Thursday 20 December 2007

First semester over!

With the first semester over, my writing skills have improved and I hope to gain web design experience next semester. Looking back through my weekly comments, I seem to have demonstrated an upbeat attitude balancing studies with a hectic lifestyle.

As an obsessive perfectionist, I feel that this personal attribute constantly drives me to achieving my full potential. Although, I am highly motivated individual my behaviour of late has become obsessively self-critical. Never did I expect the amount of work required in each assignment. The whole experience has been a rollercoaster of challengers, from presentations and assignments, to screen designs and written reports. Equally, I feel gratified that my efforts do not go unnoticed.

In conclusion, working through each of the assignments I have gained web design knowledge, a fundamental understanding of accessibility, usability and technologies that have supported my learning and will give me the necessary foundations for future projects.

Neither of the two assignments were completed smoothly, the second incurred several interruptions that have lead to an extension been granted. To successfully complete this assignment I am focusing on the whole project prior to evaluating improvements.

One important lesson I have learnt this semester is; ‘that it is important to do a good job, not my best job’. I will try and adopt this line of thought next semester. After looking out for different jobs across South Yorkshire I have reconsidered my position and realised that to avoid complications, I will stay with my current employer until the end of the course. Only when I have achieved the qualification and gained the essential web design knowledge/skills can I pursue my goal. My long-term aim was to eventually go freelance, however due to family commitments this is vast becoming a pipe dream.

Feel free to leave any suggested improvements

Please take the time to view my screen designs and suggest any improvements you would make.

BLUE


MIX


GREEN


If you feel a different colour scheme would be more appropriate, please suggest it. Otherwise vote for your favourite.

Thank you for your time looking at my screen designs.

Tuesday 11 December 2007

Preoccupied by pastels

This week I concentrated my efforts in completing my delivery requirements and failed, probably due extensive research into web hosting and comparisons. However, I found a great web host by the end of it. I might even approach my current ISP madasafish.com to transfer my domain name. I would rather find out if I have any problems now rather than later.

The weekly tutorial outlined the areas I need to complete, which to be fair is the majority of the assignment. Thankfully, I have been granted the extension over the Christmas break. Navigation was discussed at my tutorial and the significance of using breadcrumbs. The term Breadcrumb, I feel must come from the story of Hansel and Gretel. While going through the forest, they left breadcrumbs on the way to remember the route. This feature would show the user their current position and allows them to backtrack through the listed links. I will learn more about ASP.NET, if I do decide to integrate it.

I have found myself preoccupied this week, trying to understand the really significant factors associated with pastel colours and old people. Eventually, I realised it is two factors, firstly they are calming and secondly these colours such as Pink, yellow, pale blue and green were fashionable during their teenage years. Deviating from my production plan cost me time in my last project; I really need to stop doing this if I am to keep on track of the assignment.

Disappointed with my current screen design, I feel much work is still required to improve it. I have come to the conclusion that a white background is essential and to avoid four columns if possible. However, I still believe colour coding will improve usability.

Target this week include:
1. Re-align my gantt chart to new deadline
2. Complete Delivery requirements and Competitive Analysis
3. Decide on a screen design and work it up electronically
4. Transfer Domain Name
5. Develop my screen designs further

Tuesday 4 December 2007

Please feel free to comment

Since the content is divided into 4 equal sections of 10 terms the design should be straightforward. However, in comparison to print production more restrictions are applied to web design. Not only do I have to give the site an appropriate name, but I am also required to make sure that the final design is something I will be able to create, given the fact I have no pervious knowledge or experience using Dreamweaver. Yesterdays tutorial confirmed many of my initial thoughts and the realisation to avoid anything too complicated like rollovers and drop downs.

With the content complete and the domain name decided as "www.alivenclickin.co.uk" the next stage is to create a design solution. After four initial attempts, I feel confident that my final design is ideal. Although I still have reservations over the positioning of the photographs, colours and typefaces. To develop my design further, please feel free to comment the design below:



Hopefully with your help I will be able to improve this initial screen design, which will allow me to concentrate my efforts to the other parts of this assignment.