Comments for WBI client
Make sure to check out the comments from our client if you haven’t already. Based on some additional feedback I’m receiving, we will have grades for your groups next Tuesday.
Kicking off the Personal Web Project: Discovery Process
Ok, it’s discovery phase time for our personal web project, the last project of the semester. Here is what I want you to do for next Tuesday
- Answer the question, what’s my dream job?
- Answer the question, what can I offer an employer or client?
- Draw out a sitemap for your main links and content for your site
- Start creating a visual concept for your site and find some inspirational sites. Following is a listing of inspirational sites I shared today.
- N Design Studio
- Mike Industries
- Cameron Moll
- Dave Airey
- Hicks Design
- Chris G
- Andrew Binder
- Grape Radio
- Rose Fu
Remember, these sites are meant to help you generate ideas only. You do not have to mimic the design or design styles because your personal site should be a reflection of you and who you aspire to be professional.
Personal Website Tips/Ideas
I thought if might be useful to make a post about some of the usefull information/insights other people have come across when developing their own personal websites.
Assignment Due Date Changed!!!!
The Westcott Bay project is now due on Tuesday, April 8th at the start of class. We will use Thursday to upload and beta test our sites before sharing them with the client.
Using Mywebspace
Here is a tutorial for uploading files to your mywebspace. Make sure to post your site and test your site in the mywebspace account.
Client Responses to Paul’s Questions
Make sure to read the responses to Paul’s questions from the Westcott contact.
DUE DATE FOR CLIENT PROJECT
Just a reminder, the new due date for the client project is Thursday April 3rd. The 3 class periods we have before the due date (and after spring break) will be devoted to in-class lab time. During labs, I will continue meeting with each team and assisting with strategy and technical questions.
This schedule is sufficient for you to produce a fully functioning website (XHTML/CSS, images, etc.) with all appropriate links posted in your mywebspace accounts to share with the client on the due date.
If you have any questions about technology to use for pages (such as photo galleries, analytic tools, blog tools, ecommerce options, etc.) or anything else, please let me know by posting a comment.
Sites from 03/11
By the end of this week, you should have your interface design concepts nailed down and in electronic form so you can begin working on the XHTML/CSS and content. To help those of you who need some inspiration, here are two sites to Review for design:
Web 2.o style from Web Design from Scratch
Grunge Style Article from Smashing Magazine
As far as navigation, please review these sites to view and read about navigation trends and design styles.
Navigation Trends from Smashing Magazine
Advanced CSS Tutorial from Web Designer Wall
Color Palettes and Background Textures
This is a nice resource for finding color palettes if you’re creatively challenged (like me), or just need some inspiration:
If you click the little “PS” icon beside the palette, it automatically opens into Photoshop’s Swatches, so you don’t have to do any sampling with the eyedropper tool. They have a great section for seamless patterns, if you’re looking to add texture to your site’s background.
There’s also a fun design section where artsy-fartsy weirdos build stuff like Jell-O cityscapes.
Westcott Bay Questions
- Are there similar websites that you like? What are some things that you like about these sites?
- What are some things that you like about your website that you would like to keep and what are some features that you dislike?
- What colors would you like to use? Pictures of buildings, facilities, and park?
- Who will provide the content for the website?
- Is your wildlife and plants page necessary or do you want to keep it?
- What are the most important links on your current page?
- Current list of classes being offered?
- Do you have any information about the individual artists displaying their work in the park?
- Who are the audiences you are trying to reach?
- Are there other art institutes across the country that would be comparable and how does Westcott differ from these places?
- How many people on average attend classes and workshops, and what kinds of workshops/classes are offered?
- Pictures of people attending classes?