SafetySuit Design

Several simple non-linear design models can be found on the official website of the Rock/Pop band SafetySuit (http://www.safetysuitmusic.com/music.aspx). The first simple non-linear model at play is that of the Ideal and Real in which the information is divided into halves (top/bottom) based on contrast. The top of the page offers general or abstract information, while the rest of the page expands on that information. The band’s name, as well as a photo of them, spans the upper portion of the page. The rest of the page then details information about their music, such as the track listing for their latest album. The Ideal and Real model can also be seen at work in each individual section of the Music page. Take, for example, the Discography section. Pictures of their two albums are shown above the titles of those albums. Finally, the taskbars are also affected by the Ideal and Real model. The upper taskbar contains links to more general information about the band, while the lower taskbar is specified to the Music section itself. It could be argued that the Tree model is also at use in the upper taskbar, since each button provides links to different information relating to the band.

The most obvious simple non-linear model being used is the Given and New. Like the Ideal and Real model, the Given and New model divides the page into halves based on contrast. However, in the Given and New model the information is divided (left/right) according to what is assumed to be known information and then new information. The SafetySuit website puts this model to use by giving a listing of the tracks offered on the latest album on the left and then the lyrics to a song you select on the right. You may know the name of the song you like (given), but not necessarily the lyrics (new). Although, the opposite may be true in some cases; you may know the lyrics to a song without knowing the title.

Layout of GameFAQs

A website I frequent quite often is www.gamefaqs.com. This website has a lot to offer a person who is interested in anything video game related - especially the opportunity to help and be helped. I choose to look at the layout of this website because I know it is complex and I am familiar with it. I found myself far from disappointed.

The first thing I noticed with the website was the Ideal-Real layout, with the large logo at the top left of the screen, followed by a set of text including important announcements from the websites administrators. It trickles down to off-site information, and finally, contact information, which could be related to the Given-New layout. This website also displays the Network layout very well, as well as a few trees and tables. I feel this website is slightly too cluttered, however for the content of the website, I assume people will be able to easily find the information they are seeking.