Overall Design:
The Volkswagen website is a fine example of the "5 C's" concept of succesful website design. A visual hierarchy is achieved through its use of Contrast of both images and values. Consistency is achieved through its use of a uniform color pallette, horizontal layout and coice of sans serif fonts. Clarity of information is also inviting to the viewer. The overall Uncluttered design is visually appealing through careful design chices by the artist. As for Cinematic Principles?, Brooke Shields certainly fills that criteria! (Obviously I need to research this important aspect of the 5 C's.)
Interface Diagram:
1.] Main Navigation 2.] Billboard Area 3.] Secondary Navigation 4.] Product Specific Navigation 5.] Sales Info 6.] Vehicle Service Info 7.] Mini-Ad #1 8.] Mini-Ad #2 9.] Mini-Ad Selecter 10.] VW Fun Info 11.] RSS 12.] Corporate Contact/Info
Straightforward Navigation:
The navigation, which mimics the VW in-dash radio, is a fun yet practical approach to navigation. Its placement at the top left hand corner of the website provides the viewer with easy accesibility without difficult maneuvering within the main content area.
Typography:
The choice of type, Sans Serif, helps to achieve a uniformity of design which is inviting to the viewer. Volkswagen has made the decision to keep the same style of type in its print, web and television ad campaigns in order to add a bit of familiarity and the all important "recognition factor" among mass-market consumers.
Simplifying Navigation:
The rollovers, which are accessed from the "billboard" area of the web page, are a simple and aesthetically pleasing example of simplifying navigation for the consumer. The rollovers also continue to adhere to the visual grid as intended by the design team. The navigation, which is accessible at the top and bottom thirds of the layout, provide the user with a non-disruptive web surfing experience. This type of thinking is an effective tool in web design: The shortest distance between two points...
Aligning and Sharpness:
There is never a doubt of how important the "Grid" is in achieving a successful design in both print and website design applications. The Volkswagen website's grid system helps in aligning the various elements compromising the website.Type and graphics are kept in visual check by using this grid. More importantly, this simplification af alignment provides a visual and functional hierarchy which is the mark of succesful and visually pleasing web design.
The Fun Factor:
Since its introduction into the automotive sales market, the name Volkswagen has been synonymous with fun. The current television commercials add a light-hearted approach and feel to automobile advertising. The website mirrors this corporate attitude due to its deliberate design elements. The main graphic, featuring Actress/Model/Mother, Brooke Shields standing among a plethora of (cute?) babies, helps to convey this feeling of fun and joy relating to the Volkswagen community. Other aspects relating to the fun element are choice of colors, type and overall layout. The Designer plays an integral part in communicating the correct message and emotional appeal to consumers through careful and hopefully well planned artistic decisions.
Final Thoughts...
Volkswagen has a very successful website that appeals to both the casual person and artist/designer. Intuitive design coupled with a pleasing layout meld together and result in a satisfying websurfing experience. The information is readily available without having to invest too much time and effort on the viewers side. This is surely an example of successful website design.
All images taken from the Volkswagen Site are theirs, they retain the rights to the images and their respective logos, trademarks, and concepts.