Week #4 DIG 315

Is it always a good thing??
I'm kinda on the fence with this one.......
Reasons it is good...It can be beneficial for business and personal reasons.
From a business standpoint, there is possible financial gain by getting your business known and out there for everyone and anyone to see.  It creates numerous opportunities for you and the consumer:

• Consumers can easily look-up and access your company
• Consumers also have the ability to purchase goods via your website to increase sales
• It can be used as a free form of advertising and a way to promote your products
• It is a good way for consumers to learn about your product and provide an outlet for them to contact your business

Examples of personal reasons:

• Allows for information or your expertise to be shared with a vast amount of people
• Provides an abundance of resources
• Allows for one to be creative and demonstrate self-expression
• Artist, musicians, etc. can share the beauty of their work at no cost to them or the reader
• It can be used to promote causes, do fundraising, and to promote knowledge about a specific topic

Reasons it may be bad:

• A lot of garbage may be put out there
• What are people reporting or promoting?  Illegal, harmful, or false information??

Overall, I generally think it's a good thing, it has tremendous benefits for the person designing the site and the audience viewing it.  All of the reasons it could be bad can be avoided--you get what you search for!! There are numerous ways to find out if a site is reputable and useful for a reader.  For the main reason that the internet is a tool where users determine their type of use, having the ability for anyone to design a website is a good, valuable tool. 

Advantages and Disadvantages:
Some of the most obvious advantages involve cost.....If you were to design a website on your own, it will more than likely be less costly than paying someone to do it.  It will also allow for first hand portrayal of your info; your expression, not someone else's.  Explaining to someone what you want or expect something to look like may not result in you getting exactly what you want. 
The biggest disadvantage is based on your level of knowledge and skill; this can possibly limit your creative abilities....you obviously know what you want things to do and how you want them to work and look, but do you really know how to produce that finished product?  Here's my thoughts on some of the possible dilemmas...

• Is what you're putting out there representing your information correctly and in a way that will accommodate your reader's needs?
• Could there be adverse effects based on your good intentions?
• The design process could be time consuming and frustrating, depending on the resources you  have available.
• It could also end up being just as costly designing your own website as it would have been if you were to hire someone to do it....would you have to purchase design tools, etc. ? (ex. software, cost of your time). 

Additional comments on readings...
I viewed the readings from Chapters 3&4 of the textbook and this week's articles as a review and reaffirmation of the interactive work we have been doing in class the past few weeks: learning what different web pages look like and how to create your own (changing text, adding images, different terminology that is important to know and remember, and how, when, and where to save). Chapter 4 did offer some new insight into the actual posting of a website and discussed strategies for the planning and execution process.

Usability and Accessibility
Usability and accessibility both revolve around accommodating the reader.  Usability can be described as making your website easy for your visitors to find the information they need when they need it; simple, readable, and fast to navigate.  It includes clearly presenting information, placing information in a manner that is obvious and easy to find, and accessing the information should be equally easy and obvious.
Accessibility makes the content of a website available to everyone.......who will be viewing the site and what are their potential needs?  It should be about removing barriers and limitations to make it usable for people of all abilites and disabilities.  Some of the common suggestions made to increase accessibilty include the use of authoring toools and evaluation tools when creating web content.  Usability and accessibilty are both important aspects of web design that coincide with one another....they both take little effort to execute, but often times are ignored in the design process.  When working with web design, the focus should be largely about the reader's experience.  Ultimately making sure that you include both of these elements will increase the likelihood that a reader will return to your site or choose to use your site above others.

Week #3 DIG315 Website Eval's

I chose to evaluate Hollister Co.'s website: http://www.hollisterco.com/. 

• The navigation had some pro's and con's.....the entry page to the website did not fit the suggested 800x600 of the text book. In order to view the entire page, you had to scroll down to see all of the options.  There was consistency and repetition in the navigation tools as far as design, placement, and usefulness; it was clear and simple.  The website also utilized frames as a way to organize their selection tools; some of them remained stationary while you viewed the page, others moved while you scrolled up and down. 
• I think the web page has great visual appeal and the overall design and use of graphics helps state their purpose and provides good direction for the reader.
• The page did consist of an abundance of graphics and information...though it was well placed, it did cause the page to take a little while to load.
• As a shopper, interactivity on this site was easy, and not stressful or frustrating when trying to locate exactly what you are looking to purchase. 
• I also believe that the display of this page is good example because it includes all of the C.R.A.P. principals and executes them well. 
• Overall, it is a good site that accommodates their target shoppers!

The second site I viewed was Albright's Moodle site http://moodle.albright.edu/

• Again, the entry page did not fit the recommended 800x600, but it did include the pyramid technique by containing the most important information first and then level of importance trickled down the page.
• Navigation is good, selection tools are framed out to help a reader navigate through the page.  Tools are clearly defined and organized throughout the page. (ie. log-in box and most frequently used tools placed first, directly at the top of the page)
• Sorry Albright, but I don't find the Moodle site to have much visual appeal at all!  It's simple and functions well, but nothing about it grabs my attention.
• Loading time for the website itself is rather fast, but when using the log-in function to navigate you to other areas of the site, it's often slow.  All other links are quick to load, well placed, clearly defined, and extremely useful for users.
• The website serves as a tool for students, in this instance, I think that perhaps the simplicity of it makes it easier for one to navigate.  The interactivity is one of the site's strong points!

Week 3 DIG315 Readings

What's Your Style Article....
I found it interesting to learn what the actual term usability meant for a website.  I had general knowledge, but this article provided me with a lot of new insight.  I was always initially impressed with the visual appearance or lack there of... never gave much thought to usability in the terms mentioned in this article. 
Here's what I took away from reading it, which I will all utilize when designing my website
-The web as being nonlinear presentation of info; it's use is largely determined by the user.  Some of that is obvious, but found navigating the web described as scanning, peeking, and poking, a rather interesting way to describe how it is used.
- Focus should be on pulling a user's attention in a particular direction
- The concept of the inverted pyramid; most important info first, general to specific.
- When designing, we need to predict how users will interact....this helps to organize, present, and display your info.

Chapter 7: Designing the Interface and Navigation
- Interface and navigation design are inseparable elements
- I learned a lot by the steps the book mentioned; I believe this will help greatly in designing a good website.  The breakdown helped me to develop a new approach and way of thinking about the process, particularly the preparation process before the actual designing on the web starts.  I liked and believe I will be utilizing the sticky note method!
- In the navigation part of the design, I now know that the focus should be on organization, not graphics!

Quiz pg 154
-The structure and organization in example B immediately struck me as having a better interface and navigation design.
Image B
-It fits the 800x600 pixel resolution and size; one size surfing that displays the entry page well
-The navigation is framed to the left side and is easily recognized
-Hyperlinks are obvious and clear
-Great display and use of graphics in the navigation process
-Graphics use repetition and frequency
-Graphics express intention (cheese=products and mouth=grins)
Image A
-Buttons are large and take up an excessive amount of space that could be utilized in other ways
-Not all of the navigation is displayed on the entry page; should have used 800x600
-Gave a bad first impression for me as a reader......
-Background color doesn't add to the overall design of the page, I think it even dulls it up!
-Where and what are the so-called sections? What is ratz stuff? What is rat ball?
-The poor organization of the website gave it a vague feeling, and as a reader, I found it to be somewhat confusing!

Chapter 8: Good and Bad Design
-Bad design is easier and more fun to recognize--before this class, I kind of already knew that, but now I have an appreciation for why! I also have obtained knowledge as to how it could've been done better. 

Criticism of Websites
I think all of my above comments throughout this week's blog pretty much sum up how I will critically analyze websites from here on out.  When I first heard that we were going to be asked to create a website for this class, I was scared to death!  All of the knowledge I have acquired in the past few weeks, especially last week's class, have boosted my confidence a bit.  I'm comfortable in saying that I think I now have the ability to create something with a lot of character that will be equally matched by a proficient interface and navigation design.  From here on out, I will be more critical when viewing a website, especially when looking at what information it contains and how it is organized, not just on how pretty I think it looks!

Week 2 DIG 315 Niagra Falls project

First and foremost, the image needs to be uploaded onto your computer and opened using photoshop.  Once the image is displayed in that program, make a duplicate copy of it by using the save as option.  This will ensure that even after you make all the desired editing options, you will still have an original copy to refer back to if you choose to do so in the future.  Now, you can start editing.  If the main purpose of your editing is to remove the unwanted tourists from your image, there are several steps you need to take.  To select the part of the picture you want to use on your website, you can utilize the quick selection tool.  Using this function, click on the image and drag it to include the part of the image you wish to include in your website.  Once you have made your selection, you will then need to select the copy function.  Note: if in the process of cropping your image, you have captured some unwanted material, you  have the option of zooming in on the image and using the eraser tool to get a more precise outline at a later time.  Once you  have selected to copy the image, go to file, open a new blank page, and select the paste function to carry the new version of your cropped image into a new file.  Here you can make any other changes to the image that you choose, including utilizing the eraser tool, adding text, etc. If the image is now precisely the way you want it, there are several things we need to do to ensure that it is web ready.  You will need to click on file and then scroll down and click save for web.  Once that window opens, there are several selections you need to consider.  Consider the resolution and quality of your picture that you want to achieve.  If it is a higher resolution, you may want to select saving the image as a Jpeg or PNG file to guarantee the best level of quality is maintained.  Now, you need to consider the size of the file.....the image taken is an 8 mega pixel; you need to explore your options for resizing the amount of space the file will consume.  Your space availability will determine your file size choice.  Lastly, you need to save the image, choose a file name, and include for the web behind the title so it is easily recognized as a file you intend to use for web publishing.  Now the image is ready for the web!

Week 2 DIG315 Readings

Chapter 9 & 10
I learned a lot of new info that was otherwise unfamiliar to me.  My only experience with photos and the web was using Picasa to do a quick edit, and uploading a photo onto Facebook.  Photoshop is somewhat new to me.  I have used the program a few times before, but got frustrated with it, and that was pretty much the end of it!  Here's what I've gained from class and readings so far this week........
I never quite understood the reasoning for saving an image as a Gif, Jpeg, and so on....I had no idea that it changed the file size or the colors (bit depth) in the images themselves.  I now have an understanding of when and why to choose which format.  When learning about resolution, I also never knew that you could change the image resolution to a ppi of 72, and that it would not effect how the image is displayed in the web.  When learning about web or browser safe colors, I didn't even know there was such a thing. 

My new found experience with photoshop has taught me several things, but I still think there are some pro's and con's.  Perhaps I was hesitant in using it before because it's such a large program with endless options.  I do like the fact that it has endless capabilities for what you can do with an image....adding text, changing the overall design if the image, and editing it in so many ways; it's endless.  I think I still struggle a little bit and find it somewhat hard to navigate some of its functions that we have learned so far.  It seems like some of the options are somewhat hidden and hard to find.  Everything that you try to do is somewhat tedious in the steps that you need to take, and maneuvering through the program is not always easy.  However, the pro's and possibilities of what photoshop allows you to do with an image totally out way the con's.  I think if I'm just a little more patient with learning the program and spend the necessary time experimenting with it, I will overcome being hesitated to use it. 

Chapter 12
Readability vs. Legibility
Readability refers to being able to clearly read the text that is provided, while legibility refers to recognition of the text that is provided.  They should coincide with one another in order to ensure that whatever you are trying to portray/display to a reader is displayed in the most effective and efficient manner. Readability includes the size and font of the text which can also include the use of bold, italics, etc. In order to determine that your reaching a good level of readability; your text shouldn't be too big or too small, and a variation of such things as bold, italics, etc. should be used, but shouldn't be overly repetitive.  Placement and amount of text is also important (size of lines and amount of text included).  Legibility includes the shapes and placement of words to organize it in a manner that is easily recognized and organized.  Again, typeface is a key factor in assuring legibility.  When considering readability and legibility, it is important to include different levels of contrast; it allows the readers to decipher the information and guides their attention the way you want!

Typography
Having knowledge in typography along with incorporating the C.R.A.P. principals learned last week are essential tools that we will use when designing our website project.  It provides all the basic elements we will need to develop our website successfully from start to finish.  The most valuable things I have learned thus far.......how to capture a reader's attention and keep it, how to guide a reader through the page by organizing and displaying information in the most productive manner.....make it flow!  How to ensure readability and legibility are achieved.  I also learned what I can and can't do, and how to do it.....choice of text, font, placement, etc.

Week 1 DIG 315

I learned a lot in the first week of class both through the lecture and readings.  Graphic design plays a large role in the print and wed.  I look at it as a visual enhancement that attracts one's attention to draw them into whatever information is being offered.  Print is more in the moment, a tangible item that offers a concise amount of information for the reader.  The web is always there to look at and view, it has some of the same qualities as print, but expands on it.  The information on the web is continuous and constantly evolving.  It gives us more options.  I have a good outlook for the the course in general.  I have always wanted to learn more about web design, and it has already sparked my creativity.  I am already thinking about ideas for my own website, and think it will be a helpful tool in an upcoming business adventure. 

The process of blogging is somewhat new to me..... I'm sure that via social networking I have had some experience with blogging.  I'm on the fence with how I feel about blogging, in terms of who can view my posts, and the fact that once it's out there, it's forever there.  I think it will be a useful tool to enhance interacting with others in class and serve as a good way to express myself in regards to the class and what I'm learning.  I looked at some of the other "bloggers" backgrounds, and was surprised that several people had the same ones.  I liked Kim's, it reminded me of the beach...who doesn't love the beach!  Austin's blog, made me feel like an amateur....obviously he's a little more advanced than I! 

Week 1 DIG315 Quiz

Pg 112 Quiz
1.  To ensure that all of your stockholders receive the annual report, I believe that print would be the best option.  The stockholders may consist of a variety of people, some may not have the ability, or prefer not to access that type of information via the web.  Print would guarantee everyone receives the information you want to provide.
2.  To ensure that you are reaching a large amount of businesses in the most cost efficient manner, I would use the web in this instance. Besides saving costs, utilizing the web has the added bonus of giving giving each of the agencies and studios an example of your work derived from the design of your advertisement. 
3.  The most cost-efficient and thorough way of notifying all of your customers of the software updates would be via email.  If they are already using your software, chances are that they can easily access an email via the web. 
4.  You would have to find a way that could guarantee that each of your clients would receive this valuable information.  You may have to consider both print and web depending on your clients resources.  If I had to choose, web would be the best way to reach clients routinely to update information that changes at such a fast pace. 
5.  If readers' responses are so strong, and the booklets you are offering are extremely useful for students and clients, you want to find a way to produce them that is both cost efficient and easily accessible.  The publisher's gripe about them being too small can serve as an advantage to you and the readers.  I would utilize the web to design and publish the pamphlets; use a print friendly way to display them.  Since the pamphlets are small, this gives the readers the option to print them out themselves if they choose to do so at little cost and it will also allow you to reach the rest of the world with your information.
6.  In order to compile a "high" quality collection, print may be your best option.  It will be a tangible item that demonstrates your artistic talent and it will enhance the quality of the work.  You could also utilize the web to "promote" the type of print that you create. 

Week 1 DIG315 Readings

About my readings........
Chapter 1 was somewhat of a review for me.  I had previous knowledge of the majority of the terms mentioned, but it was a good refresher! 
Chapter 2 was useful for learning the differences and values of a search engine vs. a directory.  I have never used the yahoo or google directory, but I believe that I have used other varieties of directories doing research in my psychology cohort--for example, the library resources. 
Chapter 5 offered new insight into my understanding of designing for the web vs. designing for print, particularly the advantages and disadvantages of both.  If I had to sum it up, I would say that the web is more cost efficeint and has the ability to reach a larger audience.  It also allows for information to be displayed and provided in a manner that is effective and abundant.  From a designer standpoint, it offers a vast number of resources, options, and enhances one's ability to express their creativity.  Designing for print is somewhat limited by your budget and available resources; it can be costly.  I consider print design to be somewhat inferior to web design because it limits the amount of content and information that one can display at a given time.  Print design does have some advantages that are primarily based on the conveniences it offers to the reader. 
Chapter 6 taught me about C.R.A.P.. Loved learning about this!!!  I can say that I will ever look at another website or form of advertisement again without using these principles. It also sparked my creativity, and I can't wait to apply these principals to my work.