The critique was based on the scamps we have created and whether these would be feasible, however it focused more on what the purpose of the website would be and forming/designing the content around the purpose. The feedback I received was that the information didn't seem to fit the target audience and that I didn't specify the audience. However the audience for horse care is any gender and more or less any age but mainly young adults. It was stated that using illustrations would be seen as quite childish and perhaps would undermine the adults viewing the website, but from looking at the content I have been in the process of creating, I don't think these look childish.
They also stated that the information doesn't suggest places to buy or loan a horse but there is such a wide variety in links but the best places is to ask local veterinary surgeries. I also think talking about buying a horse is a completely different issue to teaching people about the basics of horse care, as this information can be consumed by people who are interested in animals, perhaps take part in ridings lessons or who want to own their own horse eventually. It was mentioned I could create a step by step guide to buying a horse too, but to add to the point previously buying a horse was not the purpose of my website.
So from the critique I have been enable to pinpoint the exact purpose of my website.
Purpose, audience and aims:
To educate and inform people about basic horse care. HAPPA (horses and ponies protection association) spoke about ill-treatment and abuse happening because of lack of education and some forms of ignorance. Education about basic correct care could improve the current equine crisis in the UK as it prevents abuse. With the rise in cases eventually the charities will be unable to cope with demand. The website will educate mainly young people of any gender, but will actually be for adults and older teenagers alike. This is because horse owners tend to be older teenagers and adults with a larger disposable income. The website aims to educate people on five basic topics within horse care, as there are masses of information available it condenses these to basic stable management which I have learnt myself. I have also taught this information to children and adults on horse riding lessons in previous years and the knowledge improves the bond and trust between human and animal but also improves the riders confidence within lessons. There are other websites which have similar content available however their layout and designers aren't visually appealing and as a graphic designer I think it is important to continue with the important purpose but also make it aesthetically pleasing to the audience too.
Examples of current websites:
http://horses.about.com/od/basiccare/tp/Horse-Care-101-Horse-Care-Basics.htm
This website has all the right information but it is laid out to look quite boring and on opening the website there isn't much interest gained.
http://www.basic-horse-care.com/health/poisonous-plants/
This website looks visually better but the distinct lack of some parts of the information isn't successful such as only naming a few of the vital brushes and not showing pictures as to what they look like could perhaps be a downfall. I think the content I will put into my website will work much better than this.
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