? How many forms are provided? How many information objects are provided? Do different links serve different purposes (i.e., can we determine a link typology?) Information architects create structural outlines/sketches (conceptual blueprints) and annotated page layouts (wireframes) that specify these structural elements of a webpage. To investigate these questions complete this form for the web sites below.

1. Site name and URL
2. Main page (home page) layout
2.1. Number of information “sectors” (visually discernable sections)
2.2. Number of information “objects” (distinct elements on page)
2.3. Does the site place "cookies" on your machine?
2.4. Are link titles (tooltips) used?
2.5. Your impression of eye travel: e.g., start top left, move down and to the right; start middle, move up to the left; upper left, move down vertically; start lower left, move diagonally up and right
2.6. Number of forms (places to type text)
2.7. Number of links
2.8. Which links do you think are most used?
2.9. Are there any active objects or links? (e.g., flash, Java applets)
2.10. Other observations

Examine the following six sites in the 3 sets (A-C) below and complete the form above for each one. Give a BRIEF answer (1-2 sentences) to the questions at the end of each set of web sites.

A. Library of Congress
Library of Congress www.loc.gov
Library of Congress American Memory http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/

How does the child site (American Memory) differ from the main site?

B. Federal government information
Fedstats www.fedstats.gov
Bureau of Labor Statistics www.bls.gov

How does the specific statistical agency site differ from the aggregate agency site?

C. University
UNC www.unc.edu
SILS www.ils.unc.edu

How does the parent site (university) differ from the unit site (college)?

For the following four sites, visit them and note what “message” does each site send about this company. Is this effectively communicated by the page layouts and interaction mechanisms? You need not complete the structure form for these sites.
D. Corporation
General Motors www.gm.com
Microsoft www.microsoft.com
Discovery www.discovery.com
Disney www.disney.com

For the following four sites, visit them and note the different ways that they serve as portals to other information sources. What is your least favorite thing about each site?
You need not complete the structure form for these sites.

E. Search services (portals)
Altavista www.altavista.com
Yahoo www.yahoo.com
Excite www.excite.com
Google www.google.com

How are these search engines alike? Different?

F. Select a site of your choice and sketch a conceptual blueprint of the homepage. How does this structure support the ‘message’ and mission of the site?

G. Be prepared to discuss in class how the mission (purpose of the site), target audience, and popular culture influence web site structure and design.