Web Structure, Content, and Interface Design

The Alternative Breaks website is a source of information for current members, future members, and those who are just curious about the program. Keeping the site uncluttered, clear, and to the point was an important part of the design. I want to make it obvious to the visitor what AB is about and exactly how they can become a part of the organization. Those who are already a part of AB will be able to quickly bypass this information and go directly to the dates, photo album, or application pages for information that is pertinent to them. In addition to this uncluttered design, I wanted to make the page easy to update for future AB members and make sure the most important information was static and not requiring regular updates.

Navigation and Structure

The navigational structure on the AB page facilitates a quick information exchange by being an obvious part of the left side of each page, and keeping the same look, function, and link order on each section of the AB site. The navigation menu is located to the left side of each page, directly underneath the Alternative Breaks banner. Upon mousing-over each link, the link changes from white to purple and a white box forms around the text. This action all but says “click me!” Upon clicking on any of the links, the visitor is taken to a new page that is of the same design. The navigation menu appears the same, as does the placement of the graphics and text. The only difference between each page is the combination of text and graphics that are placed between the two picture sidebars. This text is another important part of the user-friendly design.

Text and Content

Headers, horizontal rules, and bullets set off important portions of text on each page. Creating headers, rules, and bullets helps the reader quickly identify exactly what they are reading and also helps them find the exact information they are looking for in what would otherwise be a sea of text. While making sure the text conformed to the overall design of the page, it was important to me to keep each page graphically the same to give a professional feel to the site. Official boilerplate from AB was used as well as my own original writing. Combining both boilerplate and original writing guarantees that the official message of AB is conveyed, but also helps customize the page to Grand Valley’s chapter of AB and the particular requirements of the GVSU program.

Graphics and Conclusions

Part of customizing the design of the Alternative Breaks page was creating a fun, interesting page that conveys the wholesome and exciting adventures participants eventually become involved with. Using the logo, official colors, and photographs from the program keeps the page focused on AB while creating that fun (yet professional) atmosphere. Bright purples and crisp whites contrast with each other for a clear reading experience. Photographs are abundant on the site, and have been manipulated to draw them together under one common theme. A “lumpy” edge on each photograph keeps the pages looking fun but offers a professional continuity of design.

The Alternative Breaks website puts forth the impression that AB is a large, important part of the Grand Valley community. A snapshot of the life of an AB member is exactly what AB needed to draw more participants in and to keep current participants interested.