Web presence review. Evaluating web design Assignment

Web presence review. Evaluating web design - Assignment Example This paper will try to review the web design of Monsoon and demonstrate understanding of the theory and processes involved in the initiation, design and use of web sites in a business environment. It will evaluate and identify examples of best practice in the industry and apply them. Discussion Web Presence Web Presence is defined as the overall performance of a website and its programs or adopted strategies to sustain as well as maximize internet popularity and usefulness (Balwani, 2010). It is an indication of the maintenance and sustainability of an online business, shop, or an e-commerce entity. Monsoon (www.monsoon.co.uk) Monsoon claims to have about 600 Monsoon and Accessorize stores around the world. It was started in 1973 by a vendor named Peter Simon who sold shaggy woollen coats and block printed clothes from Rajasthan on the Portobello Road. The company background and history is short but the website provides a comprehensive detail about their store location, CSR program, terms and conditions of site use, complete and updated listing of products, online shopping, delivery information promo and free return policy, among others (Appendix B). Evaluating Web Design The Management Centre International Limited (2011) or MCIL provided 10 criteria or checklist in evaluating a website. While these criteria will not determine the overall web presence of a product, service or company, it provides the user with important information about how a company sustains web presence in its domain. It should be understood that a firm’s website is the â€Å"most important piece of the business’ web presence† (Balwani, 2010, P 1). The checklist of evaluating the Monsoon website is as follows: 1. First Impressions. The first impression encompasses the intuitive choice for URL or uniform resource locator or web address which should be short and simple that fits perfectly on the characteristic of the firm. It should consider download time, thereby the capa bility of its host and size of homepage in order to minimize time in opening the page, or quick to download (Negrino, 2006; MCIL, 2011). The look and feel of the site is determined with its readability: clear and easy to understand with text and images in harmony (England & Finney, 2001). It should not be demanding such as asking for the viewer to download a program that will allow the reader to view the page. The page should be compact and fits the screen. The homepage should indicate immediately to the user its â€Å"unique selling point† or value proposition in order for the user to determine what is in store for him or her at the site. It should contain highly visible direct links to key action points or KAP in order to engage the user but at the same time, impart a feeling of â€Å"wanting more† so that the user will either stay at the page or site to explore, or come back again. Contact details are an important part of all websites to convey approachability, open ness, and a welcome feeling for the user (Mandell, 1997; MCIL, 2011). Many users will feel comfortable to establish trust, thereby, the site should indicate credential validation through certifications or associations. A statement from the management will provide the user an opportunity to know the vision and values of the company. It should not force users to register or subscribe in order to navigate as this will scare users away. After navigation, they will feel free to subscribe or register (MCIL, 2011, 2). Monsoon was able to accomplish majority of the first impression requirements although failed to immediately impart its message of unique selling poin