They are getting some feedback over on the blog re: navigation/usability. Seems like scaleability is a problem. I think the same might apply to deanforamerica. Honestly, I think the question is being posed to the wrong audience. Ask the user!! ;)
OK, as a user, I would say:
As the site has grown, it's become less professional looking. All those graphics on the right command too much eye attention...colors are all wrong/confusing and the graphics in large part are simply repeat of the text links on the left. On the left I've got professional, intelligent, on the right I've got a loud, nonsensical mess. Hmm..subliminal message? Maybe leave it as is?? ;) At the very least the graphics should be smaller. A graphic designer who knows how to control eye flow would be useful!
I don't know what their user system stats are - I highly doubt the majority are at 800x600? Accessiblity for all is a wonderful thing - but can't we please use all the real estate we have available? Rather than all those graphics there on the right I'd like to see local my local tools - get my locale - hook me right up to meetups in my area if possible - show me upcoming events in my area - show me websites and listservs in my area etc. Show me I'm not the only insane, devoid of common sense, radical in my way too conservative neighborhood who supports Dean. I want to connect now, I don't want to wait for the next meetup or for an email from HQ.
I'm not nuts about the Get Local Tool for the following reasons:
1) The last time I used it to organize (via MoveOn.org - my understanding is that it's the same program) I wasn't given access to attendee's emails. Maybe that's changed? It was a problem because I needed to make changes to the event time but was unable to notify everyone.
2) I'd like to see a built in check for other local events before a new (perhaps redundant) one is scheduled. This check shouldn't be left to the user.
3) Organizer's email address should be public!! The fact that it wasn't created ALOT of problems (OK power struggles) in my local activist community for the event mentioned above. Sadly, things here got messy. A simple email address could have avoided some of that.
4) I recently signed up to attend a Dean event. I never got an email reminder...or ANY communication from the organizer whatsoever. Guess who forgot to show up for said event?
5) The create event form is too limited in the types of events one can schedule.
Re: Content:
If I'm new to Dean, I want to be introduced to him up front...on the front page. Who is this guy?? You've got maybe 10 seconds tops to make that first impression - what do you want the impression to be?? Could simply be a quote. My favorite, "We call ourselves simply (pause) Americans!" I almost want to say play that soundbyte onload..but I won't. Maybe a "Welcome Message" soundbyte link? Get people excited, intrigued, make them want to read more rather than throwing all that text at them there on the first page.
I'm no PR person so take this for what its worth....I would say the article there now is a bit controversial for a first impression. While I love the 16 questions, I think, in the mind of the user, it could potentially reinforce the repugnican criticism that the Dem's (Dean) are beating up on poor helpless little Bush for political gain. I'm not sure that makes a great first impression. Instead maybe show a picture of locals hanging out together writing letters to Iowans? Something fun?? Something that doesn't reinforce FAUX News propaganda?
As a webmaster:
I would want to look at their traffic stats, get user feedback, and then decide what changes to make ;)
-dale
Zack Rosen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Zack Rosen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
What would you do?
They are open for suggestions / tools / modifications / whatever we can
throw at them.
What is missing?
What could be better?
-Zack
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