From buying guides to calculators to design tools, HomeDepot.com offers reasons to return.

IN A NUTSHELL

With practical tips for a full range of home improvement projects, the Know-How section serves as an interactive learning center for customers of all experience levels. This is a website to watch.

BRAVO

The creators of this site have done an outstanding job of organizing an overwhelming amount of information into a variety of standard content types. From buying guides and calculators to design tools and clinics, the site employs a full repertoire of interactive tools, giving customers a reason to return. Audience-specific materials reach targeted segments, including designers and kids. Photos for each button of the navigation create a sophisticated look and feel. Straightforward headlines are clean and direct, followed by well-written keynotes that introduce each page.

TRY AGAIN

On a recent visit, images loaded at a snail's pace, or in some cases, didn't load at all. For new site visitors, several of the interactive features sound the same, and it's difficult to infer the reasons for choosing one over the other.