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Parkland College > Fine &
Applied Arts > Graphic
Design | Web
Design >
GDS 214 WEB DESIGN II
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Objective |
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To be introduced to the principles of Web site design and CSS. To communicate ideas visually and verbally. To conceptualize visuals based on content. To review design principles and typography systems as it relates to web design.
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Secondary objective |
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To utilize Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Image Ready and Dreamweaver as layout and production tools. To collaborate with a programmer to create functional forms.
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Description |
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Design and produce an e-commerce web site for a local business. The site must have a front page and at least 4 inside pages. At the minimum, it must include a form for purchasing products. Each page of the site must load in 10 seconds or less (at 28.8kps) and be tested in both Netscape and Internet Explorer. For this project, you must use a linked CSS file. Your design must show an understanding of unity, emphasis, balance and color. When appropriate, utilize rhythm and depth as well.
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Procedure |
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1. RESEARCH FOR INSPIRATION: Research award-winning web sites. Be sure to review trade publications (Print, How, Communication Arts, Yahoo Internet Life), books, annuals as well as the Internet Resources page. Look at navigation as well as design. Look for well-designed forms and shopping carts. How easy is it for a customer to make a purchase? Scan/bookmark pages that have innovative artwork and/or navigation schemes. Collect and publish your favorites on your projects page. At our research critique, present your research in class (on screen). Be prepared to explain why these examples are successful. 2. MARKETING RESEARCH: Research the business you will be designing the site for. What kind of products do they sell? Who is their target audience? Who is their competition? What is their unique selling points? Do they have an existing web site? Acquire a reproduction quality logo and copies of printed promotions (if possible). Analyze your research and write a written statement of objectives in the form of a memo (see sample brief). 3. INCUBATION: Absorb the information you have gathered and sleep on it. Allow your unconscious mind to make connections for you. 4. DEVELOP THE CONCEPT: In your sketchbook begin to conceptualize ideas for this project (see sample thumbnails). Make at least 10 sketches of all possible directions you might take this project. Draw exactly how you intend to present both your front page as well as one sample inside page. Edit your concepts down to your best three ideas and redraw them inside a browser window (download PDF file of a blank browser window) using a felt tip pen. Rough out site maps (download examples of site maps) as needed to explain your navigation scheme. Test how successful your concepts are by presenting them in class for critique. Be prepared to talk about your message as well as how your message fulfills the objectives. 5. EXECUTION: Based on the critique of the above, prepare a prototype "mock-up" of two sample screens in Adobe Photoshop which will indicate the "look and feel" of the site (one front page and one inside page). Place your art inside a blank browser window (download layered PSD file with various browser windows). Print out your prototype screens in b&w and be prepared to talk about how the design principles of unity, emphasis and balance are utilized in your layout. 6. PORTFOLIO PREPARATION: Based on the critique of the above, produce a fully functional site. Publish your site and link to it from your projects page. Present your finished site on screen for critique. Prepare a presentation to "sell" your design to the client. If necessary, make refinements until you are 100% satisfied with the project. Be sure to save all your files for future editing.
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Schedule |
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See Calendar.
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______________________________ Last updated: 6/28/02 • Webmaster: Paul Young
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