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1. THE CRACK WEBSITE
DECONSTRUCTION 1

2. The first website I will be deconstructing is The Crack magazine. I have chosen this website as I feel The Crack is my bigge
Inspiration due to the similar design ideas and similar content of regional culture.
My initial reaction to the website is extremely positive as I feel the contemporary and modern appeal makes it stand apar
competition. Based on the overall design, it is clear The Crack have a very specific and relevant target audience and there
to subvert mainstream traditions. I therefore feel the layout and design really justify this and the simplicity of the page st
for unlimited content alongside aesthetic appeal.
The heading of the page and magazine title is actually quite small and located in the top left. Although I would prefer a la
bolder title to set the page, I feel this is conventional of a regional magazine. This design is the newest logo of The Crack
former spaced out version. I prefer the spaced out masthead as I feel it offers a bit more creativity however, both symbol
house image really well.

3. Personally, I feel the strongest convention of the website is the layout which mimics a Pinterest style. I love everything ab
layout however most significant is the navigation bar which acts as a long heading stretching the width of the page. The n
bar includes all the main sub-genres divided into categories which are hyperlinked to new pages. I feel this is a much mo
friendly way to present different topics rather than the user having to unnecessarily scroll through each page individually
example, the website for Luxe magazine has all the sub-genres on the homepage which forces the reader to scroll to the
if they want to find a specific feature. I felt this was very time-consuming and pointless and therefore I really like how The
have altered this to create a method that is systematic and useful for the user.
The design of the bar is sleek, clean and comes in a formal mature font. I like how the words are very spaced out as it refl
masthead and spacing used in the actual magazine. When you hover your mouse over a specific genre, the word is under
then when you click into the page it is underlined further with a colour. Each sub-genre has a unique colour which is featu
all relevant articles which I feel is a very delicate additional feature.at the end of the bar is a search tool which allows the u
search by location, keyword or date. I think this is a really nice add on for a culture magazine as The Crack is mostly abou
and days out therefore the user can personalise the content they view so that it is more relevant to them as an individual.
this will make the audience feel more involved, acknowledged and cared about which will help to boost the brands popu

4. Below the navigation bar sits the failing columns of images and article summaries. This instant juxtaposition of
horizontal to vertical creates a more contemporary, current and almost careless vibe which will appeal well to a
modern audience, specifically students. I feel the design is like a pin board which makes it visually more complex
rather than just rows of text or images which almost look too artificial. A complex and creative style is common in
cultural, regional magazines and I feel the audience will really like being kept on their feet with a slight hint of
uncertainty in the design, instead of a plain, boring one. The size of the images control the user’s eye line and
indicates what should be read first. For instance, the sliding gallery of images on the left hand side features the most
important articles which are on an automatic gallery loop. I really like this idea as it forces the reader to notice each
individual main feature and will also help them to find something they may otherwise not of noticed. Below these
sliding images are headings, dates and locations in accordance to the event. This is really useful and encouraging as
the events featured are upcoming which will help draw attention to them and anchors the images really well. If the
user then clicks on the image they are directed to the page of the article. On the opposing side of the page, is the
less important articles accompanied by the images. I like how these are all different sizes and have summaries with
cliff hangers that encourage the reader to visit the page to find out more.

5. The images used are very modern and youthful, mostly consisting of photographs with a few illustrations. A good
variety of all sub-genres is included so that there is something on the home page that will encourage everyone. I
really like this consistency between the magazine and website as it creates a fluid that the audience will appreciate
and love. For instance, the clothing is quirky, unusual and outgoing which is reflective of the models in the magazine
who subvert mainstream. I like how all the images use colour which stands out really well from the white background.
I also like how it isn’t just all pictures of faces and there is variation of objects, locations and graphics as well.

6. The typography of the page is very sophisticated and professional following the print based style of the
magazine. The same typography is used for all aspects of the site including headings, sub-headings and
block text. In terms of prioritisation, the font has been enlarged and made bold for the most important
articles leading down to a more italic text for less significant ones.
Along the scrolling edge of the page features a social network widget
which graphically allows users and content creators to follow the site in
order to keep up to date with new articles. This is extremely relevant to a
target audience that is specifically 16-28 year olds as their main interest
and knowledge lies within social media and the modern world. It even
allows people who are not from the region to get involved with the
magazine and get up tp date on specific topical news which again,
broadens appeal to the audience. Alongside the media links is a
subscription link which ensures the magazine can expand and
consolidate as many audience members as possible. This is a good
opportunity to develop since the magazine hasn’t got the same coverage
as more mainstream national magazines.

7. The site features advertisements for local businesses which not only contribute to the regions success, but also offer
opportunities relevant to the desires of the audience.
Noticeable and unlike other websites is the thick white border long the edge of the page. Although people may feel
this is a waste of space, I really like how it directs all of the information into the forefront and centre so that it is
clearly noticed. I also think it is reflective of The Crack front cover which frequently features this same border design.
The colour scheme of the page offers a very simplistic and monochrome tone which in tandem can contrast with the
ever changing layout and style of the physical magazine. Colour is restricted to imagery alone which makes the
images much more three dimensional to captivate an already interested audience through additional detail and
depth. It shows the importance and success of visuals as the imagery alone can aid the articles and take centre stage
to avoid distraction from the audience. Ultimately I feel the colour scheme is a really nice addition to an overall
excellent design.

8. Overall, my favourite feature of this website is the layout as I love the visual and complex Pinterest style.
Not only does it look professional and unique, but it also offers a contemporary and striking tone which I
think will appeal very much to my own audience. I will however change the colour schemes to
accommodate my own audience.