Obama’s crew takes over the new White House Website, in true Obama style. So much friendly liability he is self-administering here by putting his softly-lit face so large on the front page. It’s confident, seemingly trusting, and unyeildingly blunt, just like a government should be. Sure, there is likely a good dose of makeup and photoshopping, but that superficiality doesn’t seem to affect the overall message of an Obama that is ‘For the People’.

The overall design uses color contrast and hierarchy that has that friendly and comfortably intuitive feel. The soft gray-on-white title in the upper left is quiet (as some feel government should be- barely noticable), while the history-evoking serif navigation is that same sense of friendly confidence; not too harsh, not too passive or faded. The use of italics softens the titles, and seems to make it playful. I think this is most seen in the Contact & Government buttons; Contact us… Not them, us.. As if he’s whispering it, urging you politely. And emphasizing our government, not his, or theirs. The prominence of the Updates email in the upper right so obviously represents Obama’s placed importance on an open and honest government. Overall, the site feels approachable, and is, what I feel, an appropriate representation of the communication Obama seeks to adhere to as President.