Hotwire+critique

Critique for Hotwire.com ([|Link])


 * High Level Items**

The first thing I came across when I visited the hotwire website was the navigation. It was very simple and intuitive. There is a tab bar across the top of the site, displaying things like Hotels, cars, flights, vacations, etc, all things that a user would be interested in booking. When a tab is clicked, the user is shown a box of options to the left of the screen to fill out and then a search is done to return valid results that the user would be interested in. The tab bar architecture makes it really easy to get from one page to another based on what the user is looking for. As far as audience appeal, the website is laid out in a simple format, and is not cluttered. The page is very easy to look at and is appealing to the eyes. For privacy and credibility, there is a link on the bottom of the page which takes you to the privacy policy. Also, there are “accredited business”, and “registered store” tags on the bottom of the page which show the credibility of the business.


 * Mid Level Items**

The site is very consistent in its design. Whenever a tab is clicked, the user is shown an option box to the left of the screen. Each option box looks very similar. As far as error handling, whenever an invalid input entered, the user is told that it is invalid, and it asked to reenter the information before the search can be started. Also, when a user tries to type in common input, say a destination which is very popular, there is an auto complete lists that pops, to make it easier for the person to complete the location. The same is true for date input. The user is presented with a calendar, rather than manually inputting the date.


 * Low Level Items**

The spelling is correct and consistent throughout the website. The fonts are also the same throughout the website. Some font is bold to show titles, and some of the sizes differ to display important information. For the color scheme, they use the color red a lot throughout for the buttons, many labels and pictures. All the text and images are placed on a plain white background, so the contrast is good and makes everything easy and simple to read. As mentioned before, the layout is also very simple and intuitive. A user is asked to fill out a series of options (things like how many rooms, check in date, how many people, etc) before the search is done. The layout for the options is a top to bottom design, with the search button on the bottom of the options.

The website also makes it easy for frequent users. There is a login page, which can be used to access your account. From there you can view saved information, favorite locations, hotels, etc.