The purpose of this project is to conduct an exhaustive review of a horticultural business Web site and to present your findings in both written and oral form.

The written review will be in the form of an illustrated paper written along the loose guidelines of a book review. Use present tense and third person as the style perspective of the paper. The paper should be double spaced for readability, and should be about 5 typed pages (including illustrations). Illustrations should be placed in the body in proximity to the text that describes them. Your review should describe the purpose of the Web site, present the major features, analyze the ease of use, and evaluate the intrasite navigation.

You should also comment on the layout and style of the Web site, including use of color, images, multimedia (if any), response times, browser loading times, and other features that contribute to or detract from the usefulness of the site.

You will also give a 5 to 7 minute PowerPoint presentation that summarizes your findings from the written report. You should include screen captures and/or hotlinks to illustrate your presentation.

Grading Elements

• Demonstrated ability to discern characteristics of good Web site design and construction.
• Depth of analysis of Web site features.
• Quality of the written document.
• Quality and effectiveness of the oral presentation and PowerPoint slides.
• Adherence to guidelines and timeliness of submission.

The following Web sites are ones that were discussed in class to illustrate various features of Web site design.

Jakob Nielsen's Usability 101
Wildseed Farms
GrowIT.com
Proven Winners
TMAC Nurseries
Optimara African Violets
North Carolina Farms
Plants for Texas
Magnolia Gardens Nursery