Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Site Review - Week 5
This week's site to review, Colors on the Web, was suggested mostly because of its value as a reference for the web site project. There was lots of information, both theoretical and practical. My favorite part were the tools, which included the Color Wizard, Color Wheel and Contrast Analyzer. These three were quickly identifiable and accessible from the main page, and were extremely useful in helping me recognize and understand key concepts for color in web design.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Graphics and Links - Week 4
This week's chapter on graphics both reinforced some personal preferences for design that I already had and gave me a few more ideas for my site. I had already decided to take my own digital pictures as illustrations to avoid copyright issues, and I will definitely continue with that idea! The codes explained and illustrated are really useful, and I am looking forward to getting some of them on my page to see how they work. The book recommended the website Stock.XCHNG for royalty free pictures. I liked the set up of the site, registered and found some amazing pictures. I will be using this site in the future!!
The chapter discussing links brought up some great points about external and internal links, site file organization, bookmarks, the importance of keeping links current and functional, and the importance of redirects. Redirect links are ways to link back to other websites that either link to or support you in some way. This can also be effective for web sites that you borrow material from, as long as you legally use the material and don't steal it. For example, the counter Dr. Simon uses has links to the website that generated the code to credit the authors and possibly get other web masters to use their software. This becomes essential in web etiquette, interacting with and supporting a network of connected people that will help build traffic for all involved parties.
Overall, this is really useful, basic information that I am going to integrate with other aspects of web design we've already discussed. I'm familiar with it from the user standpoint, but have lots to learn practically from the design standpoint.
The chapter discussing links brought up some great points about external and internal links, site file organization, bookmarks, the importance of keeping links current and functional, and the importance of redirects. Redirect links are ways to link back to other websites that either link to or support you in some way. This can also be effective for web sites that you borrow material from, as long as you legally use the material and don't steal it. For example, the counter Dr. Simon uses has links to the website that generated the code to credit the authors and possibly get other web masters to use their software. This becomes essential in web etiquette, interacting with and supporting a network of connected people that will help build traffic for all involved parties.
Overall, this is really useful, basic information that I am going to integrate with other aspects of web design we've already discussed. I'm familiar with it from the user standpoint, but have lots to learn practically from the design standpoint.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Color - Week 4
I was amazed while reading chapter 2 of the Beaird book. I never realized how much went into color design, both in the psychology of using particular colors, as well as theory behind how to choose and use combinations of color. This will be an important chapter to avoid some of the pitfalls of terrible websites that we have explored in previous weeks.
One of the exercises in the book was to choose a color and record your top three reactions. I chose red:
1. Jackie - my best friend, who looks smashing in red
2. Strawberries - yum!
3. Fire trucks
These were all positive for me, and strong in emotion... just as the book discussed. Whether or not it increased my metabolism, well, that's a mystery!
Another useful discussion was about color schemes, such as monochromatic, analogous, complementary, split complimentary, and other variations. It helped me by showing examples and discussing the elements of such schemes. I scrapbook as a hobby, so it was great to see another way I can apply color selection other than personal preference and eyeballing it!
One of the exercises in the book was to choose a color and record your top three reactions. I chose red:
1. Jackie - my best friend, who looks smashing in red
2. Strawberries - yum!
3. Fire trucks
These were all positive for me, and strong in emotion... just as the book discussed. Whether or not it increased my metabolism, well, that's a mystery!
Another useful discussion was about color schemes, such as monochromatic, analogous, complementary, split complimentary, and other variations. It helped me by showing examples and discussing the elements of such schemes. I scrapbook as a hobby, so it was great to see another way I can apply color selection other than personal preference and eyeballing it!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Site reviews - Week 4
http://webstyleguide.com/index.html
I really liked this site for three reasons:
This site had an amazing amount of information relating to accessibility for users. I had never thought about some of the topics they addressed, both for users with physical difficulties or "normal" users who have preferences that lead to their exclusion.
http://www.jjg.net/ia/
J.J.G.'s site provides some useful graphical representations of technical concepts. His focus on user experiences is a good perspective to ingest while continuing to tweak the design of my site. I want to be sure that I consider all angles as I immerse myself in design so I can step back and effectively evaluate my current progress as well as the feasibility of the structure for users.
50 More Excellent Blog Designs
These were great blogs to look at- I scanned the main page and looked in detail at 5-6 of them. My favorite was Pop Stalin. I started thinking about my own blog here and what I could change about it to make it more personally designed. Then I remembered that I need to code my web page. Gotta keep my priorities straight!
I really liked this site for three reasons:
- Simple design, easy on the eyes
- Great, no-nonsense information
- Fantastic navigation, especially the directional links at the bottom right of the page
This site had an amazing amount of information relating to accessibility for users. I had never thought about some of the topics they addressed, both for users with physical difficulties or "normal" users who have preferences that lead to their exclusion.
http://www.jjg.net/ia/
J.J.G.'s site provides some useful graphical representations of technical concepts. His focus on user experiences is a good perspective to ingest while continuing to tweak the design of my site. I want to be sure that I consider all angles as I immerse myself in design so I can step back and effectively evaluate my current progress as well as the feasibility of the structure for users.
50 More Excellent Blog Designs
These were great blogs to look at- I scanned the main page and looked in detail at 5-6 of them. My favorite was Pop Stalin. I started thinking about my own blog here and what I could change about it to make it more personally designed. Then I remembered that I need to code my web page. Gotta keep my priorities straight!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Layout and Composition - Week 3
The first chapter of the Beaird book discusses some basic principles of design as they practically apply to web design. Overall, the book is a hands-on guide to aesthetically pleasing design, with a variety of relevant examples and worthwhile exercises.
Chapter 1 - Layout and Composition
One of the most significant parts of this process is planning. I was impressed by how Beaird discussed the need to identify the purpose for the site, information that should be included, and the importance of good communication with clients. Since I will be designing my own site, the communication will not be a relevant piece, but I can tell that the planning process will be key to a good overall design and help me determine the amount of information which should be contained on one page.
I also liked Beaird's three factors which make up good design:
- Pleasing design, but content focused
- Easy to use with intuitive navigation
- Each page is easily recognizable as part of the same site
These factors will be a good overall goal and guide as I walk through the design process.
Additionally, I learned a significant amount from the section about the "Rule of Thirds." As I experimented on paper with my own layout ideas, the grid created with the rule of thirds principle helped form a framework for comparison and evaluation of the various designs. I will definitely be thinking about how things work together according to this guideline.
Finally, there were a variety of other methods listed, such as balance (symmetrical and asymmetrical), unity, proximity, repetition, emphasis, placement, continuance, isolation, contrast, and proportion. All of these will be important tools as I build my site from the ground up.
Chapter 1 - Layout and Composition
One of the most significant parts of this process is planning. I was impressed by how Beaird discussed the need to identify the purpose for the site, information that should be included, and the importance of good communication with clients. Since I will be designing my own site, the communication will not be a relevant piece, but I can tell that the planning process will be key to a good overall design and help me determine the amount of information which should be contained on one page.
I also liked Beaird's three factors which make up good design:
- Pleasing design, but content focused
- Easy to use with intuitive navigation
- Each page is easily recognizable as part of the same site
These factors will be a good overall goal and guide as I walk through the design process.
Additionally, I learned a significant amount from the section about the "Rule of Thirds." As I experimented on paper with my own layout ideas, the grid created with the rule of thirds principle helped form a framework for comparison and evaluation of the various designs. I will definitely be thinking about how things work together according to this guideline.
Finally, there were a variety of other methods listed, such as balance (symmetrical and asymmetrical), unity, proximity, repetition, emphasis, placement, continuance, isolation, contrast, and proportion. All of these will be important tools as I build my site from the ground up.
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