Web Watch - Aug'08

This is a delightful Japanese microsite which I came across recently and is a great example of using the latest flash advancements without bogging down your computer. Its objective is to provide environment-friendly tips through the use of its animal characters.

The main appeal of the site is its use of 3D and game-like design to educate and entertain its target audience (young children I would guess). Upon entering, you move up the tree to visit the various characters which are designed in a colourful and amusing way. Arriving at the first animal, Mrs Angkor "Watt", you click to enter a pop-up book which mimics the real thing. Throughout the site, the ability to rotate around to see the various areas makes this content limited site a lot more interesting. The site may be gimmicky to some but it definitely made me spend more time on it than others.

4/5

Not http://www.audi.com.sg

My recent interest in cars led me to visit some of the local car dealerships' websites. Quite a few of them are uninspiring and one of them is Audi Singapore. As one of the premier brands sold locally, I would have expected the site to be more avant-garde. Comparing features alone, it is a poor cousin to their UK counterpart. Essential configuration and customisation tools to get an idea of various car options and prices are unavailable.

The perpetual need to launch microsites to more information beyond what little it has is quite irritating, especially with pop-up blockers on. Judging on looks alone, the site, looks dated and dull especially with navigation sticking to the right, exposing a large gap in the middle with larger computer displays. With their products advancing in styles and technology, Audi needs a site that keeps up with their cars.

2/5

Chye Yong Hock
Creative Director
The Upper Storey