Site http://www.volvocarsasia.com/museum/home. html
A timeline of the 20th century, this mini site has been designed to
deliver the achievements of developing the Volvo car. It wants to
differentiate the product by proving that any given Volvo was basically
ahead of its time.
The time periods are displayed using some nice solutions - like avoiding
an ever-so-dull 'loading' signal. Clever copy lines make the loading
time simply part of the content. Smooth transitions deliver the
different slides.
The site uses a theme colour for each decade and a collage of icon
elements to illustrate the signature car of that era.
Certain slides even offer a vintage TVC. Side panels introduce the
safety features of the presented model, leading viewers to a music panel
and the option to send the selected slide as an e-card to a friend.
But I am missing some real engaging interactivity. Like cross-mixing
different Volvo models.
Spoiled, if not saturated, the internet user today is served with, at
times, amazing e-showcases, leading to memorable brand experiences.
Though the copy in every slide serves to situate Volvo within the theme
of the selected decade, Volvo Story does not compel or absorb the user
that much.
The site is more informative than entertaining. But the layout and art
make it a worthy visit. And highlighting the evolution of Volvo's
"safety through innovation" strongly underlines its current brand
position.
