Week 4

Introduction to the module, covering the expected outcome, timetable for the term and what reference, research and development is required throughout the module. Started to research good and bad website design (links to which will be posted). Discussed the implications of DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) for web designers, see handout within accompanying folder for main points regarding website design. Also discussed an internet services quote from watweb along with a project brief for the Bluestone website (see accompanying folder for handouts).

Were introduced to the software packages with are used for website design, Dream weaver (used mainly for static website design, but can also incorporate Flash animated elements within it), Flash (used for animated for websites, under DDA cannot be used as a stand along site. Has to sit alongside a DDA compliant website, see handout for details), Flash Lite (used to develop websites for mobile phones) and finally Joomla, an open source CMS (content management system) website building and online application software package.

Had group discussions on what we regarded as the key elements, which go to make up a good website design, First impressions, appearance, good clear page layout, which is consistent throughout the site. Along with a good, concise and consistent navigation system for the site, do not try to confuse the user by changing the navigation system, half way through the site. An example would be having a consistent design on say five pages and then on the sixth page changing its design and layout. Do not clutter the pages with too much information and too many images; the trick I feel is Less is More. Quick site loading, the more time the user spends waiting for the site to load, the more likely they are to navigate away from the site. Good clear contact information and possibly email links.

What is FTP (File Transfer Protocol)? This is the method a website is uploaded from the designer’s computer to the web-hosting server.

A point to remember before building and designing a website, Competition, research the competition, who is or is there competitor, along with the target audience.

Useful resources.
Reading MTIV (Making the invisible, visible) Hillman Curtis.
www. vimeo.com - search videos, people, Andrew Way’s videos.

Tasks for the week.

Research the implications regarding DDA for mobile phone websites.
Continue with good and bad website design research.

Prepare customer questions.

Kamal. Fashion - 4 UK shops, requires 10-page website, 5 with images. No online payments, mail order. Has no web knowledge.

Andy. Jewellery - 50 UK shops - Bloody-minded - 24 years plus experience. expensive starting at £200 upwards.