On the surface, a well-maintained list of music apps for learning seems like a great idea, however I think you need to completely rethink the site design for it to be of any practical use. I suggest working with a professional web designer to achieve this, or even a design student if you don't have any budget.
My initial thoughts are that the whole thing is way too wordy. You need a prominent search facility right in the middle of the front page, so I can just search for "iPad notation" rather than navigating through menus. I also suggest organising the apps using tags rather than categories. Again, on the front page, a tag-based filter would be great, so I can just select tags to narrow search results. You could do away with the side menu completely, and just have a flat, searchable, filterable list. Also some images, even if it is just the application icon -- screenshots would be better.
Once you have a good, searchable app list. Then allow user account creation (or better still, link with Twitter or Academia.edu) and let users contribute reviews and/or ratings for each app.
I hope this is received as constructive advice. Good luck!
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Anita
2/8/2012 12:08:09 am
Jamie
thank you so much for this. I know I have not yet totally entered the 21st C. in website design. I will write to you personally by email.
I would very much value other people's views on the site.
thanks
Anita
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Rivka
2/9/2012 02:11:21 am
A brilliant idea with huge potential. I agree that images - icons and screen shots - are essential. The site is a bit text heavy.
I also agree that the site needs to be very easily searchable, a feature that is currently lacking.
Reviews by users of the apps currently listed on the site, and an easy way to recommend apps to the site are important. Also, the site would need to be monitored and updated frequently to keep up with the fast changing pace of technology. It would be good to have a way of choosing (via a search function) to have apps listed in date of release, alphabetical, popularity etc. order.
Bringing all these apps together in one site will be very useful.
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Anita
2/9/2012 05:47:10 pm
Hi Rivka
Thank you so much. I am working on these aspects, and will definitely be improving the site along those lines. I realise I havent given people an easy way of finding what what apps are included.
best wishes
Anota
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