Unit 4: The Evolution of the Digital Web

For Unit 4's post, we were to sort a series of digital history web pages into chronological order and comment on the varying levels of sophistication and design. And then my computer decided that was not going to happen. It took a while to get back up and running, but here we are.

Let race to catch up begin.

Chronological order with commentary
-The Valley of the Shadow - While the landing page and font choices show that this is an older web page, it does not betray how truly old it is. The first version of the web page was launched in 1993, with the most recent update being dated to 2009. Its absolutely fascinating seeing a web page so old still being used to day, and the web page navigation is very unique. And even with its interesting design choices, the design/navigation does not take away from the ability to fulfill its primary function as a resource page.

-Library Of Congress - The design has most certainly been updated many times since its initial release, Library of Congress began its web adventures in 1994. While the design is very simple, it's main goal is to function as a research tool. And it is very successful at that.

-Dickinson Electronic Archive - This page was originally launched in 1994 and according to the web page, updated until 2012. And its looks really slick until you start having to click multiple times to get to information. This was a rare occasion of form over function.
-Romantic Circles - This page uses a very simple layout, very common in the basic blog templates (much like this one). It functions and is neither offensive nor very appealing; but it is a reference page so function does rule over form. It was launched in 1996.

 -Amiens Cathedral Project -  I had originally thought this page was much younger than it was, and then after some exploration it becomes apparent that this is almost a glorified image gallery. But the image gallery is thorough, though a little odd to navigate. The images could really use an update in image quality.

-Life Outtacontext - Launched in 1999, this looks and feels like a personal blog. It resizes well and works on mobile, which is a struggle in this day and age.

-In Our Path - While this page was made by the same person as Life Outtacontext and is also a blog, it feels clunkier and with navigational issues. The large upper image of the street sign should be a button to redirect to the home page. The About, Alternate Routes, and Contact are not the most important bits of information yet are featured in the top navigation. I will assume it was also launched around 1999.

-Hawthorne in Salem - The website was last updated in May of 2017 and was made available to the public in 2002. The page layout is very simple yet functional, a common theme among pages which want to focus on the research. Though it could use some sprucing up as the graphics are very early 2000s and the images can now be displayed at much higher resolutions.

-Persepolis 3D - Its first update was released in 2003 with the most recent dating to April of 2008. the landing page holds great promise, but after clicking through its age becomes glaringly apparent. The entire website does not handle resizing well. If updated, it could be amazing.

-Lascaux Caves - This page presents a very interesting way to explore the caves. The 3D graphics and use of Flash are the main pieces hinting at how old this web page is. As a side note, installing the latest version of Flash to view with site is what made my computer very angry, and now it still won't load the Flash version of the site. Luckily this is a page I have visited numerous times before.

-Eye Level - The first post dates back to September of 2005, so it is a safe assumption that the blog was created in the safe time frame. The web page uses a very standard blog template which is functional, yet nothing impressive.

-The Hurricane Digital Memory Bank - The page was launched in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina and Rita, though the name is a bit misleading unless the goal is to incorporate other natural disasters as they happen. It is well designed and easy to use.
-Digital Karnak - While the copyright date at the bottom of the page reads 2008, the design and the presentation of information is great. The main place it shows its age is in its use of Quick Time video player, and how it automatically downloaded the video instead of playing it directly from the web page.

-The Avalon Project - Another simple design geared towards research. It functions, and suits its purpose. The copyright date is listed as 2008.
  
- April 16 Archive - Another page which feels very cookie cutter. It works, but its not amazing.

-Oyez - While I am sure this page is older than it seems, it is well designed for its primary function. It does not require too much clicking to reach pertinent information. 

-Shenandoah At War - While there may have been an earlier version of this website before, the date of copyright date of 2017 coincides with the design/layout choices. The large scrolling pseudo landing page functions very well on tablets and mobile devices. It will be very interesting to see how this style of page is viewed in 5 or so years. Its a popular style that aligns with today's design trends,   and can be easily made with website builder templates.

-Hallowed Ground - Another well designed site with very modern sensibilities. It is a bit more traditional than Shenandoah At War, as it feels more like a website less like a mobile site. Again, its copyright date is 2017.

There are very definite web design trends which appear, but over all most of these pages prefer function over form. They tend to focus on communicating the information, but not worrying too much about the medium, relying on the traditional usage of text.

Mount Vernon's website is very nice, and has many similarities to Hallowed Ground design wise.  Another local historic website which is well designed by today's standards is the Loudoun County Museum website. They both convey information about the museums in relation to visiting hours and to the history.