Five Web Designs
Hello everybody,
After having a lot of trouble with my internet, I have now the chance to present you with my design references. 
I decided to design the web page of the “Stonefest” because I found a lot of things I would like to change on this website.
I spent a lot time thinking about which kind of design would go with this music festival and which navigation would make a better overview.
I remembered how often I was on a website where something was confusing or was missing.
In particular I think a web site should be inviting and not act as a deterrent or be boring for the audience it speaks to.
After taking notes, I tried to find pages which included as manz of my ideas as possible. I found the following which are, in my opinion, good examples of successful web pages:
Fasterlouder
http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/
Homebake
http://www.homebake.com.au/2008/index.html
Soundwave
http://www.soundwavefestival.com/?ParentPageID=1&PageID=1
Coachella
Big Day Out
http://www.bigdayout.com/home.php
All web pages are music festival web sites and the kind of music played there is very similar to the Stonefest (for the younger generation; modern music).
The point is: Why they seem to be good pages and what aspects will I incorporate into my own web page?
Seven Key Characteristics: functional and aesthetic
1) “Design”: All web pages convince me with their specific look. Every one has an eye catching aspect to spark interest in this event.
What I exceptionally like are the drafted themes of the “Coachella”
and “Soundwave”. The second design especially would be a good one for my musical event because of the cobbles.
For my design I would also choose similar colours as those seen in the listed pages because it should look modern but not kitschy. Moreover I don’t think that flashy colours would fit with the stonefest-image.
I was also thinking that I would like to create an animation like the one seen on the website of “Homebake”: Two trees are growing to the left and right over the title of the music festival on the webpage.
The new Stonefest webpage should represent what the event will be: Good music and a great time. So I want to put changing pictures of previous events on the homepage.
This will show that it is so much fun.
Moreover the font should be interesting. I really liked the font of the “Fasterloader” logo.
2) “Layout”: In general, all my preferred web sites have their categories at the top, not to the right or left of a page. And I will also create a page with a big picture at the top.
At the bottom of my page I want to list the sponsors of this event.
3) “Navigation”: I will try to create a user friendly web page so that my audience know which page it is (to build a brand) and can get a quick overview of what Stonefest represents. This includes (like I found it in most of my web pages):
–> A logo: to link back to homepage
–> Categories: roll over states over the main navigation headings and coherence between my category and sub item
–> Simplicity: not using confusing words
–> Scrolling: I believe vertical scrolling is more comfortable for the user
–> Navigation bar: to find items on the page, which may be older
4) “Content”: It should be organized in that way that the most important and interesting facts are at the homepage. For example, information about changes to the event, or which musical acts will come.
5) “Features”: To show that my event stands out from the crowd, I should create something special. When you enter the web pages of “Big Day Out” or “Soundwave” you can here the music which will be played on the festival. “Coachella” offers a virtual tour of past events in its gallery. The second example is difficult to put into action, but music or videos on the web page is a great way to attract people to the site, and to the event.
Finally,I like the Countdown button of the “Coachella” festival.
6) “Membership”: If people feel connected with an event, they will usually think about attending it annually. The web page can help to be a part of their decision on whether or not to attend again. A good way to infom them of the current event is to build a group on facebook or to be within reach by myspace.
I would also like to build a forum or chat, so that different people can exchange their experiences about previous events, and see who else is attending this year.
On the web page of “Homebake” or “Big Day Out” you can register for free to get official information about the event via newsletter.
7) “Diversity” : I think the audience wants to get as much information as possible. I know that I myself would often like to be more informed, but sometimes you can only find the minimum information.
So “Homebake” for instance provides a lot of information about the event and things which happen around it.
Even if the Stonefest is not as big as the “Big Day Out” I will try to bring out the best in the event through my website.
