Arcade.nick.com: Theme
The theme for Arcade.nick.com is accessibility. The website appeals to all ages through its organizational structure and navigation tools. Curtis asserts themes have power. "They can communicate so much deeper than literal messaging" (41). Kid-friendly and adult accessibility are deeper meaning in the literal messaging. It is important for Arcade.nick.com to appeal to adult users in addition to children because the website is an online store. For the purpose of my analysis I define "children" as 16 years old and younger. Adults are users of the site since a credit card is required to purchase the games. Therefore the accessibility of the site to adults is very important. It is clear however, that Arcade.nick.com is targeted toward children. This will be discussed further in the Audience section of my analysis.
Simplicity and user-friendly are two essential concepts for Arcade.nick.com The site exemplifies simplicity through its site structure and graphic use. Graphics on the website are minimal in comparison to other children's Nick.com sites. "Each level [of graphic design] is important, because a story needs to be told, but that story is really just a vehicle for the theme" (Curtis 53). Other vehicles for the accessibility theme are the menus and categorization of games. Arcade.nick.com and its subsites bare clarity and consistency. "Stick with a simple language and navigation applied consistently throughout the site, and everyone will benefit" (Page Design: Accessibility).
Rasia Middleton
CMS 3710
Updated: November 12, 2008