Aside

Good Design in Politics, Part 1

Old Posts 2 Comments »

I’ve been following the elections with great care this year.  It’s probably one of the most contested, heated, angry, fun-to-watch-SNL again elections that history has seen.  At any rate, it’s good to see that both parties have embraced the Internet for campaigning, and have stepped into the 21st century as far as their websites go.

First, Obama:

obama (2)

obama2 I have to say that whoever designed this page has a flair for design and detail.  The site and splash page (even though I *hate* splash pages) are well done, and the blue shades on the site are all matched well.  It’s a very easy to read site, and makes for an easy transition from viewer to “doer” (via the action center being so visible).

And McCain:

McCain

McCain2

McCain’s site is also well designed – lots of gradients and bright graphics – but requires MUCH less scrolling.  While not so much now a big deal as it used to be, people prefer to scroll as little as possible, and it condenses the data down to a manageable size (while not overloading you).

So, while the election is still in full swing, the sites are getting bombarded with traffic hit after hit. What do you think? Does one candidate have a better site, or do they both do their job well (the sites, not the candidates)?  Are there any other local candidates that have fantastic sites?  Leave your answers in the comments below!

Comments have been disabled for this post.
Sort: Newest | Oldest
Darrin Dickey

Hey, Mitch!

I agree both sites are nice, but I think I prefer Obama's and here's why.

When you hit his site, the first page delivers three simple messages: family, change & join us. Simple and easy to understand. Everyone will be for that.

When you first hit McCain's site, you are bombarded by multiple messages. Country First - this is a terrible slogan. It's subjective, unclear and plays into the Democrats' claims that Republicans are isolationists. Video of John McCain - McCain simply doesn't play well on video or TV, especially in comparison to Obama. Too many people are turned off by his facial expressions and his smile which is frequently seen by people as a sneer. He's also nowhere near as well spoken as Obama. John, don't play up your weaknesses. Then there is "Join Us", "Why vote", "Vote early", "Jobs plan", "Health care" and "Don't tax me". On one hand, it gives people a simple link to specific info, but it also dilutes the message. This is a LOT of info to be hit with right away.

Obama's first page is simple and focused.

The inside page of Obama's site is too long, but it is nice and linear down the page. Well-spaced, easy to read and understand. IMHO, there are too many boxes on the right column when it's laid out in one page. However, on a scrolling page that may or may not be a problem.

McCain's inside page is active, but too active. It's a mass confusion of messages and sensory overload.

Overall, Obama's site is attractive and methodically laid out. McCain's site is attractive, but so overloaded with information that is seems desperate. Like they're trying desperately to find something, anything, to connect with people before they leave the site.

share
  • spam
  • offensive
  • disagree
  • off topic
 Like
Darrin Dickey

Hey, Mitch!I agree both sites are nice, but I think I prefer Obama's and here's why. When you hit his site, the first page delivers three simple messages: family, change & join us. Simple and easy to understand. Everyone will be for that. When you first hit McCain's site, you are bombarded by multiple messages. Country First - this is a terrible slogan. It's subjective, unclear and plays into the Democrats' claims that Republicans are isolationists. Video of John McCain - McCain simply doesn't play well on video or TV, especially in comparison to Obama. Too many people are turned off by his facial expressions and his smile which is frequently seen by people as a sneer. He's also nowhere near as well spoken as Obama. John, don't play up your weaknesses. Then there is "Join Us", "Why vote", "Vote early", "Jobs plan", "Health care" and "Don't tax me". On one hand, it gives people a simple link to specific info, but it also dilutes the message. This is a LOT of info to be hit with right away.Obama's first page is simple and focused.The inside page of Obama's site is too long, but it is nice and linear down the page. Well-spaced, easy to read and understand. IMHO, there are too many boxes on the right column when it's laid out in one page. However, on a scrolling page that may or may not be a problem.McCain's inside page is active, but too active. It's a mass confusion of messages and sensory overload.Overall, Obama's site is attractive and methodically laid out. McCain's site is attractive, but so overloaded with information that is seems desperate. Like they're trying desperately to find something, anything, to connect with people before they leave the site.

share
  • spam
  • offensive
  • disagree
  • off topic
 Like
Darrin Dickey

Hey, Mitch!

I agree both sites are nice, but I think I prefer Obama's and here's why.

When you hit his site, the first page delivers three simple messages: family, change & join us. Simple and easy to understand. Everyone will be for that.

When you first hit McCain's site, you are bombarded by multiple messages. Country First - this is a terrible slogan. It's subjective, unclear and plays into the Democrats' claims that Republicans are isolationists. Video of John McCain - McCain simply doesn't play well on video or TV, especially in comparison to Obama. Too many people are turned off by his facial expressions and his smile which is frequently seen by people as a sneer. He's also nowhere near as well spoken as Obama. John, don't play up your weaknesses. Then there is "Join Us", "Why vote", "Vote early", "Jobs plan", "Health care" and "Don't tax me". On one hand, it gives people a simple link to specific info, but it also dilutes the message. This is a LOT of info to be hit with right away.

Obama's first page is simple and focused.

The inside page of Obama's site is too long, but it is nice and linear down the page. Well-spaced, easy to read and understand. IMHO, there are too many boxes on the right column when it's laid out in one page. However, on a scrolling page that may or may not be a problem.

McCain's inside page is active, but too active. It's a mass confusion of messages and sensory overload.

Overall, Obama's site is attractive and methodically laid out. McCain's site is attractive, but so overloaded with information that is seems desperate. Like they're trying desperately to find something, anything, to connect with people before they leave the site.

share
  • spam
  • offensive
  • disagree
  • off topic
 Like
Darrin Dickey

Hey, Mitch!

I agree both sites are nice, but I think I prefer Obama's and here's why.

When you hit his site, the first page delivers three simple messages: family, change & join us. Simple and easy to understand. Everyone will be for that.

When you first hit McCain's site, you are bombarded by multiple messages. Country First - this is a terrible slogan. It's subjective, unclear and plays into the Democrats' claims that Republicans are isolationists. Video of John McCain - McCain simply doesn't play well on video or TV, especially in comparison to Obama. Too many people are turned off by his facial expressions and his smile which is frequently seen by people as a sneer. He's also nowhere near as well spoken as Obama. John, don't play up your weaknesses. Then there is "Join Us", "Why vote", "Vote early", "Jobs plan", "Health care" and "Don't tax me". On one hand, it gives people a simple link to specific info, but it also dilutes the message. This is a LOT of info to be hit with right away.

Obama's first page is simple and focused.

The inside page of Obama's site is too long, but it is nice and linear down the page. Well-spaced, easy to read and understand. IMHO, there are too many boxes on the right column when it's laid out in one page. However, on a scrolling page that may or may not be a problem.

McCain's inside page is active, but too active. It's a mass confusion of messages and sensory overload.

Overall, Obama's site is attractive and methodically laid out. McCain's site is attractive, but so overloaded with information that is seems desperate. Like they're trying desperately to find something, anything, to connect with people before they leave the site.

share
  • spam
  • offensive
  • disagree
  • off topic
 Like