Rubio's: Love at First Bite

When a company develops a website they typically aim for a pleasant appearance and a wide variety of functions and features. In the assignment we were to evaluate a website and find certain aspects of the chosen website that defined it as being well made. A well put together website should include qualities that make users more interested in the material. Being able to use each function, an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and even the quantity and quality of the content are a few examples of what a successful website needs. Putting together all of these qualities should create a well made website for any business. When evaluating the website for Rubio’s, we assessed the criteria on the basis of these similar qualities. The Rubio’s website has a strong appearance, content, and easy usability, making it an overall effective and enjoyable website.

Rubio’s use of bright images and bold text create an inviting and easy to follow website. As soon as the viewer logs onto the Rubio’s website bright colors and images pop out at them, immediately catching their attention. The top of the page is framed with the Rubio’s logo and a search engine that allows the user to find the location nearest to them.  This feature makes it very easy and convenient for the viewer to make the transition from the website to a customer of the restaurant. To the right of the search box are links for careers, comments, and Rubio’s gear. These links provide easy access to information that the typical customer might not be interested in; but for many viewers looking for specific information will want to use. Especially in a time when such a large number of people are actively searching for jobs, having an accessible link to their employment opportunities is very useful. The website provides needs for all viewers.

            A large picture of two entrée options is front and center on the homepage, making the viewer’s mouth begin to water within seconds. Rubio’s uses a strong nautical theme by adding wave motifs and a style that could easily relate to a Baja theme. When viewing a different page of the website it always follows a consistent theme. The original blue and salmon colors with the wood background are throughout every page that is linked to the homepage. This consistency is a good quality because it allows viewers to understand that they are still on the same website and while remaining visually appealing to the viewer.

            The appealing images pique the reader’s attention and invite them to look for additional details in the text.  It is clear where Rubio’s wants the viewer to look based on the size of the text, which draws the reader’s focus to their featured food items. With the “Rubio’s” logo prominently placed on the upper left corner, it is never far from sight. The text size and font is consistent throughout each page on the website which follows again the theme Rubio’s has chosen. The bright color combinations are aesthetically appealing, the orange-tinted pink text appropriately placed next to an image of various seafood menu items. The home page is attractive but easy to follow, simple links guiding the viewer to more specific pages that maintain the same highly attractive standard. 

The content of a website is crucial to the viewer having a positive experience with the website; content provides the reader with current material and information for potential customers. The Rubio’s website provides a sufficient amount of content for the viewer. There are several tabs and pictures that clearly advertise what the restaurant provides and detailed information about the various aspects of the company. The viewer is able to click on any of the pictures in order to receive additional information about that specific item. One of the more prominent pictures on the website is a seafood dish, and by clicking on it will directly lead you to that item and its information. As the viewer continues to explore the website, they are provided with tabs that are linked to key information abut Rubio’s. Some of these tabs include: fundraising benefits, product information, and reviews.  In addition, there are also links so the viewer can buy merchandise and cater to events. These will provide enough information to the viewer so it is an easy process for them.

The websites content goes into a great amount of detail for any topic the viewer needs. If the viewer needs to find more specific information regarding how many calories each meal has, it is just a click away via the link to the menu. The website provides so much information but because it is so easy to use and well-organized the viewer is not challenged to find exactly what they are looking for. Along with what users see, the content up to date and presented with no errors and no excessively long paragraphs. It is important to have information that is current so that users know that the information they are looking at is true. An important factor to the websites content is the comment tab. There is a small tab that directs you to a portion of the site that allows you to take a survey, tell Rubio’s your opinion, and even information on how to open your own Rubio’s. This section allows consumers to voice their opinion and give feedback to the restaurant.  The website seems to be updated regularly and has enough information to satisfy a user’s needs. Rubio’s has put content on their website that makes the information easy to find and also helpful

Rubio’s has created a very user-friendly website for their customers to visit.  The website is very easy to find through any major search engine, and works on a variety of browsers.  This is important for users that have a preference on their web user and want to view the website. The link to the website is easy to remember and states the restaurants name directly into the link. Having such a simple URL makes it easy to remember the websites name. The website also maintains a simplicity without compromising its content or appearance.  The pages have relevant images while still loading quickly, all with quick working links. When clicking on the front-page picture the link sends you immediately to the food item with no delay or excessive loading.

The size of the text displayed on a website is critical to the website’s usability.  When viewing the text, it must be large enough to easily see and the paragraphs need to be spaced in a way that will keep ones attention on the subject. The majority of the text on the Rubio’s website is concise enough to fit onto one page so that scrolling is only necessary in order to obtain additional information. The various links and tabs are consistent throughout the website and are easy to navigate.  When ordering from the website for delivery or merchandise you must add personal information that might not make users comfortable if they don’t trust the site. Rubio’ s has done a good job on making the site reliable by adding a customer guarantee and 128-bit encryption to ensure customers that there will not be hacking of information. It is important for a website to be very cautious about this because the more reliable they make their website the more income they will get from not only their restaurant but also their website. Combining all of these factors makes the Rubio’s website easily usable and safe.   

Rubio’s website has a strong appearance, content, and easy usability, making it an overall effective website. Each of these qualities should be used together to create a well made website. The Rubio’s website provides a perfect example for a casual restaurant, resulting in a viewer that will likely become a customer. The website provides information and content that is easily accessible for users. The functionality and usability is so easy and quick that it provides a fast way to view information. Along with the use of the website, the appearance is very eye catching and engages users to be attracted to the website. A well made website will make users want to learn more about the business. The images and descriptions featured on the website were so appealing that the viewer feels ready to hop in the car and order as much Rubio’s food as they can possibly eat, and after reading this review, you should too.