Light, Layered, Linked

"Light, layered, and linked are essential when writing for the information age."Ross Larson goes on to explain what exactly this entails in his text, Purpose and Structure. Well, each of these three precepts mean exactly how they sound. First let's tackle the idea of light. What this really means is having a website that is simple. The main ideas do not seep into the background, the title is clear and bold, and as Larson says, it is the whole concept to "make text easy on the eye." The next step is layering. This idea required the designer to create an organized structure for the website. Headings, evenly spaced text and subjects that are broken down into parts are all significant when determining the layout and design. Lastly, links are required to guide the audience and to determine the different sequential events necessary for the viewer. Overall links can make the content seem reliable and layering and lighting can make the website easily accessible. When a virtual library was mentioned in Larson's text I immediately thought of Mirlyn. http://mirlyn.lib.umich.edu/ is an online website that contains all three of these major elements. Primarily it has a white background and the title is written in blue and yellow. This makes sure the audience can focus on the words. The next thing I noticed was the structure of the website. It has a specific audience, people who are looking to find information about a specific topic, and it appeals to this audience. We are able to click the Mirlyn Catalog and we are able to type in almost anything and receive an answer. Let's say I type in "Successful Websites." In an extremely organized way with the headlines in bold there are a list of different categories that pertain to the different "Successful Websites." For instance, I could choose a specific format, language, place of publication, and I can even check for availability. The linkage procedure is extremely important as well because I am able to click on any hyperlink and it will guide me to a different website that will aid to my research. How much easier can this get? I have a research paper due in another one of my classes and we all know where I'm going to go to begin my research. Mirlyn is an online library that knows its target audience and therefore, can engage with it's viewers. Seriously, type in anything and there will be at least one result pertaining to your search and if all else fails there is always the link to "Ask a Librarian". Actually interacting with a librarian through the internet, like I said, how much easier can this get? Simple design, easy access, and multiple hyperlinks, Mirlyn is the role model for success. To even make life easier, get Mirlyn Mobile. This way if a computer is out of your reach you could still use this device on your phone!

Image: http://www.lib.umich.edu/marketing-and-communications/news/mirlyn-mobile-here