Monday, January 30, 2012
Additional comments week#4
I learned alot from chapter 3 of the Non-Designer's Web Book. I especially appreciated the understanding of the use of frames in a web page. Frames can be a great addition to a webpage when they are used correctly. On the other hand frames can destroy a webpage by making it look unprofessional and cluttered.
Acessibility vs. Usability
When referring to web design acessability refers to how easily a web site can be found and by whom. This is a very important factor to consider when publishing a website. Your targeted audience must be able to acess your site for it to be successful.
The term usability refers to how easily a user can navigate a website. The website must be user friendly for your audience to obtain all of the information you desire they leave your site with. If a website is not user friendly viewers may become frustrated and leave your site prematurely.
The term usability refers to how easily a user can navigate a website. The website must be user friendly for your audience to obtain all of the information you desire they leave your site with. If a website is not user friendly viewers may become frustrated and leave your site prematurely.
Adavantages vs. Disadvantages of creating your own website
Creating your own website can have many advantages. The most obvious advantage is that it is cheaper, you don't have to pay a designer to do it for you which can be expensive. Next the website will be exactly as you vision and you will have the freedom to change your mind each step of the way. Additionally, updating the website can be done often and at your convenience.
Some down sides to creating your own website are your lack of web design skills and time consumption.
Some down sides to creating your own website are your lack of web design skills and time consumption.
There's no such thing as always a good thing!
Today we have the technology to run an entire business out of the familiarity of our own home. Computers and software have enabled anyone with an internet connection and a laptop to reach millions with the use of the world wide web. While this can be extremely beneficial and convenient, it can also be equally disasterous when it is used to misinform or harm others.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Additional Comments for week#3
I enjoyed reading the article on the Albright Library page about the way in which we read web pages versus print. Print is read in an organized predetermined manner cover to cover from left to right, with each relevant piece in the correct order. Through print we can easily convey all the information we want our readers to know and the order in which we want them to get it. Relaying information on the web is much more difficult.
It has been proven that long lines of text are much harder to read on the screen than in print. As a result web page visitors will scan a page and pick and choose which information they want to read and in what order, making it difficult to be certain viewers obtain all the information we would like them to have.
It is our job as web designers to subtly suggest to viewers where to go next within our site and to ensure they are comfortable with where they are going and how they will get back in order for them to have the web page experience we would like them to.
It has been proven that long lines of text are much harder to read on the screen than in print. As a result web page visitors will scan a page and pick and choose which information they want to read and in what order, making it difficult to be certain viewers obtain all the information we would like them to have.
It is our job as web designers to subtly suggest to viewers where to go next within our site and to ensure they are comfortable with where they are going and how they will get back in order for them to have the web page experience we would like them to.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Website evaluation moving forward
After reading this week's assignments on website evaluation, I have begun to look at websites differently and imagine I will from now on. The information contained in a website is critical and a direct reflection of the company/ organization it represents. Consequently, if the information contained is poorly organized or inaccurate, the company/ organization will not be held in high regards.
When I am creating my website I will keep all the of the website evaluation skills I have read about this week in mind in order to create a decent website that Robin and John would not use as an example of what not to do!
When I am creating my website I will keep all the of the website evaluation skills I have read about this week in mind in order to create a decent website that Robin and John would not use as an example of what not to do!
Website Evaluation
www.potterybarnkids.com : Pottery Barn Kids' website is an example of a website that is well designed. After entering the web address, the website opens up almost immediately. The page is pleasing to the eye with a white background and contrasting blue text. The graphics are appropriate and attractive photos of newly released products.
Contained in the first frame is everything you need to navigate the site, additional information is available if you scroll down. There are several sets of tabs to navigate, shop, the site in the manner in which the customer chooses, by room, occasion, age, or gender. Each page of the site shows repetition and contains the same theme of graphics and text and links back to the home page. Additionally,there are links to revelant websites that open into new frames so that the customer doesn't leave the site.
www.allrecipes.com : This website is an interactive recipe site that allows visitors to obtain, submit, and rate recipes. The site contains valuable information such as feedback providing opinions and recipe variations, nutrition content, and other advice. The website is colorful and uses the color scheme derived from the allrecipes logo throughout. The home page contains easy to access links across the top and is easy to return to from any page. The graphics are picutres of the finished recipes and are appropriately sized and located.
Contained in the first frame is everything you need to navigate the site, additional information is available if you scroll down. There are several sets of tabs to navigate, shop, the site in the manner in which the customer chooses, by room, occasion, age, or gender. Each page of the site shows repetition and contains the same theme of graphics and text and links back to the home page. Additionally,there are links to revelant websites that open into new frames so that the customer doesn't leave the site.
www.allrecipes.com : This website is an interactive recipe site that allows visitors to obtain, submit, and rate recipes. The site contains valuable information such as feedback providing opinions and recipe variations, nutrition content, and other advice. The website is colorful and uses the color scheme derived from the allrecipes logo throughout. The home page contains easy to access links across the top and is easy to return to from any page. The graphics are picutres of the finished recipes and are appropriately sized and located.
Quiz on page 154
Of the two images shown I immediately choose letter B as the web page with the better interfacing and navigation because the example shown in letter A does not fit into the 800x600 screen correctly while letter B fits all pertinent information nicely into the screen.
The graphics on letter A are large and obnoxious and over power the text. The colors only add to the confusion. The text is hard to read because it is tiny, flourescent and long lines across the screen. The fact that you have to scroll down to find the link you desire is annoying and a sign of bad design.
Letter B has a clearly better design. The Links are neatly aligned with the appropriate sized graphics. The color scheme is eye pleasing and the text is easy to read as it is black on a tan background and blocked. The links at the bottom of the page immediately allow a viewer to know that the page is shown in its entirety with them having to scroll horizontally or vertically.
The graphics on letter A are large and obnoxious and over power the text. The colors only add to the confusion. The text is hard to read because it is tiny, flourescent and long lines across the screen. The fact that you have to scroll down to find the link you desire is annoying and a sign of bad design.
Letter B has a clearly better design. The Links are neatly aligned with the appropriate sized graphics. The color scheme is eye pleasing and the text is easy to read as it is black on a tan background and blocked. The links at the bottom of the page immediately allow a viewer to know that the page is shown in its entirety with them having to scroll horizontally or vertically.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Additional comments for week #2
I have aquired some very useful pieces of information this week that I will take with me moving forward in my studies and career.
One of the most usefull is that different computers view the same web site differently. Previously I never considered this possibility but it explains why someone else will describe something different to me when I know we are visiting the same site. Additionally, it may be the reason why occasionally web pages look so ackward to me, perhaps they appeared appropriate to their designer.
Antoher piece of information I find helpful is the corrolation between file size and the amount of time it takes for a web page to open. I have been known to become irritated with lengthy page openings and clicked off myself, so now I know how to avoid creating something that will annoy others.
Lastly, I am glad to know the difference between jpeg, gif, and png. The transparency feature of gif and png is very cool!
One of the most usefull is that different computers view the same web site differently. Previously I never considered this possibility but it explains why someone else will describe something different to me when I know we are visiting the same site. Additionally, it may be the reason why occasionally web pages look so ackward to me, perhaps they appeared appropriate to their designer.
Antoher piece of information I find helpful is the corrolation between file size and the amount of time it takes for a web page to open. I have been known to become irritated with lengthy page openings and clicked off myself, so now I know how to avoid creating something that will annoy others.
Lastly, I am glad to know the difference between jpeg, gif, and png. The transparency feature of gif and png is very cool!
Readability vs. Legibility
Before reading this weeks chapters I considered readability and legibility to be the same thing. However, I have discovered that this isn't true.
Readability refers to the ease at which a reader can recognize a lot of text such as in a novel. The font of text that is most readable for large amounts of text in print is Serif.
Legibility refers to the ease at which a reader can recognize short bits of text such as a title or sign. Sans Serif text is the most legible text on the screen and in print. On the web Sans Serif can be more readable depending on the monitor's resolution.
Some things to keep in mind are:
1. Contrast of background and text, make sure it is great enough to be clear such as black and white.
2. Text size is also important, too big or too small is difficult to read.
3. Avoid long lines of text, don't type across the entire screen, it looks very unappealing and is harder to read.
4. Reserve cap and bold text for only necessary words and use them sparingly.
Although readability and legibility are not the same, they are both equally imortant and should be considered when creating any type of print.
Readability refers to the ease at which a reader can recognize a lot of text such as in a novel. The font of text that is most readable for large amounts of text in print is Serif.
Legibility refers to the ease at which a reader can recognize short bits of text such as a title or sign. Sans Serif text is the most legible text on the screen and in print. On the web Sans Serif can be more readable depending on the monitor's resolution.
Some things to keep in mind are:
1. Contrast of background and text, make sure it is great enough to be clear such as black and white.
2. Text size is also important, too big or too small is difficult to read.
3. Avoid long lines of text, don't type across the entire screen, it looks very unappealing and is harder to read.
4. Reserve cap and bold text for only necessary words and use them sparingly.
Although readability and legibility are not the same, they are both equally imortant and should be considered when creating any type of print.
Niagara Falls Picture Web Ready Process
The digital picture taken of Niagra Falls with an 8 megapixel camera could be edited for the web by performing the following steps:
1. First the picture needs to be cropped to omit the unwanted parts such as the tourists or any other unwanted background that the picture currently shows.
2. Save the original cropped image for later use.
3. Create a new file and determine what size you need the picture to be to best compliment your web page.
4. Save the image for the web in whichever format best suits it and jpeg, gif, or png.
5. Save the image for your computer as well.
1. First the picture needs to be cropped to omit the unwanted parts such as the tourists or any other unwanted background that the picture currently shows.
2. Save the original cropped image for later use.
3. Create a new file and determine what size you need the picture to be to best compliment your web page.
4. Save the image for the web in whichever format best suits it and jpeg, gif, or png.
5. Save the image for your computer as well.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Blog Extra #2
This weeks blog extra was very simple. Adding a poll was alot of fun and I enjoyed reading and answering the poles my classmates posted on their blogs. My favorite polling questions were:
1. In order to promote family time and to conserve resources, should retail stores and restaurants be closed on Sundays?
2. Which do you care about more, who wins the Superbowl or who wins the Republican Presidential Nomination?
Both of these questions are very interesting as are the poll answers!!
1. In order to promote family time and to conserve resources, should retail stores and restaurants be closed on Sundays?
2. Which do you care about more, who wins the Superbowl or who wins the Republican Presidential Nomination?
Both of these questions are very interesting as are the poll answers!!
Blog Extra #1
Ok, so copying and pasting the threads of all my classmates and adding their links to my blog really wasn't as complicated as I made it out to be, only wish I had attempted it last week but, I thought it was extra credit!
After viewing all of my classmates blogs I find it hard to choose a favorite. I saw one exactly like my own so obviously I like that one but if I had to choose two favorites I would choose, Shawnas and Avas for the pictures, fonts and overall backgrounds.
After viewing all of my classmates blogs I find it hard to choose a favorite. I saw one exactly like my own so obviously I like that one but if I had to choose two favorites I would choose, Shawnas and Avas for the pictures, fonts and overall backgrounds.
Monday, January 9, 2012
"I think I can, I think I can"
After completing my first week of web design I am optimistic and excited to attain a basic understanding of the graphic design process. One very useful acronym to assist in the design process and analysis is CRAP which stands for contrast, repitition, alignment, and proximity.
The first element contrast, refers to contrasting images, lines, colors or even text. Contrast in a graphic design makes it more interesting and eye pleasing.
Repition is the second element and is referring to a repeating theme or design throughout an entire piece. Examples can be bullets, fonts, colors, etc. This element holds the design together and allows a viewer to become familiar with a design which makes it easier to view.
The third element is alignment. Proper alignment of text and graphics on a page give the page a professional appearance and makes it easier to view. The three types of alignment are left , center , and right.
Proximity is the final of the four basic elements to keep in mind when analyzing or attempting graphic design. Proximity refers to spacing or grouping of related items in a design. Keeping similar items together helps keep a page organized and makes it easier to read.
I think if I can keep the CRAP acronym in mind I will be in good shape.
The first element contrast, refers to contrasting images, lines, colors or even text. Contrast in a graphic design makes it more interesting and eye pleasing.
Repition is the second element and is referring to a repeating theme or design throughout an entire piece. Examples can be bullets, fonts, colors, etc. This element holds the design together and allows a viewer to become familiar with a design which makes it easier to view.
The third element is alignment. Proper alignment of text and graphics on a page give the page a professional appearance and makes it easier to view. The three types of alignment are left , center , and right.
Proximity is the final of the four basic elements to keep in mind when analyzing or attempting graphic design. Proximity refers to spacing or grouping of related items in a design. Keeping similar items together helps keep a page organized and makes it easier to read.
I think if I can keep the CRAP acronym in mind I will be in good shape.
Oh boy, it's a quiz!
1. The best media in this situation would be print due to the fact that the report must reach all stockholders, some of which may not have access to a computer.
2. The graphic artist relocating to the big city would be best off using the web to submit his work to potential employers but could benefit from submitting a small print sample as well.
3. The software company should be able to accomplish their goals by using the web to email their existing customers.
4. The best media for information that is ever changing is the web due to the little effort involved.
5. To distribute the books on her own, the teacher should use the web to allow students to access and print them themselves.
6. To put on display a high quality collection of someones life's works print would be the best choice because it would allow people to inspect the works more closely and become familiar with the pieces.
2. The graphic artist relocating to the big city would be best off using the web to submit his work to potential employers but could benefit from submitting a small print sample as well.
3. The software company should be able to accomplish their goals by using the web to email their existing customers.
4. The best media for information that is ever changing is the web due to the little effort involved.
5. To distribute the books on her own, the teacher should use the web to allow students to access and print them themselves.
6. To put on display a high quality collection of someones life's works print would be the best choice because it would allow people to inspect the works more closely and become familiar with the pieces.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Graphic design is everywhere!
Our everyday lives are full of examples of graphic design in print and on the web. Through graphic design businesses influence our decisions as to what we eat, drive, and wear. Graphic design can even change the way we think often times without us even realizing it.
Anytime you sign onto the World Wide Web you are exposed to websites that are examples of graphic design. The purpose of these sites are to inform, persuade, or sell a product or service. The better the design the greater the likelihood that we will respond in the way the desinger intented.
Print versions of graphic design are composed with the same intentions as web versions but are very different. These tangible designs are also everywhere we look such as the cover of our favorite novel, the business cards we carry in our wallets and use as makeshift bookmarks to the billboards we pass everyday on our way to work.
A world without graphic design would be bare for sure!
Anytime you sign onto the World Wide Web you are exposed to websites that are examples of graphic design. The purpose of these sites are to inform, persuade, or sell a product or service. The better the design the greater the likelihood that we will respond in the way the desinger intented.
Print versions of graphic design are composed with the same intentions as web versions but are very different. These tangible designs are also everywhere we look such as the cover of our favorite novel, the business cards we carry in our wallets and use as makeshift bookmarks to the billboards we pass everyday on our way to work.
A world without graphic design would be bare for sure!
Designing for the web vs. designing for print
This week I learned that graphic design includes both print and web versions. There are clear differences between the two and neither is the better overall as they each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Graphic design in print is easier to access and view, portable, tangible and familiar to all. The downfall to print is that it is more expensive and room is limited so less information can be included. Print also must be distributed to reach it's intended audience which can be difficult and costly.
The web version of graphic design is much less expensive to produce, more colors are available and there is much more room to include information as each website can contain several pages that are acessed individually. Additionally, web pages can be viewed from a computer anywhere in the world. The downside to web design is that it cannot be viewed by those without a computer and those who can acess it face the typical challenges associated with computer technology, such as difficult portability and limited acessability due to poor signals, low batteries and varying browers.
Graphic design in print is easier to access and view, portable, tangible and familiar to all. The downfall to print is that it is more expensive and room is limited so less information can be included. Print also must be distributed to reach it's intended audience which can be difficult and costly.
The web version of graphic design is much less expensive to produce, more colors are available and there is much more room to include information as each website can contain several pages that are acessed individually. Additionally, web pages can be viewed from a computer anywhere in the world. The downside to web design is that it cannot be viewed by those without a computer and those who can acess it face the typical challenges associated with computer technology, such as difficult portability and limited acessability due to poor signals, low batteries and varying browers.
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