Stanford University Libraries
Navigation
The Libraries welcome visitors with a message board where visitors can leave a note, and a library map for visitors as a guide to find their way around. There are not many sign boards to guide visitors, but the pathways and arrows are helpful guide to let visitors know the destination they're heading to. Overall, the world is easy to navigate and guides are positioned strategically to help guide visitors around. A few billboards feature teleporting shortcuts to specific section in the library.
Resources
For a virtual library, Stanford did a great job compiling and exhibiting their resources in this world. The rare book exhibit is particularly interesting. It features a collection of rare, original books spanning the first five centuries of printing. The original exhibit was held in the actual library from August 4 through November 9, 2003. There are billboards summarizing key points of some topics like
Aesthetics
The virtual library features a lot of green space, and a wide space for visitors to wander around and explore. Green trees decorate the pathways as visitors explore the contents in this world. For someone who loves the ocean, I am instantly delighted by the vast sea featured in this world. A little walk towards the ocean grants visitors this cool view. Lastly, the modern design of the buildings and lecture domes is a great feature as well.
NC State College of Management
Navigation
There are many signboards and path indicators that lets you know where you are in the world. However, the map provided only shows you which part of the overall campus you are in now. It does not represent areas in details so one might not get to a specific location easily. There were easily identifiable trails in the campus so that helps a bit when it comes to navigation.
Resources
The effort put up by the person who designed this world is applaudable. However, its shortcomings are evident when compared to the Stanford University. The resources in NC State is limited in scope but the data are presented in charts and graphs in 3 dimension which makes it way easier for one to understand the data that is being presented. The resources and data in Stanford University albeit being overwhelming; is presented in bulleted form which might repel those who are not interested in spending time reading everything.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics is a part where NC State excels at. The designers deserve a pat on the back for their effort. The campus is littered with beautiful and colourful flowers of many species. The availability of a botanical garden makes exploring the campus a much more enjoyable experience. The additional touch of butterflies welcoming you to the campus perfects the experience one obtains from the aesthetic part of this campus. This feature enables one to relax easily in case of someone gets tired from exploring the other part of the campus.