Tuesday 29 January 2008

The optimising optimist

You are sadly mistaken if you thought since I have only the one assignment to do it should be nearly completed. I feel happy with my achievement over the past week, although I am a long way off before even my web template is completed. I seem to lack the ability to create small file sizes; therefore keeping under 50K per page is very challenging. After spending hours optimising images, I was astounded that my calculations were out by 17K. Hopefully, I will be able to amend the size of images without detracting from the overall aesthetics of my proposed screen design.

Progression with the assignment is steady. Enjoying the honeymoon period of optimisation at the moment, before confronting CSS. I anticipate I will have problems doing this, although what problems I will face I do not know. I maybe currently enjoying creating the website although this experience maybe short lived. I am sure I will run in to difficulties over the next few days but I have not experienced any just yet.

My targets to complete this week include:
  • Create a user-testing questionnaire to acquire feedback on usability
  • Create a series of CSS files that will affect the size of the typeface
  • Find out how to alter the size of text at a click of a button, CSS?
  • Try and complete the Website template

Tuesday 22 January 2008

All problems have solutions; some are more expensive than others

I really enjoyed the class on Monday it was great to catch up with everyone again; I enjoyed it that much I am coming next week. It was not my intention to discuss points to consider and create a checklist, however I did find it useful. Following the Dreamweaver 8 Tutorial from Steve, I had a go at creating a feedback form and to my surprise it looked fine.

As a user of Dreamweaver MX 2004, completing even simple tasks have become problematic. Notes taken at lectures only support the latest version; therefore commands appear in different locations. Due to the increased demand for improved validation, Dreamweaver MX 2004 lacks the ability to create xhtml strict 1.0 easily. After deliberating over various options, to the point of altering my goals and choosing xhtml transitional over strict, I have no alternative but to purchase the latest software. Upgrading immediately should allow me the opportunity to start building my website and eleviate the frustrations that are suppressing my progress. “Would you believe it?”, before the new software can be accepted on to my computer, it requires the installation of a newer operating system. Thankfully I possess an external drive that will ensure a speedy backup facility and student discounts will make the software affordable.

I discovered to my disgust, Internet Explorer 6 and above no longer is available to download to a Macintosh computer. I believe, “every problem has a solution, this one will pressure me into testing through the browsers loaded on a PC”.

Besides my initial disappointment with the software, this week I have concentrated my efforts to ensure all the images are optimised, labelled with consideration to alt tags and saved in the root folder. My ultimate aim by next week is to make sure I have created a template that supports editable areas. Only when I have designed a template can I progress with the build.

I am sure the definition for frustration will be validation. I have heard a few people discussing problems and possible solutions that create new problems. A continuous nightmare of frustration lies ahead of me before I locate the strict code of righteousness.

My goals this week are to:
  1. Upload new operating system and software
  2. Ensure all images are optimised
  3. Download common browser to the pc
  4. Start building the site ready to create a template
  5. Printout all the Priority 1, single A compliancy to refer against
  6. Download the simple contact form (HND site and follow instructions as a guide)

Tuesday 15 January 2008

The day of reckoning

Traditionally, a New Year's resolution is to reflect upon self-improvement and to set an annual goal, this year mine is ‘better time planning’. I really need to be committed to the initial production plan. After reading Unit 3 and A5 assignment sheets, I have identified a production plan that I will copy to my gantt chart. Completing at least five realistic targets each week should break the assignment into manageable sections. If I don’t stick to this, I know I will fall into my regular habit of getting side tracked into researching topics such as accessibility.

I prepared myself for failure yesterday. When I handed the assignment in I felt the amount of effort was worthy of a distinction, however, after a week of contemplation, I resided my thoughts to a pass. Monday, The day of reckoning, Steve and John assessed my feelings before concluding the meeting and rewarded my assignment with a distinction. I felt elated with the result, ‘a feeling equal to passing my driving test’.

Finally, I can begin to build a website rather than writing about it. I must admit writing is not something I enjoy. Hopefully by completing this assignment will dismay my new fear of creating an actual website. I feel apprehensive, yet excited at the prospect of building a website, will it work? what problems will I face?, and what dreaded frustrations will occur?. Aaahh!