Benchmark+Analysis+of+Princeton+University



= WHAT&WHO? = This site provides information on the Arts at Princeton, taking place at the Lewis Center for the Arts. The facility is named in honor of Peter B. Lewis of the Princeton Class of 1955, who's generosity established a program in which a new vision for the creative and performing arts on campus began. The Lewis Center for the Arts allows Princeton to fully engage with a range of programs such as Creative Writing, Dance, Theater, and Visual Arts, as well as to Film and Video, Musical Performance and to the Princeton Atelier. Like the actual space itself, the site was built as a virtual space that brings together both the education sector (students, faculty) and the public (community, artists). It is a general overview of the many areas of interest for people who are interested in the arts at Princeton, whether it is the different programs and their courses, or current and upcoming public events at the facility. It really strives to show the diversity of art available and the integration of it into the space and lives of its students and visitors.

= INFO.ARCHITECTURE =
 * there is a public and education-specific component to the site, and is divided through the categories shown in the main navigation at the top
 * each main category then expands into subcategories which draws up into a page that provides a further expansion of interest areas specific to that subcategory.
 * hierarchy is clearly defined using consistent visual elements such as color and typography.
 * information on each page may be structured slightly differently depending on content, but always expands below the main graphic element
 * the logo is consistently on the left side and leads the eye rightward.
 * The introductory page for each arts program consistently has the same information display format
 * side logo > main/top navigation > center-top image banner > left navigation (specific to main nav) > quote box > 3 columns of body text



= VISUAL.DESIGN =
 * color palette : grays (dark base color, light text), orange (linked text), white (bordering and some highlighted text)
 * typography : uses a sans serif and a serif typeface
 * serifs : for headings, top navigation
 * sans serif : for body text, expanded navigation menu



= =
 * composition : all content is consistently framed within a rectangular composition, with the bulk of information in the center
 * content is assembled within a 5 column grid, thus the structure of the overall layout is very geometric and box
 * text is sectioned into designated spaces through the use of a dotted gray rule
 * this helps keep the information readable and non-invasive
 * images : there is consistently a vivid photograph at the top of the page in which all the content follows below.
 * the images are relevant to the content and the school, which is important in order to showcase the appeal of a creative program.
 * the index shows a clear shot of a popular gallery space in the center - shows a engaging student community
 * also includes an interactive navigation of major areas of studies, making it the focal point right from the start



= USABILITY = = = == ==
 * quick links allow for easy access to important information
 * search bar is present at the top right-hand side for easy find
 * consistency in the layout enable user-friendly navigation throughout the site
 * clearly states program requirements for the various certificates and components per semester, and provides links for more information on each subject
 * contains a very helpful list of courses and outlines
 * all attainable material is located under its respective category, which makes it easy to find something in specific areas
 * ie) current student in visual arts wants to look for course requirements for a specific certificate can find it easily by clicking step by step from main navigation down.




 * in depth follow-up of professors for each course, allowing students to get to know a little about them including credibility, how they look, background etc


 * there is also a very resourceful interactive calendar applet that plots general events, allows for specific event search, and allows people to submit their arts events as well.

= = = CONTENT = > >
 * provides an overview of the program through text and image, often providing related links to resources in each specific area
 * also provides information for visitors to encourage them to share a sense of enthusiasm towards the programs mission to rethink the creative environment
 * other content include news and events, facility information (tickets, shows, mission), contact information, and FAQ sections to help answer student need
 * contains an interactive student-work gallery that displays a series of pieces of the project in a slide show format
 * this allows visitors to get a good idea of what type of work the program entails, and allows current students to compare/gain inspiration from the work of their peers.
 * also recognizes students who have done good work in their studies
 * the interactive component gives it a sense of professionalism and shows variety that better reflect each student


 * other multimedia include videos that are streamed directly on the site

= EFFECTIVE? = After investigating through the many areas and content of this site, it has proven to be a very resourceful tool that comprehensively showcases the identity of the space and its activities in an appealing and clear manner. It successfully creates a very inclusive, contemporary virtual art environment that is up-to-date through various interactive medias and very intriguing photography. The vast content does not seem to be overbearing as it uses a system of consistent visual elements such as the dividing rules and color coded type. By breaking up the content into sections visually helps the viewer to retain attention even to large bodies of text. Overall it is a very user-friendly, yet fun and sophisticated site which makes people what to learn more and become a part of the program.

CITED: from the [|Princeton Lewis Art Center] for the Arts website