I run through a check list to judge a site. I look at the design; how well the look and feel comes across. I look at the color, shape, motion, sound, and the sense of the site. The dynamics of content; how current and flexible content can be. Structure is very important, is the site actually functional, can it break? Originality is a major part of a good website. To stand out among the billions of sites on the web you need to be doing something new.
take a look:
This is a site about nature. it is a project designed to promote the environment and the forest. The photography is amazing and the overall design is outstanding. The interface is very innovative and allows you to really feel in control.
http://www.forests-forever.com/

March 25th, 2005 at 8:54 am
Everything about this site is done so well; the colors, sounds, interactivity, photography and yes, even the intro page. I love how it shows you a map of the world and points out exactly where the gallery you have picked is in the world. The photography, it’s amazing, that’s all I can say.