a9

Stimulating arts & entertainment at a glance

Site Genre: Pattern Group a

magnify image Figure A9.1 PBS.org provides a straightforward interface to audio clips, video clips, and games on the site, as well as guides to the many offline programs that PBS produces. If visitors play the games on the site, though, they find that new interface metaphors abound./div>

Background

This pattern forms the core of any site specializing in engaging content. Combine this pattern with other site genre patterns’ including PERSONAL E-COMMERCE (A1), VALUABLE COMPANY SITES (A7), and EDUCATIONAL FORUMS (A8) to create a hybrid.

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PROBLEM

Arts and entertainment sites evoke new feelings and thoughts by challenging customers or by offering them an escape. But presenting visitors with a hard-to use interface too early in their exposure to your site will turn them away.

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SOLUTION

magnify image FigureA9.5 Easy-to-use homepage and background pages provide familiar navigation cues so that people don’t get lost. The actual art exhibits, movies, audio clips, games, or other entertainment are in well-defined areas.

On the first page or pages of the Web site, provide a straightforward interface that describes the exhibits on your site and provides links directly to them. Link from the introduction pages to background information pages that expand on the exhibits. In a separate area provide the actual exhibits and entertainment in whatever formats are required. Once a customer has chosen an art exhibit to view or a movie to play, the interface should conform to whatever is required by the artist or work of art. This is where it is permissible to break the usual rules in order to challenge or entertain your customers.

Other Patterns to Consider

Basic Educational Forums.

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Pattern Resources

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