Topic Three Questions - Digital Design

Topic 3

1) This week we are looking at Digital Design. Look at the Powerpoint presentation and explore some of the links. I recommend spending a good deal of time looking at 'Web Pages That Suck'

2) Listen to the podcast or read the transcript Digital Design on the Digital Enterprise page.

Questions

1. In two paragraphs explain why a customer centric Web site design is so important, yet so difficult to accomplish

Web design is so important because an organisation requires a website that allows customers to keep up to date with their knowledge about the organisation, as well as being able to access and purchase goods online. Due to the large portion using the internet now a-days it is essential for all organisations to use websites in order to maximise their exposure and increase positive reputation.

Therefore the websites require a certain level of formalities in order to increase customer satisfaction, for example, the design must be attractive – yet not over powering, and the information depicted must be descriptive – yet customer friendly. This is why websites are difficult to accomplish successfully. All customers are different and require alternative ranges of information due to why they are initially visiting the website.

2. Define the term 'presence'. Write an additional paragraph that describes why firms that do business on the Web should be more concerned about presence than firms that operate in the physical world.

Loosely defined, presence is the impressive personal appearance or bearing of something present (Wilkes & Krebs 1991). Presence is definitely the appearance of something; however it should also be described in relation to the reaction to the appearance, as it could be either positive or negative. However the presence of the website does not only depend on the website, other contributors can be with the use of social networking, email, and blogs as well as press received (Demopoulos, 2006-2008).

Organisations need to be concerned and aware of their online presence because it is the way in which most customers will view and judge their goods and services. If there is not enough information, the website is not clear and easily accessible or if the site is not visually pleasing then customers will have a negative opinion of the organisation. Therefore website design is crucial for a successful online business – especially due to the increased amount of competition which can be sourced internationally and domestically due to internet access.

Organisations retailing in the physical world, have competition, however it is not as extensive as online competition. This is because customers who visit physical organisations are usually loyal customers who enjoy the quality of the organisation rather than the added convenience applied to websites. Organisations in the physical world also allow customers to have a face to face relationship to ease any queries and concerns which is not readily available when working online.

Source:

Demopoulos, T. (2006-2008) Effective Internet Presence Retrieved April 11 2010, from: http://www.effectiveinternetpresence.com/

Wilkes, G.A., & Krebs, W.A. (1991) The Collins Concise Dictionary. 2nd edition Australia: Collins, A division of HarperCollinsPublishers PTY LTD

3. Write three paragraphs to briefly describe the things that Real Estate Agents can best accomplish through (1) their web sites (2) Mass media advertising (3) Personal contact

(1) By using websites Real estate agents can allow customers to depict and receive as much information about the organisation, their values, services and products as required. This user face allows output information at any time possible, which allows for maximum exposure at a minimum cost for the organisation. This in turn cuts out the middle man, until the customer decides if the organisation and their products are suitable for a possible transaction.

(2) Mass media is an outlet for all possible customers to get information about the current real estate opportunities. Mass media comes in three forms, print, electronic and new age media (Buzzle.com 2010). Print media is a important resource to use for people who chose to browse through the possibilities of real estate without access to the internet. It is with this option that more customers are reached, maximising the level of exposure. Electronic media is also used to gain recognition due to real estate links to news coverage which often displays upcoming estates which are cost effective and well developed. Finally new-age media is used in the form of the internet to have display an online option of browsing through the organisations goals, products, services and all other necessary information about the company.

(3) Personal contact increases the sense of trust between customer and estate agent in which an honest transaction will be made. The agent is able to influence and convince the customers that the house is valuable purchase which is future maybe a profitable asset. Also when discussing the property, the agent is able to prove the positive aspects of the house, knowledge about the history of the house and area and any other queries are able to be resolved easily and promptly.

Source:

Buzzle.com (2010) Different types of mass media. Retrieved April 11 2010, from: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/different-types-of-mass-media.html