| May's WETA Award goes to... |
| Okawa Bay Lake Resort |
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This site was designed in 1998 and has changed little since - testimony to the benefits of "getting it right first time".
Keeping it simple is the key. WETA Award judges would prefer by far, to see simple sites with good design, than complex ones with average design. This doesn't mean the site lacks impact. Quite the contrary. The contrasting (but complementary) colours (burgundy, wheat and gold) used for fonts and backgrounds and the sparse use of well rendered images create a strong, but not offensive, visual effect. Most importantly, the uncluttered appearance of the website makes navigation extremely easy and there is a very consistent feel as you make your way around the site. The content too, is great. Excellent descriptions of conference and wedding facilities (including menus). Prices however, seem strangely lacking from the site. Even though visitors are prompted to contact the resort for further information, a few pricing guidelines here might be welcome. The enquiry form is very well laid out - clear and (again) simple. Where might the resort go from here? Whilst it's a very good site, it really serves the purpose of an online "brochure". Perhaps in the future more could be done to enhance the visitor experience. Some previous WETA winners in the accommodation sector have encorporated 360 degree panoramas of hotel facilities and suites to good effect. Of course, such features are just the extras. It's far more important to get all the basics right, as Okawa Bay Lake Resort have most certainly done. |