This morning’s article over at The Truth About Cars discusses the poor state of automotive website design based on an interview with a firm that studies it. I agree that most manufacturer sites are poorly designed. But I’m not sure I agree with the specific sites singled out.

For example, MINI’s site is mentioned as one of the best. Yes, it’s flashy and the look and feel fit the brand’s intended image. But as a source of information it’s frustrating. Conversely, they criticize BMW’s site, which I’ve often found useful. Especially the ability to download the brand’s thorough brochures in PDF format.

Worst of all, for me, are the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep sites. Seek information on standard features, and you’ll find a long (yet still incomplete) list of features with no subheadings and no readily evident mode of organization. Too many of the features are of limited, if any, relevance.

For example, here are a few of the standard features listed for the Grand Cherokee:

–accent-color license plate brow (so?)
–center high-mount stop lamp (on every car by low)
–enhanced accident response system (which is?)
–floor carpet (a rarity, I know)
–”Jeep” badge
–halogen headlamps (on every car without HIDs)
–warning chime (warning of what?)
–door trim panel (again, good to hear that one is standard)

Of course, any such evaluation depends on what one is seeking to do when visiting these sites. Just information? Entertainment? The spirit of the brand?

I don’t have all of the answers here, far from it. People continue to tell me that TrueDelta is poorly organized and too hard to navigate. It seems simple and logical to me, but then I’m the one who designed it.

So, if you have any insights into how I might improve this site’s organization and navigation, or simply into what people are looking for when they visit, please do share them with me. A number of people have already done this, and the site has improved as a result. Thanks.