AGDA

Brief Description
AGDA is the official website for the Australian Graphic Design Association, the national organization for graphic designers in Australia, similar to the RGD Ontario (Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario). The website is catered for those who are part of, or are interested in design within Australia. Moreover the AGDA website serves as an instrument to promote and announce upcoming events, display member work, advertise contact information and promote the various facilities, services and education they offer.

Information Architecture
The information is structured in an uncommon formation. Breaking away from the typically low number of categories in the main menu (2-5), AGDA presents 12 categories of selectable information. This design choice allows the user a more detailed understanding of the contents found in the category upon entry. Moreover, the architecture presents a strong sense of position to the user primarily through labeling. Hovering over a menu selection changes its background state from a neutral grey to a vibrant colour dedicated to the category. Following selection, frames, text box backgrounds and textual headlines change colour accordingly. Moreover, information is presented with different levels of hierarchy. Information with primary or secondary levels of importance is placed within graphics, while lower level information is presented as simple text.



Visual The design presented by AGDA is quite minimal in its approach, with minute experimentation. The amount of text and images are not utilized abundantly, although the generous use of white space gives the site a welcoming and professional feel. Although, it must be noted that there are a few flaws in the design, which can arguably be intentional, but nevertheless questionable. For sections such as ‘Members’ and ‘Classified’ the same colour is utilized to identify both categories, this is done again with ‘National’ and ‘Annual Poster’. Moreover another issue was the consistency of the use of headlines in the news graphics for each page. The layout changes too drastically, as the headline is placed on the left of the graphic, then are sometimes not placed at all on certain pages.

The usability of the website is not inventive but is functional. As most website designs, it utilizes simple HTML and flash, and is intuitive (e.g. interaction through pointing and clicking). Moreover, due to the architecture of the information, the user can find information relatively quickly, without the need to rethink or correct their instinctive choice. Furthermore, through the placement of a search bar, as well as a stable positioning of elements (e.g menu bar, important information graphic, headings, the user is able to maneuver around the website with great ease. Moreover, with recommended links available after making a menu selection, the user is able to find their destination sooner.
 *  Usability **

The text content found on the AGDA website is primarily about the association, and its services. The text information has all the information expected from a design association’s webpage (e.g. galleries, facilities, events, research material, awards). Moreover there are links towards the professional practice of graphic design in Australia, as well as the ability to search through member profiles (designers), view their work, and potentially contact them.
 * Content **

The uncommon structure of the website, the usability of the navigation, the use of colour to differentiate categories and the colour-coded menu bar make the AGDA website effective as a resource for those interested in the services AGDA offers. The AGDA website presents the user with a well structured website, allowing the user to find what they need, with great intuitiveness and sense of position within the website.
 * Conclusion **