Illustrative Website Research
I wanted to find illustrative websites that were somewhat either related to health or wellbeing in order to give an example of type of website I am aiming for and for the purpose of my own inspiration.
(Brain.fm: Music to improve focus, meditation & sleep., n.d.)
Critical Analysis:
What type of media is it?
Promotional Website that creates music which positively affects the brain helping users to improve their focus
What initial promise/s does it give?
Brain.fm provides ambient music for individuals to relax, de-stress and revise to improve their focus. A fun illustrative website promising a 15 minute solution to unfocused minds using music/sounds
What is its purpose & function?
The website's purpose is to promote the brain.fm product and advertise free sessions to users.
What are its unique/unexpected qualities & ideas?
The concept is interesting, listening to music/sounds usually negatively impacts focus but this site suggests otherwise. The company promises focus in 15 minutes which suggests that the product works well as intended and quickly
Is it's branding original?
Yes, original branding
How can you explain the style / tone / emotions?
Modern, fun but professional and bold
How cohesive is the combination of elements (colours / materials / words / imagery / sound)?
- Illustrations are appropriate for the service the website is providing
- Copy is simply written which makes the product easy to understand
- Colours are extremely bold, contrast well and grab your attention
- Uses animated elements for interaction
Who is the main audience? (secondary audience?)
Those struggling to concentrate
Is the user experience exciting & engaging? (how?)
The website is single-scroller, which makes it convenient as all the information is on one page without a huge increase in page length.
What qualities (above) could you incorporate in your work?
The simplicity and bold colour palette
Critical Analysis:
What type of media is it?
The Australian Governments Department of Health website focusing on mental health support
What initial promise/s does it give?
To allow users to find digital mental health resources from trusted service providers
What is its purpose & function?
An illustrative website providing resources to support mental health for a variety of situations
What are its unique/unexpected qualities & ideas?
Although this is a government website, it uses friendly illustration and is inviting instead of being overly modern.
Is it's branding original?
Yes, original branding
How can you explain the style / tone / emotions?
Friendly and welcoming tone due to illustrative style, gradiented backgrounds are calming for users
How cohesive is the combination of elements (colours / materials / words / imagery / sound)?
- Illustrations are cute but appropriate for the service the website is providing
- Copy is well written which makes the product easier to understand
- Colours are bold, contrast well and grab your attention
Who is the main audience? (secondary audience?)
Those struggling with mental health problems or need support in Australia
Is the user experience exciting & engaging? (how?)
The website has a well-thought out navigational system and you are able to immediately search for resources
What qualities (above) could you incorporate in your work?
The simplicity, presentation and colour palette
(Health Connections Mendip, n.d.)
Critical Analysis:
What type of media is it?
A support website providing NHS services
What initial promise/s does it give?
To provide mental health and wellbeing support by helping users locate community groups.
What is its purpose & function?
An illustrative website providing resources to support mental health and wellbeing by helping users find groups and support in the community, local charities and social groups. Additionally they offer free one-to-one support and training.
What are its unique/unexpected qualities & ideas?
This uses professional but friendly illustrations and isn't overwhelming by being overly modern - it has the correct balance. It is a less clinical approach to improving mental health.
Is it's branding original?
Yes, original branding
How can you explain the style / tone / emotions?
Friendly and welcoming tone due to illustrative style, simple style and simple to use and calming colour palette
How cohesive is the combination of elements (colours / materials / words / imagery / sound)?
- Illustrations are friendly but appropriate for the service the website is providing
- Copy is well written which makes finding the correct support easier
- Colours are bright and contrast well without drowning out the copy
Who is the main audience? (secondary audience?)
Those needing additional mental health and/or wellbeing support
Is the user experience exciting & engaging? (how?)
The search function aids the user in finding resources using the Health Connections Mendip Directory.
What qualities (above) could you incorporate in your work?
The simplicity of the navigation and bright colour palette
Brain.fm. n.d. Brain.Fm: Music To Improve Focus, Meditation & Sleep.. [online] Available at: <https://www.brain.fm> [Accessed 16 October 2020].
Head to Health. n.d. 6 Ways Head To Health Can Help You. [online] Available at: <https://headtohealth.gov.au> [Accessed 16 October 2020].
Health Connections Mendip. n.d. Health Connections Mendip. [online] Available at: <https://healthconnectionsmendip.org> [Accessed 18 October 2020].