The Democratic Party's democrats.org is simple, effective, on-message and has the 'politics 2.0' seal of approval. This site takes architectural and design cues from online news sites but manages to keep it simple. But use of other channels, especially mobile, could be much better. Where's the iPhone app? Score: 7/10.
Barak Obama's campaign website, barack obama.com, is a case study in how to use the internet for politics. It has effortless design and usability. And focused, well-written content with targeted calls to action. Add to that an incredibly savvy use of 'detach and distribute' content and social media, and it is no wonder the campaign pulled in $600m from a database of millions of new supporters. Score: 9/10.
The Republican Party's site gop.com has sharper edges and a slightly older feel. Fab job, however, in providing rich information in an easy way along with cool stuff like mobile alerts, social networking and campaign management tools. Beaten, but not beat. Score: 6/10
Their UK equivalents have a lot to learn. US sites are structured like news bureaus. The Labour Party's labour.org.uk feels more like a tabloid. The IA is weak, the content is text-heavy, and the design is a dog's dinner. Score: 4/10
Number10.gov.uk is a cut above the rest with YouTube videos, Flickr galleries, a Twitter feed and decent design. "Ask the PM" feels a bit gimmicky, but you must give them credit for trying. Score: 7/10
Wanted: lessons in user experience. The site libdems.org.uk has plenty of content that would create an engaging experience, but is boring and devoid of modern web design principles. Score: 3/10
Seems the Lib Dem leader has a split personality: he has two sites, nickclegg.org.uk and nickclegg.com, which try to separate his MP and leader roles. Confusing and pointless. Score: 4/10
The simplicity of "Labour isn't working" is gone: conservatives.com is a faceless site full of tiny thumbnails, cluttered by too many fonts, shapes and sizes. Score: 5/10
It is hard to believe that davidcameronmp.com is his official site. The copyright is from 2003, and it feels that way. Shocking. Score: 1/10
To be honest, based on their websites, none of the UK political parties would get my vote.
George Nimeh, Joint MD, iris Digital
THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Target audience: US voters
Agency: In house
URL: democrats.org
THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
Target audience: US voters
Agency: In house
URL: gop.com
THE LABOUR PARTY
Target audience: UK voters
Agency: Tangent One
URL: labour.org.uk
DAVID CAMERON
Target audience: UK voters and Witney constituents
Agency: Reaper Enterprises
URL: davidcameronmp.com
NICK CLEGG
Target audience: UK voters and Sheffield Hallam constituents
Agency: In house
URL: nickclegg.org.uk
THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY
Target audience: UK voters
Agency: In house
URL: conservatives.com
NUMBER 10
Target audience: UK population
Agency: New Media Maze
URL: number10.gov.uk
THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Target audience: UK voters
Agency: Haecceitas
URL: libdems.org.uk