Make-A-Wish

zenhead · #1 (**permalink**) 07-01-2003, 04:46 PM

I already posted the site that I get paid to work on, but this is one that I designed and built myself, as a volunteer effort. My daughter was a Make-A-Wish kid a few years ago, while she was waiting for a heart transplant, and I felt I wanted to give something back. Anyway, I'm pretty pleased with it, but I'd really appreciate some objective eyes looking it over.

http://maine.wish.org/

Thanks!

Garrett · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2003, 12:59 PM

Hi zenhead,

The site navigates well (except the logo/header should link to the homepage) and loads quickly.

I think you should have more copy on the front page that explains what the make-a-wish foundation is. I already knew, from ads I'd heard on internet radio, but others might not.

For me the highlight of your site is the stories about the kids who have received their wishes. Could you put more of that on the front page -- more pictures and quotes from their stories?

I think that would be the best way to promote the cause.

Also, consider aligning the links along the left side there -- centered looks funny. Buttons would be nice too, but wouldn't really fit with the site. Your site reminds me of http://www.w3.org/ with all of its textiness. Look at what they did to organize their site and consider doing something like that with yours, to better emphasize and differentiate your sections.

Thanks for the submission! I look forward to what everyone else thinks.

Garrett

andyholt · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2003, 01:47 PM

Hi

Nice idea for a site :) here are some of my suggestions

I think the site needs loads more color, it's an ideal subject to break some rules :) loads of primary colors and graphics would really add to the appeal of the site.

I agree with Garrett that kids whose wishes who have come true would add so much value to the site if given higher priority.

The jump from the large homepage links to the smaller paged links is a bit odd - maybe its a personal thing but I don't really like splash type pages :)

Maybe add a style sheet to apply a font rather than using the default times.

Good luck with the site and I hope these comments have helped a bit:)

Andy
( http://www.webdevtips.com )

EJRS.COM · #4 (**permalink**) 01-20-2004, 03:06 AM

Don't make your navigation links your body of copy.

Quote:

I think you should have more copy on the front page that explains what the make-a-wish foundation is. I already knew, from ads I'd heard on internet radio, but others might not.

Garrett is right. People want to know about what your org is all about. Right now you have your navigation as the text body. It honestly made me close the website window, but I read the other comments and clicked back on it to see more about it. Your front page is about you or your organization. I know nothing about your org just by your front page.