Critique of the Public Health Agency of Canada Website - Term Paper Example

Furthermore the framework of the critique is focused on the user needs, authenticity and the content of the web site, which in essence make up the critical elements of an evaluation of any web site (Evaluating Web Sites: Criteria and Tools). Graphics in a website are critical to not only attracting and retaining the audience, but it is also important to the proper use of the web site for an enhanced learning experience. There is evidence to suggest that it is the conventional web page graphics with proper guidance instructions that enhance the attraction and utility value of a web site (Hinseley, Blackmon & Carnot, 2008).

The Public Health Agency of Canada website use of graphics matches this requirement of appropriate use of graphics. Graphics and layout of the website make it easy for a user to identify areas of interest and peel into the specific locations easily for the information being sought. Furthermore the lay out and graphics are such that there is no overlapping or difficulty in navigating the site (PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY of CANADA). The central focus is on a changing graphic that highlights the most current information that the website provides on matters of health concern in Canada.

On the left hand side of the web site are a list of specific information boxes, which when peeled into provides Canada specific information separately into diseases and conditions, health and safety, research and statistics, information about the agency. On this side is also provided a search facility that enables a user to search for specific information, meaning that the user does not have to go through all the portals for any specific information, but can find directly about the availability of the information and go straight to it (PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY of CANADA).

Below the central focus of the moving graphic are portals that are specific to the current news on the health and disease prevention