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

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)

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!

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.

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

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.