Katie Withrow

Band Websites

The two band websites I chose were One Direction and Hot Chelle Rae. The One Direction site has a lot going on, and a lot to look at. It is well balanced, with the main information in the middle and other smaller topics on the sides or towards the bottom or top of the page.  On the very edges of the sides are different graphics, giving the website a fun and unique layout.  The graphics do work in unity with the information on the site. For example, on every page a paper clip appears to be holding together the page with the information on it.  The part of the site that stands out the most, or is emphasized the most for me, are the graphics on the sides of each individual page. This, however, takes away from what the viewer should be looking at and reading about. My eyes, no matter how interesting the article, or what was being said on a certain page, kept returning to the graphics.  The layout is similar to most band websites; there are a number of tabs that go to different parts of the page, located at the top. At the very top, before the tabs, is the name of the band, and a link to buy the band’s newest CD. Across from the tabs are a Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube tabs. In the middle of each page is the information that belongs to each tab, and towards the bottom of each page are comments from different fans.

The Hot Chelle Rae site is somewhat similar to the One Direction Site. It is not as well balanced. The top of the site, with the picture of the band, balances well with the other information given to the user, but there is not much on the sides of the information and it almost feels empty. The site does have unity, each piece of information works well with pictures and videos that are provided. The top of the site, with the picture of the band, and the band’s new album, is the most emphasized part of the website. The layout is also similar to the One Direction site. There is a picture of the band at the top of the site, with the Facebook, and Sign In, or Become a Member at the top of the picture. Below the picture are all of the tabs that allow the user to navigate to different parts of the site. The middle section is where all the information, videos, and pictures are placed that coordinate with each tab. The sides are empty, and are the color of black. At the very bottom of the page is the record label information.

These all relate to Krug’s five things to make sure the user sees and understands the site, because each page gives a hierarchy, having the band at the top, being most important, than either fans or record information at the bottom being least important. Both sites take advantage of the convention of “Buy the New Album”, or “Download Newest Music from Itunes”. The pages are also broken up, and it is clear which page belongs to which tab. The links on both of these pages are at the top right under the name or picture of the band, allowing the viewer to easily find what is clickable and what is not. Neither page has music on them unless you click the link to listen to a song or watch a video, or have what is referred to as “Busy-ness”. It is understandable what is downloadable, what is not, and how to sign up for something or not to sign up for something.

I believe the One Direction Site is more interesting to look at because there is more to it, and the pictures change each time you go to a different tab. There is more for the eye to see, and you are always looking for something new that has appeared. On the Hot Chelle Rae site, there is not much variety, and little to look at.