Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette
A broken down analysis of Vogue.com
Searchability
Although it is relatively easy to find using search engines such as Google and Yahoo, there is an implied distinction between British and US vogue, which proves slightly confusing when both links lead to the same website. Other inconsistencies include the URL address which appears as vogue.co.uk yet the actual site is boldly labelled Vogue.com. However, this could be a strategic device purposely designed to direct the audience towards the ultimate, desired destination.
Usability
Site is technically stable and items quickly upload in one or two seconds.
Navigation
There are clear tabs stretching across the top of the website with drop down sub-sections, detailing each feature on the website. There is also a simple ‘search’ button to the right of this, enabling the viewer easy access to features of their choice.
Design
At first glance, the website has a slick, white and black design which is easy on the eye. The most relevant sections such as Today’s Highlights and Breaking News are conveniently placed at the top to grab the reader’s attention. There is even a scroll bar at the top, reiterating the latest live news like the BBC news website. One limitation is that the design is cluttered due to the numerous adverts, making it hard to distinguish between them and the site’s main features and pictures.
Content
There is a good selection of well-written stories. Each story has a list of ‘Related Features’ on its left which introduces a sense of continuity and sparks further interest and use of the site. To engage the audience, appropriate multimedia, such as video and images, are linked at the end of each article. As Jakob Nielsen argues, a site must have addictive content. This is certainly true for Vogue.com, which has breaking news updated every few hours. This is clearly stated in red, reinforcing the sense of immediacy and cutting-edge nature of the fashion industry.
Video
The website has a whole tab devoted to video labelled ‘Vogue TV’ including a range of videos from catwalk and beauty to expert interviews.
Audio
There are no separate audio features.
Interactivity
Although there are no forums or polls, the reader can comment on pretty much any section or feature on the site. The reader is also encouraged to share the featured story via a number of interactive options; email, facebook, twitter or yahoo buzz. However, the low number of comments existent on such a prestigious website, points to its failure to promote itself, especially with the blogs.
User-generated content
The readers can only submit their own comments and no further content.
Dominika Eureka 