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This resource provides a thorough introduction to web design, emphasizing the importance of balancing aesthetics, functionality, and user experience. It covers the essential elements of web design including site structure, content creation, organizational strategies, and accessibility. Learn how to identify user needs, develop engaging content, and avoid common pitfalls. The guide also discusses the importance of web hosting options and domain selection to ensure your site is both reliable and user-friendly, catering to the needs of your audience.
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Technology Training Basics of Web Design
What do you think of…? • Shop in Paradise • Thomas Edison Foundation • LA Eyeworks • Google • Mint.com • J Sainsbury plc
What is ‘Good’ Web Design? • The designer: • ‘Beautiful design. A significant amount of effort must be placed into making it attractive.’ • The client: • ‘Effective. It must bring in customers and meet client’s goals.’ • The user: • ‘Functional. It’s easy to read, easy to use and easy to get out of it what was promised.’
Basics of Web Design - Overview From site structure to front-end design
Plan The who, what, why, and how
Plan – Users • Who are they and why would they use your site? • They want/need information • They want/need to make a purchase/donation • They want/need to be entertained • They want/need to be part of a community
Plan – Content • What is your content? • “Heroin Content” • Web writing basics • Shorter is better • Use search keywords • Drive user action • Proofread • Get a second opinion
Plan – Purpose • Why a website? • Share information (photo albums, profiles, calendars) • Gather data, materials, or money (surveys, forms, shopping carts, etc) • Facilitate collaboration, discussion, and creation of ideas (wikis, blogs, forums)
Plan – Format • How will you deliver your content? • Dictated by Purpose and Content • Happens mostly in Plan and Organize phase • Blogs, surveys, calendar, video, podcasts, social networking (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
Plan – Format • Wikis • Wikipedia • TV Tropes • Blogs • The Huffington Post • The Official Google Blog • Facebook • Chevron • Skittles • Twitter • Starbucks • Barack Obama • YouTube • Universal Music Group • Geico
Organize Common Mistakes, Site Maps, Print vs. Web
Organize – Common Mistakes • Unclear purpose • Too much material on one page • Navigational failure • Direct Print to web
Organize – Common Mistakes • Too Much Material • Priority: Before, After • Beware scrolling: Before, After
Organize – Common Mistakes • Navigational Failure • Poorly worded links • Inconsistent navigation • Dead-end pages and lead links • No way back home
Organize – Common Mistakes Print Web
Organize – Site Maps • Show site architecture • Link related topics together • Organize material based on users’ needs • No dead-end pages
Organize – Site Maps • All navigation must answer: • Where am I? • Where have I been? • Where can I go next? • Where's the Home Page? • Where's the Home Home Page?
Design Common Mistakes, Layout, and Accessibility
Design – Common Mistakes • Form over Function • Elements that get in the way • Not enough contrast • Visual elements vs. text
Design – Common Mistakes • (Mis)Using visual elements instead of text • Limits accessibility of screen readers • Not search-engine friendly • Increases page size and load time • Harder to edit
Design – Accessibility • When sites are correctly designed, developed and edited, all users can have equal access to information and functionality.
Design – Accessibility • Text Alternatives for Non-Text • Alternatives for Time-based Media • Adaptable • Distinguishable • Keyboard Accessible • Well-timed • Avoid Seizures • Navigable • Readable • Predictable • Input Assistance • Compatible • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are good for all users
Revise Validators, Simulators, and Guinea Pigs
Revise – Testing Quantitative Qualitative User testing Friends Colleagues Designers/Developers OMC • Validators • Check for broken links • Compare to web standards • Simulators • Mobile device simulators • Search Engine Optimization Tools (SEOs) • Cross-platform check • Firefox, IE, Safari, Chrome, Opera, etc. • Mac OS X, XP, Vista, Windows 7, Linux, etc.
Revise – Keep Content Fresh • Create/find new content regularly • Replace images • Verify external links are active • Look for broken links • Solicit user input • Check marketing outlets
Next Steps Hosting, domain names, and publishing options
Next Steps – Web Hosting Options • Determine your needs • Bandwidth: streaming video vs. portfolio • Space requirements • Choosing the right host • Reliability • Contact • Cost • Extra features • Some hosting sites offer domain names or entire publishing packages
Next Steps – Domain Names • ‘Vanity plate’ of the web • Examples • Go Daddy • Network Solutions • Register.com
Technology Training www.scu.edu/training Questions?