SiteReviewQuestions.txt

Analyzing websites

URL: http://www.coachusa.com/
Site name: Coach USA

======== Visual Layout ========

Describe the visual elements on the home page. What caught your eye first?
The first thing that cause my eye was the location map at the center-top of the page. But, I thing it was because of it’s centralize position rather than graphical impact. A colorful slide show to the right caught my eye next followed by the color Coach USA logo at top left.

How does the graphic design (balance, emphasis, color, tone, and so on) communicate the content?
Except for the slideshow, I believe the site lacks communicating the content because 1)its notvery colorful and looks static because of it’s mostly gray color scheme which I feel is not adequet for a “transportation” company. 2)Though there is movement in the slide show, the quickness from one frame to the next is kind of annoying and I believe it would be more fitting if the timing was slowed down, and the transition was made left to right indicating “forward” motion more descriptive of vehical or bus movement.

If there are images on the page, do they add value to the content, or are they for decoration and appeal? If they add value, describe how.
Of the 3 graphics on the home page, I believe the logo and the slide show are for appeal, and the location map could add value to the content but is miss-leading because even though I indicates the whole continental USA, the service in only in the north-central/eastern states.

How quickly did the page draw? Was it worth the wait?
The page was very quick and all came out at once. I believe it makes for a more interesting page if at least a fraction of a second delay is used to emphasize or impact most important content of page first.

How well does the layout of text help viewers understand the main points of the site content?
I believe the layout makes viewers aware of the main services of the company well by dividing up those services withing their own box. I think however even thought the colored text and bigger font helps identifying the services, Bolder text would pop them out a little better.

======== Consistency Structures ========

Are any of the elements repeated on subsequent pages? Are the elements decorative or part of the navigation?
The items that are repeated are mostly for navigation, but I would consider the logo and titled bar for page decorative.

Does the repetition help or hinder the overall purpose of the website?
I believe the repetition helps the overall purpose putting content in the same “starting place” for reading.

How consistent is the placement of the navigation scheme?
The placement of the navigation scheme is very consistent which the logo and page buttons exactly on the same spot. Eventhough there seems to be a couple of layout schemes where a title bar is use in some pages and a sub-navigation interactive box is use in others, plus some where both are used, I thing changes are suttle, and still harmonious.

How consistent is the use of color?
The color looks pretty consistant through out the site and it would help if the home page and the blue that is used in the titled bar that is in most of the other pages.

How consistent are fonts and font sizes? In what ways do the text styles vary?
The font and font sizes are very consistent. The text varies depending on where it’s use eg. user interface box title, page title, sub-tiles, and body text.

======== Color Scheme ========

Does the color scheme add to the purpose or tone of the site?
I believe the color scheme kind of tranquil tone which is not very exciting but in a way more business like.

How does the color scheme help or hinder in conveying the purpose of the site?
I think the color scheme hinders the purpose in that it is very static, rather than a moving more exciting tone for a “transportation” type company.

======== Content Bias ========

Can you tell why the site was created? Is there an organization associated with the site, and if, so what type of organization?
Yes… the site clearly is for making known to the public the services available by US coach. The site does have a link to it’s affiliated or parent company which is a larger transportation company with operations also in Canada and the UK.

Is it clear which portions of the site’s content are fact and which are opinion? There is some definite portions whick are clearly opinion as claims of the quality and completeness of service, but there is also a lot mixed in with the actually description of the services available.

Is there any bias in the information presented? Is there a hidden purpose?
I don’t believe there is a specific bias other then reasonable rates and comprehensive array of transportation sevices provided.

======== Content Currency ========

When was the information first placed on the page?
No evidence or knowledge of how to find when the information was first placed on the page.

When was it last revised?
No obvious notice placed on when the web site was last revised.

Are there any other indications that this information is current? What are the quality of the related links?
There is a page that indicates the site is somewhat current as it refers to “News 7 Media” with the last article date in May 2008. The site has predominantly 2 links, one for it’s parent company and one for it’s payment method, both which are in my opion superior wed sites.

======== Content Source ========

Who is responsible for this site?
I cannot find this information.

What qualifications or expertise does the author have to write about the topic on this site?
I cannot find this information.

Is there a way to verify the legitimacy of the author, such as an e-mail address, phone number, or mailing address?
I cannot find this information.

Who sponsors this site? Has the site been reviewed or won any awards?
I cannot find this information.

Are any other sources cited on this site?
I cannot find this information.

What is the domain extension of the site? What does this extension tell you about the site? I believe the answer to the question is “.com”? Which would mean a site for a typical company?

======== Content Corroboration ========

What other sites have information on this topic?
There are several sites that have information on this topic such as Groome Transportation or Super Shuttle. Is the information the same? The information is the same as only far as transport services to and from Air Ports. This services are limited compared to the Web Page being criticed. Are these other sources valid? I can only vouch for Super Shuttle as I use them in my time of travels.