For all and sundry

In designing a web page, it is imperative for any developer to identify the audience. This is because the integration of colors, graphics and fonts depend heavily on the appeal of the audience. The range of age of the audience is one of the key factors determining the design.

In order to highlight the differences, I am going to compare two websites that have similar purpose but differs in the target audience. I am going to compare the designs of two educational websites. The first one is educational website for children an the other is for adult education (androgogy)

The first website is entitled Kidsknowit Network. This website is designed for young children.

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Color scheme: The color choice is very vibrant and bright. This is to catch the attention of young children and at the same time to stimulate their interest. This is also to stimulate their brain so that the children can be more alert accessing this website.

Graphics : Very childlike and colorful. The animation is also provided since this element has a strong appeal on children in which will enhance and eventually maintain their interest in accessing the educational website.

Font & typeface: The font chosen is very suitable. It is not cursive as it will confuse the young minds who are mostly still learning to read.

Navigation : If we look closely at the enclosed picture, we can see that the navigation buttons are relatively big and easy to access. This is very crucial as children's hands are still small and most of them are still learning to use a mouse. So, by providing large navigational buttons, the children can access the contents easily. Moreover, the developer uses ample pictures. This is to guide children with reading difficulty.


The next website, NIACE: Promoting Adult Learning, is meant to more mature audience.

[Click for larger view]

Color scheme: The color scheme for this page is very relaxing and soothing. The developer doesn't need to use bright and vibrant color scheme since adult doesn't need the attraction. In fact, the color complements the mood. By and large, working adults need to relax after a hard day at work and most probably the only time they can access this website is at night of after work. They need to relax while browsing the Net. Bright colors can only distract them from accessing the site.

Graphics : There is no animation in this website. Since this will only hamper the loading of the page. Remember, time is essence. More animations mean more time loading. The pictures used are very straightforward and minimal.

Font & typeface : Very simple and relatively smaller compared to the first website. More often than not, adult won't be having any difficulties in reading hence the size of the font should not be more than 14. In fact, as an adult I will feel insulted if the developer uses large font because as if the developer is belittling my ability to read.

Navigation : Very simple and not cluttered. In fact, the developer uses navigational bar for easy access. No pictures needed as adult can read and understand the content.


[Author's note]
For those who are not so sure what is ANDROGOGY is (and no, it is not ANDROGYNY) do click this LINK.