Week Two|Mihalick

Nike iD is the epitome of well-structured, user-friendly sites that encourage user interaction. The current design includes a simple navigation, clean graphics and a clear visual hierarchy, which moves users through all of their customizable products. Along with clear visuals, Nike uses sound and Flash graphics to create movements that capture the user’s attention and alert them to changes. The interface is styled beautifully with bold graphics set on a black background. The utilization of contrasting colors make the products and text pop off the page and increase readability. Although the site is technically sophisticated it does not feel over designed or overly complex. It is functional and its intentions are clear. The interactivity of the site continues from the well-designed navigation and into their main objective, the customizing tool. When users click on one of their shoe styles it immediately takes them to a three-dimensional model of the shoe. The site then prompts the user with movement and sound to select different sections of the model to redesign and personalize to their own specifications.

I believe that Nike has taken a possibly complicated idea like the personalization of your shoes and made it usable. Our culture has become more individualistic and interactive and Nike caters to this. The “impatient digital reader” is presented with a simple and functional interface. NikeiD’s positive user interaction proves how a well-constructed site can make all the difference in a brand’s identity and success.