Evaluation of A2 Students Media Website

After being shown a number of A2 student’s music videos, I decided to research further into ‘The XYZs’ who received a high grade for their overall media project. For their website, they used a software called WiX which is an online website builder that can be used at an advanced level to produce a really successful website. In my opinion, I felt that ‘The XYZs’ website demonstrated this very well because it featured aspects of what you would see on a professional website. For example, the enter page and the way in which the pictures appear on the screen, the same page structure and

the detailed pages. The enter page was one element that stood out to me the most because the transitions of the pictures and title appeared to be very professional looking and was very similar to other artists websites such as Beyonce and JayZ.

Throughout the website there is a consistent layout on every single page which is one of the main conventions of a website. This consists of the title bar, logo and lines around the top and side of the page. Another very key convention is having the same colour scheme which the girls incorporated into their website. By using the colours black, pink and white, it reflects the stereotypical colour that girls like as well as stands out from the other colours used. By having the logo shown on every page, it enables the audience to familiarise themselves with a representation of the group which in turn will make the audience identify the group easily. At the bottom of every page, there is also a connect bar and their record labels logo. By having a connect bar, it enables the audience to contact them or add them on social networks such as twitter, facebook, spotify and tumblr. There record label is publicized to show recognition to who their being promoted by which could result in people contacting them in order to get hold of the group for signings, performances and so forth. In all, every thing that is displayed on every single page of the website has been carefully chosen so that its purpose comes as an advantage.

The home page is very bold and detailed to intrigued the viewer and lead them to explore more. On this page, it features the following: a current twitter chat, news, their new debut album advertisement, mailing list subscription, blackberry bar code and a music player. I think the layout of this is very effective because it fits a lot of information into one in a way that doesn’t confuse the viewer. The mailing list as well as the facebook icon is also very simple to operate which results in more publicity. One aspect to this page that I like the most is the news section that has a scroll bar. This is

Larelle Benjamin-Forrester

very effective because it reduces the size of the page as a whole and allows the focus to be in one place. It also makes the navigation of the website much simpler to use.

The ‘Band Page’ gives the audience information a small and concise bio of each of the artists which is significant as it satisfies the viewer – in relation to the use and gratification theory. This page also features, each of the girls twitters so that the viewer can connect with them individually rather than as a group. I think this is really good because it appeals to people who may have a favourite person in the group.

The Gallery page consists of a number of pictures of the group that pops out at you when you click on it so that you can get a better view. The wallpaper downloads link is very significant because this advertisement links in with the page very well and is likely to attract viewers who really like these pictures and wish to download it.

Another concise page used on this website is the ‘Tour page’ because it appears in a simple and clear way that reduces confusion of the viewer and benefits those who want to find out information quickly.

The ‘Listen Page’ enables the audience to carry out more than one acting at once which consists of singing along to the song whilst watching the video. On the viewers behalf, I think this is very effectual and something that majority of viewers will like.

Larelle Benjamin-Forrester

I think the ‘watch page’ is also very simple and straight forward. However, I think this comes as a downfall to the website because it’s very basic and doesn’t follow the consistent detailed pages whereby effort and careful consideration has been showcased.

The ‘Win page’ is one highlight to the website because it is a form of interaction with the viewer and the artist in the sense that the artist is giving them the opportunity to have a free product of theirs. Much like majority of the pages used on this website, there is clear and detailed information shown throughout the page to make it easier for the viewer.

I really like the ‘Merchandise page’ because it shows that there has been a lot of time and effort put into creating the logos and pictures on the clothing. It also reflects their creativity. Lastly, this page is significant because it gives viewers an opportunity to wear clothing and accessories by their favourite band.

To conclude, I think that this website is really good because it’s a clear reflection of an

existing artist’s website. I also like the creativity that has been put into the website, in particular the logo and the layout of every page. I think this website will influence me to put forward ideas from this website to my group as well as take on the role of creating a website because of the many things you can put into it.

Larelle Benjamin-Forrester