Creating a web site about dinosaurs, outer space, and the human body should not be a hard task since the topic itself easily grabs peoples’ attention. However, the Berndt Group went above and beyond when developing the Maryland Science Center’s website. At first glance, it is obvious that the developers are well qualified to create eye-catching sites that keep a reader’s interest and are user-friendly. Credit to the web group is given at the bottom of the page, and a link is provided to their site. After clicking around on The Berndt Group’s page, I noticed that they have numerous awards under their belt and have created sites for the National Aquarium of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins Institutions, the Maryland SPCA, and Mercy hospital. Clearly, these people know exactly what they are doing.
I thouroughly enjoyed surfing around the Science Center’s page, and the ease at which I could find what I wanted was helpful. The location of the search bar at the top of the page is perfect for finding those quick ideas that pop into your head. The logo, which also serves as the link to the home page, is cleverly located at the top as well. The shape of the logo and the menu on the home page are both an off-kilter oval, leading viewer’s to make a clear connection. In addition, the core part of the menu follows you on every page and includes common sense headings to allow easy navigation.
The bright colors on the site cater to young children and would easily grab their attention. 
There is a fun magnifier that dangles next to the pictures on the home page that lets kids discover hidden pictures. Most of the images chosen have a uniform layout. The images on the home page direct the eye by curving into the menu, and the images at the top of each section arch so that attention is drawn to the text below. The paragaphs are short and sweet and don’t lead to lengthy pages. My only suggestion would be to decrease the gap on the right side by centering everything on the page.
I have never thought of going to the Maryland Science Center, although I have passed it many times while strolling around the Inner Harbor. However, after viewing their webpage, I have been persuaded to plan a visit.
--Images from MDSCI.org
1 comment:
I cannot believe that you never wanted to go to the Science Center! I really hope that you go. I have not been there for a long time, but I remember it being really fun, I am sure it will be just as fun being all grown up! I found the magnifier really cool too. As a designer I really want to know how they did that!
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