Two science web-sites deconstructed

Good
Design: clean, simple and professional. Easy-to-read text, broken by lines rather than boxes.
Usability: menu bar is present and consistent for all pages, content accessible within one or two clicks.
Content: organized by topic, broken into sections that pertain to a particular audience group-i.e., potential or current lab members and colleagues.

Bad
Content: links section contains few links to external resources; since it does not serve the target audience well, this feature should be improved or removed.
Content: skimpy information about lab members; other than e-mail addresses, lab members could provide a CV, in depth introductory paragraph, or project description.

Good
Content: contains detailed information for and about postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and undergraduate students
Content: photographs and text express the personality of the lab

Bad
Design: pages are chaotic, without consistent layout, fonts, or colors
Usability: the menu shifts position or disappears altogether depending on the page
Usability: inconsistent use of underlined text, used here for either links or emphasis, makes it difficult to navigate