LAB 1

Muhammad Abdullah

FA21-BCS-044 7A
1) Solved Lab Activities
Solution
 Overwhelming color scheme: The website uses an excessive number of bright,
clashing colors that strain the eyes and make content hard to read.
 Lack of visual hierarchy: There is no clear structure or importance given to
different elements, making it difficult for users to know where to focus.
 Inconsistent typography: Multiple font styles and sizes are used haphazardly,
creating a chaotic and unprofessional appearance.
 Poor use of white space: The design is cramped with almost no breathing room
between elements, making it hard to distinguish between different sections.
 Overuse of animated elements: Flashing and scrolling text is distracting and
can make the content difficult to read.
 Non-responsive design: The layout appears fixed and would likely not adapt
well to different screen sizes or devices.
 Unclear navigation: The site structure is confusing, with no clear main menu or
logical organization of content.
 Accessibility issues: The design likely poses significant challenges for users
with visual impairments or those using assistive technologies.
 Dated appearance: The overall design aesthetic is reminiscent of early 2000s
web design, which may not instill confidence in the website's current relevance or
credibility.
2) Graded Lab Tasks
Lab Task 1
Solution

This design has several issues from a user experience (UX) and usability
perspective:

1. Limited visibility: The scroll bar only shows one template at a time, making
it difficult for users to compare different designs or get an overview of
available options.
2. Inefficient navigation: Users have to scroll through potentially many
designs one-by-one, which can be time-consuming and frustrating,
especially if there are numerous options.
3. Lack of search or filter functionality: There is no apparent way to search
for specific designs or filter by categories, which could make finding a
particular template challenging.
4. No favoriting or history feature: The design does not provide a way to
mark or remember previously used templates, making it difficult to reuse the
same design later.
5. Small preview size: The template preview is relatively small, which may
make it hard for users to see details clearly.

This design makes it very difficult to reselect the same template efficiently. The
user would have to rely on their memory of what the design looked like and
manually scroll through all options again, hoping to recognize the correct one. This
process could be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially if there are many
similar-looking templates or if significant time has passed since the original
selection.

To improve this design, consider:

1. Implementing a grid or list view to show multiple templates at once.

2. Adding search and filter functionalities.
3. Including a "Recently Used" or "Favorites" section.
4. Assigning names or codes to templates for easier reference.
5. Providing larger previews or a zoom feature.
6. Adding a way to sort templates (e.g., alphabetically, by popularity, etc.).
Lab Task 2
Solution

1. Netflix play on hover: Auto-playing content on hover can be disruptive and

annoying, potentially consuming unwanted data and creating noise without
user consent.
2. WhatsApp delete feature: The "delete for everyone" option leaves a visible
"This message was deleted" placeholder, which can create curiosity or
suspicion and does not truly allow users to retract messages discreetly.

Lab Task 3
Solution

The COMSATS University Islamabad website has several strengths and

weaknesses, particularly when considering the needs of prospective master's
students.

Good Aspects:
1. Comprehensive Information: The website provides detailed information
about the various programs offered, including master's degrees. It includes
sections on academic departments, course catalogs, and program-specific
details, making it easier to find relevant information.
2. Admissions Clarity: The admissions page is well organized with clear links
to apply for various campuses and programs. The inclusion of a merit
calculator and guidelines for international students is particularly useful.
3. User-Friendly Navigation: The site features a straightforward navigation
bar with quick access to important sections such as academics, admissions,
and research. This helps users quickly find what they need.

Bad Aspects:
1. Outdated Design: The overall design feels somewhat outdated compared to
more modern university websites, which might affect the user experience.
The aesthetic could benefit from a refresh to appeal more to tech-savvy
users.
 2. Navigation Clutter: Despite having clear sections, some pages are cluttered
with excessive links and information, making it overwhelming for users to
find specific details without scrolling through a lot of content.
3. Lack of Interactive Features: Unlike some other universities' websites,
COMSATS lacks interactive features, such as virtual tours or live chat
options, which could enhance user engagement.

Comparison with NUST Website:

The National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) website offers a
more modern and visually appealing interface. It emphasizes user experience with
an updated design, easy-to-navigate menus, and interactive elements like virtual
tours and event updates. For a prospective master's student, NUST's website
provides a more streamlined experience, with easier access to information about
specific programs and research opportunities. Additionally, NUST’s use of
multimedia and dynamic content makes the browsing experience more engaging.

Which is better?

From a user experience and design perspective, NUST’s website is superior,

particularly for prospective students looking for a more intuitive and visually
appealing interface. However, both websites provide comprehensive information,
and COMSATS' site is still effective for those seeking detailed program and
admission details.

Lab Task 4
Solution

1) Differences and Similarities in Information Presentation: USA vs.

New Zealand University Websites
Differences:

 Visual Design and Navigation: U.S. university websites often focus on modern,
visually appealing designs with dynamic elements like videos, testimonials, and
campus tours. They tend to emphasize a broad range of extracurricular activities,
student life, and career services. New Zealand university websites, on the other
 hand, are usually more straightforward, with a stronger focus on academics and
practical information, such as course structures and admission details.
 Content Depth: U.S. universities often provide extensive information on their
programs, including detailed descriptions of faculty, research opportunities, and
campus resources. They also emphasize rankings, alumni success, and networking
opportunities. New Zealand university websites typically focus more on the
content of the programs, living conditions, and student support services.

Similarities:

 Comprehensive Program Details: Both U.S. and New Zealand universities provide
detailed information about their academic programs, including course
descriptions, admission requirements, and application deadlines.
 International Student Support: Both countries' universities emphasize resources
and support for international students, such as visa guidance, accommodation
options, and orientation programs.

2) Detailed Exploration of a U.S. and New Zealand University

a)
Goal:

 I am looking for a master’s program with a specialization in Machine Learning.

 Priorities:
o Scholarships and Financial Aid: Given the high costs, I need information
on available scholarships and assistantships.
o Quality of Program: I am interested in faculty expertise, research
opportunities, and industry connections.
o Living Conditions: I want to study in an area with a good quality of life,
affordable living, and a strong student community.

b)

U.S. University: Stanford University

 Program Exploration: Stanford offers a Master’s in Computer Science with

specializations in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The website
provides comprehensive details on the curriculum, faculty, and research labs.
There is an emphasis on innovation, and the university’s strong ties to Silicon
Valley are highlighted.
  Scholarships and Financial Aid: Stanford offers limited scholarships but provides
information on assistantships and external funding sources. The financial aid
section is detailed and user-friendly.
 Living Conditions: Stanford’s campus is located in Palo Alto, California, a tech hub
with a vibrant community, but living costs are high. The website provides
information on housing options, student life, and wellness services.

New Zealand University: University of Auckland

 Program Exploration: The University of Auckland offers a Master of Data Science

with a focus on Machine Learning. The website provides detailed information
about the program structure, course content, and faculty expertise.
 Scholarships and Financial Aid: Auckland offers various scholarships for
international students, and the application process is clearly explained. The
financial support section is easier to navigate compared to many U.S. universities.
 Living Conditions: Auckland is one of New Zealand's largest cities, offering a good
quality of life with affordable living options. The university provides detailed
guidance on accommodation, cost of living, and student support services.

Detailed Comparison:
Stanford University (U.S.):

 UI and Navigation: Stanford’s website is modern, with an intuitive UI that allows

easy access to all necessary information. The use of interactive elements like
virtual tours and alumni testimonials enhances the user experience. However,
the wealth of information can sometimes feel overwhelming.
 Information Accessibility: The website excels in providing detailed information
about the academic program, faculty, and research opportunities. Financial aid
details are comprehensive but somewhat buried under multiple sections.

University of Auckland (New Zealand):

 UI and Navigation: The University of Auckland’s website is simpler and more

focused. It offers a straightforward user experience with clear paths to
information. The design is clean, and content is easy to digest.
 Information Accessibility: While it is not as visually dynamic as Stanford’s site,
Auckland’s website effectively communicates essential information. The
scholarship section is particularly well-organized, making it easy to find relevant
opportunities.
Winner: University of Auckland. Though Stanford’s website is visually
impressive, Auckland’s site offers a better balance of simplicity, user-friendliness,
and accessibility of important information.

c)

Comparison with COMSATS Website:

 Visual Design and UI: The University of Auckland has a cleaner and more modern
design compared to COMSATS. Auckland’s website is less cluttered and easier to
navigate, while COMSATS could benefit from a design update.
 Information Accessibility: Auckland’s website is more straightforward in
providing essential information like scholarships and living conditions. COMSATS
provides detailed academic information, but it sometimes feels overwhelming
due to cluttered pages.
 Interactive Features: Neither Auckland nor COMSATS offers many interactive
features, but Auckland’s focus on ease of access makes up for this. COMSATS
could improve by simplifying navigation and reducing information overload.

In conclusion, University of Auckland stands out for its user-friendly design and
clear communication of essential details, making it better suited for prospective
students exploring their options. However, COMSATS can improve by
streamlining its content and updating its design to compete better globally.

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