Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Photography Portraiture
For this project I worked with Dave and Mike to create album artwork for Dave's friends band 'The Walls'. We had to recreate a classic album cover so we decided on using The Beatles' Second Album to base this on. We thought this would be challenging and interesting to do. The second image shows the original artwork containing a shot of the band.
Audio Interview
In this module brief we were asked to produce a 5 minute factual speech based feature or documentary. I worked in a group with Adrian, Angelo, Dave and Mike. To gain inspiration for our assignment brief we started performing some research using the BBC listen again website. Using this site we had access to previously aired radio shows from stations such as Radio 4, Radio 3 and World Service. This gave us an insight into how we would go about our project and how we would aim it at.
After completing our initial research we began brainstorming the ideas we had gained. Our original ideas were quite vague and we didn't feel they were good enough to develop further and use for our brief. However, our brainstorming ideas did help us in formulating some ideas of how to go about the brief, we decided that we narrowed it down to subjects that would work as a one on one interview. We eventually decided that our subject would be a member of our own group, Angelo. We decided that it would be interesting to interview Angelo on his family's decision to move to Hull from Chile and how he has adapted to life in England. Our interview would be a factual account of Angelo's story which would include questions from the interviewer. We wanted the audience to understand the cultural differences Angelo has encountered in adapting to life in another country as we feel this was the main message of the interview. For this reason our interview would be particular suited to a multi-cultural audience as they can maybe relate to Angelo's story.
After completing our initial research we began brainstorming the ideas we had gained. Our original ideas were quite vague and we didn't feel they were good enough to develop further and use for our brief. However, our brainstorming ideas did help us in formulating some ideas of how to go about the brief, we decided that we narrowed it down to subjects that would work as a one on one interview. We eventually decided that our subject would be a member of our own group, Angelo. We decided that it would be interesting to interview Angelo on his family's decision to move to Hull from Chile and how he has adapted to life in England. Our interview would be a factual account of Angelo's story which would include questions from the interviewer. We wanted the audience to understand the cultural differences Angelo has encountered in adapting to life in another country as we feel this was the main message of the interview. For this reason our interview would be particular suited to a multi-cultural audience as they can maybe relate to Angelo's story.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
CATS Logbook
Critical & Theoretical Studies
Logbook
Comparing & Contrasting Products
Today we where given an insight into comparing and contrasting products, which was something I would have to do for my essay. We were given a lecture on this subject which contained several examples to compare such as Batman and The Joker. The obvious contrast is that one is the hero and the other is the villain, but there were also many similarities, the fact that they both break the law, they both cover their identity, and they are both vigilantes.
I found this session helpful as the examples given to compare and contrast helped give me inspiration for the essay I would have to complete.
Surrealism Presentation / Psychoanalysis
In today’s session we completed presentations on the subject of surrealism which we discussed before the holiday. Surrealism is a cultural movement and a form of art that is focused on expression. Surrealism’s origins date back to the 1920’s in France where Andre Breton pioneered the movement. Surrealist artists are famous for their creativity and imagination and their work does not necessarily focus on any logical meaning. Although I had some knowledge in this area already having studied art at school, I found that researching this topic was informative and intriguing.
We also discussed psychoanalysis later in the session, Sigmund Freud created the term ‘Psychoanalysis’ during his study of how the mind functions. He discovered the term through ideas in various theoretical and clinical studies. Freud developed his theory into mental health treatment in an attempt to give people a better understanding of their mind.
Cancelled Session
Today’s session was cancelled due to staff absence.
Essay Proposal Introduction
Today we discussed our essay proposals with our tutor. I decided for my essay I would compare and contrast internet browsers. I decided that I would compare three products rather than two, the products are Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome. I wanted to tie in Google Chrome as I thought it had become relevant to recent web trends in the past few years, I was given some constructive and helpful feedback for my tutor who felt the idea had enough background for me to create a substantial essay.
Now that my essay proposal has been completed and my idea is finalised, I can now begin my essay over the reading week.
Reading Week
There was no session this week due to reading week. This allowed me to progress with my essay.
Psychoanalysis Presentation
Today we presented our findings on Sigmund Freud and the subject of psychoanalysis. It was interesting to see what other groups had found out about psychoanalysis as I had a limited knowledge on the subject having just researched about it for the first time during these sessions. I found the presentations helpful and instructive.
Unable to attend this session
I was ill today and was unable to attend the session.
Essay Discussion
Today we went over our essay ideas and discussed how our essays our progressing with our tutor. Having only completed the introduction and proposal, I was able to receive some helpful advice on where to take my essay before diving into it. In this session I was able to plan out my essay more clearly and continue to type it up.
Essay Discussion & Feedback
In today’s session I was able to progress more with my essay and discuss any problems I was having with my tutor. I was relatively happy with the direction of my essay so far so I was able to continue with my work in today’s session quite freely. I finished today’s session with the essay near enough complete aside from a bibliography and proof reading.
Propaganda
Today we were given a lecture on propaganda. We were shown images of propaganda during the two world wars which contained biased opinions and views given by countries governments to give the notion that they are right and the enemy is wrong. The enemy is always portrayed as evil, and that what your country is doing is just.
After completing some more research into propaganda, it was easy to see how it is still relevant today.
Advertising
Today we were shown videos of current and past television advertisements. We looked at car advertisements for example Ford who only depicted men driving the car and the women riding in the passenger seat or the back. The concerns of equality and sexism were obviously not as prevalent at this time which allowed companies to get away with such adverts being televised.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
CATS Essay
Introduction
Despite the ever-changing standards of the World Wide Web, one thing has remained consistent in recent years; Firefox and Internet Explorer have persistently stayed at the forefront of web browsing, the two have regularly fought on parallel terms with constant updates and improvements, which have attracted consumers in the masses. These browsers have become our most common gateway to the web, and their fierce competitor strategies have driven the rivalry to new heights.
There is no doubt that Mozilla Firefox’s growing popularity has loosened Internet Explorer’s grip on the users of the web. But for how long have Microsoft had reason to fear the independent web innovators?
I will be researching the history of both browsers, analysing their features and benefits to the audience and how they have remained dominant forces in attracting web users. I will later tie in Google Chrome, which has caused another shift in the market share, and given warning to Firefox and Internet Explorer’s seemingly exclusive competition.
The Origins of Internet Explorer
Microsoft is a large and successful organisation who created Internet Explorer 1.0 as an integration of Windows 95. Although the browser was a revelation for the company, most users stuck with the more popular browsers at that time such as Netscape. However, the next step for Microsoft was pivotal in shaping the face of the web; they created the first cross platform browser with IE 2.0. This allowed Mac and Windows users alike to use the browser increasing its appeal. Microsoft later tied in Office which became their first e-mail service, this along with IE acted as a product bundle for users to get the full web experience.
IE adopted a professional and accessible design, which required some web knowledge to be able to use, but was as simplistic as possible in order to attract new and inexperienced users.
Mozilla Firefox Arises
Mozilla is a non-profit organization who spawned the free, open-sourced web browser, Firefox, in 2004. Firefox attracts most of its users through its customisation ability and vast array of add-ons. Web developers are at a strong advantage with Firefox’s web coding tools and the popular ‘Firebug’ add-on which allows users full access to a websites code and scripts. Features such as this are much the reason for the many facets of Firefox’s diverse audience.
Firefox aims at the intelligent web user, and expects this to be a reflection of their company image. Firefox’s extensive toolbox of features offers the user an advanced education woven into the ultimate experience of web. But as Firefox has taken IE’s stragglers on board through such aspects of their repertoire, it has begun to take a chunk of the web browsers most dedicated fan base.
Firefox takes on Internet Explorer
With Firefox fans boasting to IE users that the browser offered faster speeds and easier browsing, more users became open to downloading the product. The user was then further enticed through Firefox’s customisation and add-ons which have been the main reason to the parting ways of some of IE’s audience.
Mozilla Firefox effectively spread through word of mouth. Firefox as a cultural product originally offered web savvy users an alternative way of looking at the web, as its reputation built through these means the very name ‘Firefox’ developed intrigue and curiosity to the sheltered users of Internet Explorer. The word ‘Firefox’ does not suggest ‘web browser’, in contrast to Internet Explorer which is a blatant denotation of what the product is. The branding of Firefox also garnered attention due to its cool graphic logo and effective orange and blue house style. Where as IE looks a lot more simplistic in its brand identity, however perhaps seeming professional and secure to more wary users of the web, and that is one of the dominant features IE sells.
Internet is a household term, and IE is the web browser we most commonly associate with it. It is also pre-installed into every Windows operating system. This ensures that Microsoft gather a reputation of reliability and assurance certainly to a less experienced web audience. The security features IE offers are its main point of attraction, with the internet able to do more things than ever before; IE ensures users their safety to give them comfort when revealing their bank details and phone numbers online. But this is not a unique feature, Firefox stays on course with IE by offering equally effective security, but as a browser that is focused on customisation and freedom, Mozilla aim their browser at an alternative audience.
Internet Explorer has a ‘zones’ feature which allows the user to select the sites they want or do not want. It also offers a cross site scripting filter which prevents malicious emails. But most users are not even aware of these features; the popularity of IE is mostly down to the mere fact that it is the predominant browser pre-installed onto the majority of computers. However, the tide is starting to turn, with the user now having a wider range of choices with the availability of Mozilla Firefox upon installation of Windows 7. Internet Explorer’s largest market is 35-44 year olds, proving Microsoft’s hold on their most faithful users, who have perhaps been a custom to IE since its inception. These users are likely aware that Internet Explorer has been the commercially dominant browser for some time, and most of them are unwilling to embrace change or simply find it unnecessary. Where as the younger users of the web are more inclined to use Firefox, with over 30% of the browsers users being 16-24. This age group tend to be spontaneous, impulsive, open-minded and perhaps defiant which would support their drift from the major corporate organisation of Microsoft.
Key features in Firefox such as its download manager have later been incorporated by IE in order to stay on a level playing field with Mozilla. Downloading is a huge market for internet companies at the moment and the download manager features allow users easy access and storage of their files. Despite Firefox spawning their inspiring innovations, it is difficult to keep them secret when the brains at IE are working to progress their browser for the optimum experience of the web as well.
Turning to Chrome
Since 2009, there was been a key shift in the popularity of web browsers. The latest figures from February 2011 show that Firefox had a 43% share of the web audience with IE barely climbing above Google Chrome with 26% of users (Chrome with 24%). The positioning of the top three browsers has remained this way since January 2009, proving the rise of Firefox to be a great impact on the world of web and a major hindrance to the success of IE. However, these figures are likely to change again in the coming months, with Chrome rising at a growing rate, the browser from one of the world’s most popular websites, Google, offers the user much quicker speeds and less memory usage. When Chrome originally began in 2008, it struggled with a tame 3% share of web users; however, since then it has now gathered almost 25% of users which shows its increasing popularity as users have become more conscious of speeds and functionality of their chosen browser.
Chrome has a hugely effective simplistic look, attractive enough to rival Firefox and that’s not the only reason the Mozilla Corporation will be at the drawing board with new plans. Chrome offers customisation in themes and colour schemes similar to the new web leaders, but these features are very similar indeed, and as far as design and feel, Firefox still ticks all the right boxes. But its browser speed that the Firefox creators will be losing sleep over. Chrome is considerably faster, and is merely another process on the task list when it comes to memory usage.
The one major downside to Chrome, and perhaps the reason why Chrome may never dominate the world of web, is that it is only available to Windows users. This was certainly a factor in the lack of market growth in IE 1.0, so they created a cross platform version to stay afloat, surely this calls for a new version of Chrome to include Mac and Linux users too? IE did later segregate Mac users again making it Windows only, but it was able to do this quite easily after it had automatically gained a grip on a large percentage of the audience with being the constant pre-installed browser on Windows systems. Although Windows is still the dominant platform, Apple still possess a market share of around 10%, this means Chrome is segregating 10% of its potential market by its exclusivity to Windows. Chrome is also the most secure web browser, in a recent hackers competition Firefox and IE where cracked within minutes, where as Chrome stood firm and remained unaffected. The web browser is sending worrying signals to alert Firefox in its web domination.
Privacy is a great concern of most web users, but as soon as Chrome had introduced its ‘incognito’ mode in which the users browsing session would not be saved, Firefox and IE quickly jumped on board with their own private browsing sessions. This predominately shows that the browsers are not far behind each other in terms of creating ideas, and it is not necessarily the first to do it that will gain the recognition; it is the most effective that will earn the acclaim. Although Chrome claims its ‘incognito’ mode is private, the Google search engine itself does store users searches not matter how their browser is configured. If you are logged into your Google account while in ‘incognito’, your searches will be saved – not so ‘incognito’ from Google Chrome. Another major flaw with this new feature is that some video files are being stored in the users’ history despite the supposed privacy mode; maybe the browsers should really test their features before releasing them to the unaware internet audience.
Microsoft’s web page devoted to Internet Explorer boasts a mere 9 reasons to choose their browser, where as Firefox has a whole website representing the reasons that their product is the best. Even Google represent their product a little better than Microsoft, with Chromes features being highlighted in short informational videos on their website which gives a clear look into the browsers experience. Conceivably, Microsoft feel the marketing and promotion of their product doesn’t need to be as noteworthy, as they expect most of the audience to be using their browser while on their web page regardless, but with the clear popularity shift already stated, perhaps a change in thinking needs to come for Microsoft’s IE.
Conclusion
It seems that Internet Explorer will require new innovations to gain its audience back, as even Chrome is now looking to overtake the once irreplaceable browser. But despite Chrome offering faster speeds and increased security, it remains Windows only, and this will be a big problem in gaining more users if this fact remains. Perhaps users should be content with their decision in crowning Mozilla’s brainchild the most popular web browser. It offers reasonable speeds, reasonable security, and is within reason the ultimate web browser available to everyone.
Despite the ever-changing standards of the World Wide Web, one thing has remained consistent in recent years; Firefox and Internet Explorer have persistently stayed at the forefront of web browsing, the two have regularly fought on parallel terms with constant updates and improvements, which have attracted consumers in the masses. These browsers have become our most common gateway to the web, and their fierce competitor strategies have driven the rivalry to new heights.
There is no doubt that Mozilla Firefox’s growing popularity has loosened Internet Explorer’s grip on the users of the web. But for how long have Microsoft had reason to fear the independent web innovators?
I will be researching the history of both browsers, analysing their features and benefits to the audience and how they have remained dominant forces in attracting web users. I will later tie in Google Chrome, which has caused another shift in the market share, and given warning to Firefox and Internet Explorer’s seemingly exclusive competition.
The Origins of Internet Explorer
Microsoft is a large and successful organisation who created Internet Explorer 1.0 as an integration of Windows 95. Although the browser was a revelation for the company, most users stuck with the more popular browsers at that time such as Netscape. However, the next step for Microsoft was pivotal in shaping the face of the web; they created the first cross platform browser with IE 2.0. This allowed Mac and Windows users alike to use the browser increasing its appeal. Microsoft later tied in Office which became their first e-mail service, this along with IE acted as a product bundle for users to get the full web experience.
IE adopted a professional and accessible design, which required some web knowledge to be able to use, but was as simplistic as possible in order to attract new and inexperienced users.
Mozilla Firefox Arises
Mozilla is a non-profit organization who spawned the free, open-sourced web browser, Firefox, in 2004. Firefox attracts most of its users through its customisation ability and vast array of add-ons. Web developers are at a strong advantage with Firefox’s web coding tools and the popular ‘Firebug’ add-on which allows users full access to a websites code and scripts. Features such as this are much the reason for the many facets of Firefox’s diverse audience.
Firefox aims at the intelligent web user, and expects this to be a reflection of their company image. Firefox’s extensive toolbox of features offers the user an advanced education woven into the ultimate experience of web. But as Firefox has taken IE’s stragglers on board through such aspects of their repertoire, it has begun to take a chunk of the web browsers most dedicated fan base.
Firefox takes on Internet Explorer
With Firefox fans boasting to IE users that the browser offered faster speeds and easier browsing, more users became open to downloading the product. The user was then further enticed through Firefox’s customisation and add-ons which have been the main reason to the parting ways of some of IE’s audience.
Mozilla Firefox effectively spread through word of mouth. Firefox as a cultural product originally offered web savvy users an alternative way of looking at the web, as its reputation built through these means the very name ‘Firefox’ developed intrigue and curiosity to the sheltered users of Internet Explorer. The word ‘Firefox’ does not suggest ‘web browser’, in contrast to Internet Explorer which is a blatant denotation of what the product is. The branding of Firefox also garnered attention due to its cool graphic logo and effective orange and blue house style. Where as IE looks a lot more simplistic in its brand identity, however perhaps seeming professional and secure to more wary users of the web, and that is one of the dominant features IE sells.
Internet is a household term, and IE is the web browser we most commonly associate with it. It is also pre-installed into every Windows operating system. This ensures that Microsoft gather a reputation of reliability and assurance certainly to a less experienced web audience. The security features IE offers are its main point of attraction, with the internet able to do more things than ever before; IE ensures users their safety to give them comfort when revealing their bank details and phone numbers online. But this is not a unique feature, Firefox stays on course with IE by offering equally effective security, but as a browser that is focused on customisation and freedom, Mozilla aim their browser at an alternative audience.
Internet Explorer has a ‘zones’ feature which allows the user to select the sites they want or do not want. It also offers a cross site scripting filter which prevents malicious emails. But most users are not even aware of these features; the popularity of IE is mostly down to the mere fact that it is the predominant browser pre-installed onto the majority of computers. However, the tide is starting to turn, with the user now having a wider range of choices with the availability of Mozilla Firefox upon installation of Windows 7. Internet Explorer’s largest market is 35-44 year olds, proving Microsoft’s hold on their most faithful users, who have perhaps been a custom to IE since its inception. These users are likely aware that Internet Explorer has been the commercially dominant browser for some time, and most of them are unwilling to embrace change or simply find it unnecessary. Where as the younger users of the web are more inclined to use Firefox, with over 30% of the browsers users being 16-24. This age group tend to be spontaneous, impulsive, open-minded and perhaps defiant which would support their drift from the major corporate organisation of Microsoft.
Key features in Firefox such as its download manager have later been incorporated by IE in order to stay on a level playing field with Mozilla. Downloading is a huge market for internet companies at the moment and the download manager features allow users easy access and storage of their files. Despite Firefox spawning their inspiring innovations, it is difficult to keep them secret when the brains at IE are working to progress their browser for the optimum experience of the web as well.
Turning to Chrome
Since 2009, there was been a key shift in the popularity of web browsers. The latest figures from February 2011 show that Firefox had a 43% share of the web audience with IE barely climbing above Google Chrome with 26% of users (Chrome with 24%). The positioning of the top three browsers has remained this way since January 2009, proving the rise of Firefox to be a great impact on the world of web and a major hindrance to the success of IE. However, these figures are likely to change again in the coming months, with Chrome rising at a growing rate, the browser from one of the world’s most popular websites, Google, offers the user much quicker speeds and less memory usage. When Chrome originally began in 2008, it struggled with a tame 3% share of web users; however, since then it has now gathered almost 25% of users which shows its increasing popularity as users have become more conscious of speeds and functionality of their chosen browser.
Chrome has a hugely effective simplistic look, attractive enough to rival Firefox and that’s not the only reason the Mozilla Corporation will be at the drawing board with new plans. Chrome offers customisation in themes and colour schemes similar to the new web leaders, but these features are very similar indeed, and as far as design and feel, Firefox still ticks all the right boxes. But its browser speed that the Firefox creators will be losing sleep over. Chrome is considerably faster, and is merely another process on the task list when it comes to memory usage.
The one major downside to Chrome, and perhaps the reason why Chrome may never dominate the world of web, is that it is only available to Windows users. This was certainly a factor in the lack of market growth in IE 1.0, so they created a cross platform version to stay afloat, surely this calls for a new version of Chrome to include Mac and Linux users too? IE did later segregate Mac users again making it Windows only, but it was able to do this quite easily after it had automatically gained a grip on a large percentage of the audience with being the constant pre-installed browser on Windows systems. Although Windows is still the dominant platform, Apple still possess a market share of around 10%, this means Chrome is segregating 10% of its potential market by its exclusivity to Windows. Chrome is also the most secure web browser, in a recent hackers competition Firefox and IE where cracked within minutes, where as Chrome stood firm and remained unaffected. The web browser is sending worrying signals to alert Firefox in its web domination.
Privacy is a great concern of most web users, but as soon as Chrome had introduced its ‘incognito’ mode in which the users browsing session would not be saved, Firefox and IE quickly jumped on board with their own private browsing sessions. This predominately shows that the browsers are not far behind each other in terms of creating ideas, and it is not necessarily the first to do it that will gain the recognition; it is the most effective that will earn the acclaim. Although Chrome claims its ‘incognito’ mode is private, the Google search engine itself does store users searches not matter how their browser is configured. If you are logged into your Google account while in ‘incognito’, your searches will be saved – not so ‘incognito’ from Google Chrome. Another major flaw with this new feature is that some video files are being stored in the users’ history despite the supposed privacy mode; maybe the browsers should really test their features before releasing them to the unaware internet audience.
Microsoft’s web page devoted to Internet Explorer boasts a mere 9 reasons to choose their browser, where as Firefox has a whole website representing the reasons that their product is the best. Even Google represent their product a little better than Microsoft, with Chromes features being highlighted in short informational videos on their website which gives a clear look into the browsers experience. Conceivably, Microsoft feel the marketing and promotion of their product doesn’t need to be as noteworthy, as they expect most of the audience to be using their browser while on their web page regardless, but with the clear popularity shift already stated, perhaps a change in thinking needs to come for Microsoft’s IE.
Conclusion
It seems that Internet Explorer will require new innovations to gain its audience back, as even Chrome is now looking to overtake the once irreplaceable browser. But despite Chrome offering faster speeds and increased security, it remains Windows only, and this will be a big problem in gaining more users if this fact remains. Perhaps users should be content with their decision in crowning Mozilla’s brainchild the most popular web browser. It offers reasonable speeds, reasonable security, and is within reason the ultimate web browser available to everyone.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
How to build and interactive product - 10 Steps
Step 1 - Research
One of the websites I looked at for my research into children's healthy eating was 'Food Dudes'. I immediately noticed that the site used a flash animation in the header for moving clouds. The site looked effective in appealing to the target audience as it uses bright colours and cartoon characters. I felt that the website was aimed at older children rather than the younger target audience I would be leaning towards. This was due to the site being more informative than interactive and plus the cartoon characters on the site looked older.
Step 2 - Brainstorming
After completing my initial research a began to formulate some ideas in my sketch book. After I had considered the target audience, I thought about a suitable name for the site and eventually landed upon 'an apple a day'. I began skecthing out wireframes and considering page content before I went straight into Photoshop or Flash. This was an important stage of the production of my site as I was able to gain a better understanding of what the site would have to include and how I could make it appeal to a selective audience.
Step 3 - Technical Requirements
I had to consider the technical aspects or my site and what I would need to create it. I realised that it would be a small site so a CMS would not be required, but I would have to create the site in Flash to ensure interactivity. I would have a timeframe of around 5 weeks to create the flash website so it is important to organise time wisely when working to such constraints. The final product should be successful in informing and entertaining the target audience of young children.
Step 4 - Written Outline
Site Structure
Home - Introduction to site, some healthy eating info.
Quiz - Interactive game which helps the user to seperate healthy products from unhealthy products.
Guide - More info on healthy eating and information of five a day.
Contact - Small contact section including contact details of the website.
Step 5 - Wireframes
When I had decided upon the pages and content of my site I could then begin to sketch out wireframes to give me a clear idea of layout and structure.
Step 6 - Design
The next step was to begin constructing my sketches and ideas in Flash. I added my images to the library in Flash using the Photoshop mock-up I had already produced. I converted my navigation images into buttons in order to add action script code to them to make the site navigable. I created a seperate layer in the timeline for actions and I added the content of the site in individual layers based on the page. I decided to do the site in one scene which meant my timeline would become quite busy as there would need to be a lot of motions tweens and navigation using labels.
Step 8 - Development
The next step of the process was to link the pages together make sure that the site was fully functional and interactive. When I had tested the site and checked that everything was working correctly I could then begin user testing in order to find out other peoples views and feedback on my website. This is an important part of the process as I need to know if my site would be appropriate and appealing to the target audience.
One of the websites I looked at for my research into children's healthy eating was 'Food Dudes'. I immediately noticed that the site used a flash animation in the header for moving clouds. The site looked effective in appealing to the target audience as it uses bright colours and cartoon characters. I felt that the website was aimed at older children rather than the younger target audience I would be leaning towards. This was due to the site being more informative than interactive and plus the cartoon characters on the site looked older.
Step 2 - Brainstorming
After completing my initial research a began to formulate some ideas in my sketch book. After I had considered the target audience, I thought about a suitable name for the site and eventually landed upon 'an apple a day'. I began skecthing out wireframes and considering page content before I went straight into Photoshop or Flash. This was an important stage of the production of my site as I was able to gain a better understanding of what the site would have to include and how I could make it appeal to a selective audience.
Step 3 - Technical Requirements
I had to consider the technical aspects or my site and what I would need to create it. I realised that it would be a small site so a CMS would not be required, but I would have to create the site in Flash to ensure interactivity. I would have a timeframe of around 5 weeks to create the flash website so it is important to organise time wisely when working to such constraints. The final product should be successful in informing and entertaining the target audience of young children.
Step 4 - Written Outline
Site Structure
Home - Introduction to site, some healthy eating info.
Quiz - Interactive game which helps the user to seperate healthy products from unhealthy products.
Guide - More info on healthy eating and information of five a day.
Contact - Small contact section including contact details of the website.
Step 5 - Wireframes
When I had decided upon the pages and content of my site I could then begin to sketch out wireframes to give me a clear idea of layout and structure.
Step 6 - Design
 |
After generating some ideas and plans in my sketch book, I began to bring the design into Photoshop. I visited Adobe Kuler to find a suitable colour scheme which would be eye catching and appealing to the target audience. I wanted to make the design as true as possible to my original wireframe, as this would make structure considerations easier and I could use my full focus on design. I worked on the logo of the site and used a simple graphic of an apple behind the main text. I thought about how I could animate the apple in Flash so this would be a good feature to have. My navigation looked simplistic but it was clearly readible and understandble and this was important to consider as the site is for children. I was pleased with the outcome of this design and was now ready to develop it into Flash.
Step 7 - Construction
Step 8 - Development
The next step of the process was to link the pages together make sure that the site was fully functional and interactive. When I had tested the site and checked that everything was working correctly I could then begin user testing in order to find out other peoples views and feedback on my website. This is an important part of the process as I need to know if my site would be appropriate and appealing to the target audience.
PHP Gallery - Outline
Brief
For this task I will be creating a dynamic web gallery using php. I will be required to gain knowledge in php in order to call the gallery images in from a database. The website should be thematic and the artwork used in the gallery should relate to the sites overall look. The gallery must contain original artwork so I have decided to take photographs of Hull in black and white as my thematic art. I will aim to make the site fairly simplistic as I would like to direct more focus on the coding side of the website rather than the design.
For this task I will be creating a dynamic web gallery using php. I will be required to gain knowledge in php in order to call the gallery images in from a database. The website should be thematic and the artwork used in the gallery should relate to the sites overall look. The gallery must contain original artwork so I have decided to take photographs of Hull in black and white as my thematic art. I will aim to make the site fairly simplistic as I would like to direct more focus on the coding side of the website rather than the design.
Monday, 3 January 2011
Portfolio Design Considerations
Before I became completely set on the final idea for my portfolio, I had to take into consideration some do's and don'ts of web design. I read Steve Krugg's 'Don't Make Me Think' to gain a further understanding into usability and clarity of a website. I found that too much content is always a bad idea, and simplicity is key. I decided to make the navigation of my site as easy to understand as possible, and as Steve Krugg explains using as few words as possible (one word is best) for site pages and links are a lot easier for the user to digest.
Steve Krugg talks about the visual hierarchy, meaning the larger and bolder content will be the users main focus and the smaller content will be less important. These are considerations I would have to make in my design, this is why I have created emphasis to headings and titles by using larger and bolder fonts.
Steve Krugg talks about the visual hierarchy, meaning the larger and bolder content will be the users main focus and the smaller content will be less important. These are considerations I would have to make in my design, this is why I have created emphasis to headings and titles by using larger and bolder fonts.
Five Star Review
Website: BBC
I researched and studied the BBC website to examine its look, accessibility and ease of use. The information architecture of the home page is rather overcrowded; there is a lot of content for the user to take in such as a calendar, news headlines, clock and radio which are scattered around the page. The site however retains a professional and modern look and each feature of the site is customisable in that the user can move and close any of the features on the home page to rearrange the look of the site to suite there needs.
The website’s main navigation is at the top of the page, the site uses css navigation which is easy and simple to use. The text is around size 12 which is a standard size for most website however may not be easily readable for all users. The site also has sub navigation at the bottom of the page which is slightly larger and more accessible to the potential user. However, this is another example of maybe too much content which could leave the user unable to find what they want from a certain element of the navigation, for example, a user may see the top navigation and realise there is no link to the music section.
The BBC website has an accessibility option at the bottom of the page in the footer. I feel this would be more helpful if it was at the top of the page as the user would be directed to it more easily when they click on to the site. I do feel however that the accessibility options are very helpful on this website as they allow the user control of the colour scheme of the site to make text easier to use, for example some users find light text on a contrasting black background easier to digest than black text on white. These options also allow the user control over the font size; the user can has three options with the highest font size being around size 15.
The websites colour scheme changes depending on what time you visit, although this is an advanced and effective method of displaying the site, it does show some inconsistency which could make the user unfamiliar with the site when they use it again in the future.
Design: *****
Accessibility: ****
Rating: ****
Website: MSN
The MSN website uses a simple blue and white colour scheme which is subtle yet effective. The site has many categories with two lines of navigation; perhaps this information could be more simplified into broader sub categories as the information architecture is a bit crowded. The homepage includes a search bar at the top which is the main focus and function of the site; this is clear and easy to use so it is a good example of information architecture.
The main content of the site shows the latest news headlines with a large picture relating to it. This is helpful and informative to the user and they are immediately aware what the story is about. The site requires a lot of scrolling to get to certain parts of information, this could lead the users interest astray, for example certain features such as ‘weather’ and ‘directions’ are right at the bottom of the page and when visiting the homepage for the first time the user would not be aware that they are even there.
There is a separate container on the right where a lot of the sub sections are displayed, however, the main content of the site on the left stops about half way down and has a large amount of empty white space under it. This is not a good visual element of the site and some content here would be advised.
Design: ****
Accessibility: ***
Rating: ****
Website: Yahoo
The Yahoo website uses a strict white colour scheme with very subtle use of purple and blue. The site navigation is displayed down the left hand side of the page; this is well structured with an image next to each link. Similarly to the MSN website, Yahoo has a search bar across the top and the main news headlines in the main body. This attracts the user’s attention and allows them to find what they are looking for easily.
Unlike MSN, Yahoo’s homepage requires little scrolling to get to the information on it, the site is more organised and structured and this is a positive aspect of information architecture. I feel the colour scheme could be slightly more adventurous but the information is displayed well and it is hard for the user to get lost around the site.
The user can also edit the navigation to only display the pages that they often visit. This is a very helpful feature for users that may only visit the site to find sports or business news. The site however has no noticeable section to cover accessibility options of the site; this is something that could turn displayed users away from the website.
Design: *****
Accessibility: ****
Rating: ****
Website: Sky News
The Sky News website uses a basic white background with black, red and blue colour for the main content. The navigation is displayed under the banner; there is also a large flash advertisement above the navigation which is quite distracting. The main news story is in the middle, this uses yellow text which breaks the colour scheme and makes the site look quite untidy.
Similarly to MSN, Sky News’ homepage requires a lot of scrolling to get to the content, most of the information on the site is below the main story which takes up the majority of the screen. This could be frustrating to users who just want to get onto the site and find what they want immediately. The text size is quite large throughout the site which is good for accessibility, unlike Yahoo, the website also has a full section on accessibility in which the user can find a more simplified version of the site with options to increase text size and change colours.
I feel the main look of the site is quite poor, however, the accessible mode of the site is a lot better in structure and style, and this saves the site from a low rating if the user is willing to scroll down the page to find where the accessibility option is hiding.
Design: ***
Accessibility: *****
Rating: ***
Website: iGoogle
iGoogle is fully customizable with a large amount of available themes and styles. This allows the user control of the site to create it how they would like it to look. The main search bar is at the top of the page, as was the case with all of the previous sites I looked at. However, in contrast to the other sites, the main news stories are not in a fixed position, as the user can move these around anywhere or the page or even get rid of them if they don’t find them necessary.
The site is fairly well structured with little need to scroll down, the main navigation if down the left and is well organised. The site is easy to personalise and easy to navigate, these are clear features which make the site better than the others. However, there is no obvious section to be found on accessibility, this could segregate the audience of iGoogle.
In the news stories section of the site, the user can chose which news headlines they want to receive, for example if they are interested in a particular football club they can get the news stories specifically from that club. This is an advanced feature of the site which enhances user experience.
Design: *****
Accessibility: ***
Rating: ****
Flash Gallery
Assignment Brief
You are required to develop an interactive animation that portrays movement from one or more areas to another. This requires a minimum of five images to do this. For a higher grade you must utilise some form of button interface to be able to move between the areas.
The project should utilise coloured, black and white or sepia toned images/photographs and for a higher grade make use of interactive sounds, e.g. button presses.
You may add background music, (bear in mind if you allow access to your flash work over the internet then you may fall foul of copyright laws). I advise using copyright free material or perhaps showcase a local band(s) music if you publish your work on the web.
You may add other interactive elements within your images.
Use your imagination for the images; do not just use the corridors in the college.
The project when finished should be saved to your storage area and backed up on CD or USB memory stick. You are advised to use a maximum document size of 760 pixels x 410 pixels (displayed centrally) to fit safely within the confines of a web page.
Outcome
Outcome
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