Spanning Silos

The design of web portals generally follows a logical perspective spanning silos or sources of content. It often begins with the assumption that the visual content will help learners navigate personal circumstances, choices and opportunities before them as they consider enrolling or following their aspirations.  Is it function over form?

This is not to say the content is not valuable and important.  We all believe the buffet of choices presents what the silos wish to reveal.  All too often, the content is taken out of context or assumed complete because there is just so much information on the web.  It means, web portals are not the end-all either.  They are one means to deliver information.  And, they may not be the most effective way to present content and information to all types of learners - because we all see things differently.  Which is why we often cater to different audiences with different sites or pages.

Web portals are often designed to guide visitors through menus and hyperlinks to other content from the authors perspective breaking content up into byte size related chunks.  Portal visitors, or for that matter the hard to reach prospective learner or students will often struggle to discern differences across content because it all looks good on the surface with graphics and pictures.  The content volume and choices will confuse some because it is appears legitimate and complete - and they follow the immediate paths or instant gratification of choices given.

Imagine throwing a menu with a thousand courses at a patron and asking them what they want after only a few minutes of study. We are forced into selection and often regret our choices.  We compare to others.  And, then discover our likes and dislikes by accident more than thoughtful analysis.