As the web continues to grow and expand, the range and variety of websites also begin to expound. There are many different kinds of websites, but for the most part, sites can been grouped into three or four simple categories.
Reference Sites- A reference site is basically just a portal to many different links, generally specific to a certain topic or genre. One such site is Slashdot. Slashdot offers “News for Nerds” in an easily navigable, categorized menu that allows users to find what they want quick and easy.
Informational Sites: An informational site is generally used to tell you about something, or share information that you’ve requested or are interested in. Informational sites are commonly used for different products, topics, and organizations. One example of an informational site is NothingButNets, a non-profit organization that is trying to raise money to buy mosquito nets for African children. They make use of a website to share their cause with others around the world, and to help make others more aware about their goals and what they’re doing.
Experiential Sites: An experiential site is a little different than the sites previously mentioned. Upon entering an experiential site, the user is generally unaware of what’s going on, until they click through and experience the site as it unfolds before them. Experiential sites are meant to be interactive and engage the user, Often, these sites are created in flash. A good example of an experiential site can be found at BloodSaves, a website that at first seems like a game, but uses interaction to teach the viewer about their cause.
Hybrid/Crossover Sites – These types of websites are generally used in viral marketing campaigns. They may or may not actually something to do with the brand, but are used as a means to promote it. The most popular of which is probably SubservientChicken, a site used by Burger King to promote their chicken sandwich. Another good example is Why So Serious? A site created for Warner Brothers to help promote the movie, The Dark Knight. Before the movie was released, various forms of the website allowed users to engage and interact with the site to reveal hidden messages about the upcoming movie.
Filed under: Design, Uncategorized , Design, Web design
