Will you be more critical?

Yes I will be definitely more critical of websites I visit. From someone’s point of view that does not design websites I think people look for aspects that are not related to good design. Examples being alignment, a lot of sites have things scattered all over the pages but they might like the colors or pictures that were used. Slow loading pages and maybe too much clutter might discourage the regular surfer but for those who design sites will see much deeper into all the aspects of the site.

                Each week is a learning experience in this class. I work in IT but have never did any designing of web pages. There are some aspects that an amature could do and others that take a very education graphic design person.

Evaluate 2 websites

1. URL http://singerequipment.com/index.asp

            The first site I chose was the company I work for Singer Equipment Company.

On the home page is the Singer logo in our 5-color scheme.  The six main buttons across the top of the page match our color scheme, when clicking on a button it keeps you on the same page and displays information pertinent to the button.
          When clicking on the catalog links you navigate to the category of the link, which brings you to specific items in that category.  Alt labels for graphics are marked if pictures are turned off.  When putting the cursor on the back arrow it tells you where you are going back to so you know exactly where you are in the site. 

            There is a lot of information on the home page and some other pages so you must scroll down to see the rest of the page, which is one, negative.  Overall, the site has a professional designed for easy reading and navigatio

2. URL http://www.cdw.com

            The second site I chose was CDW they are a vendor of computer hardware and software that we use at my work place.  Navigation buttons are easy to understand and clearly labeled to let you know where you are in the site.  They also are not big and bulky.  Text to background is a good contrast for very readable text.

            Pages download quickly with good use of graphic elements.  They keep to two main colors red and orange, but sprinkle in another color here and there on other, pages.  They use repetitive elements on all pages.  One down fall are you had to scroll down to see all the information on the page

            This site has many of the elements that make up a good website.  Navigation and clarity of text to background are two of the main elements that make this site good.  In addition, the color scheme is another good element.

Week #4 Quiz from page154

Graphic one:

• The first one you will have to scroll down to see the rest of the page, the whole page does not fit on the screen.
• Large buttons take up more space then necessary.
• The one graphic does not display so no alt labels to tell you what it should be.
• Some people like black but a more colorful background would be better and everything is in the center of the page.

Graphic two:

• The second one the whole page displays on the screen no scrolling to see the rest of the page.
• There are matching graphic and text buttons.
• I have better idea where I am going when I click on the buttons.
• The color scheme is better and it has a nice left alignment

Week #4 Quiz from page154

Graphic one:

• The first one you will have to scroll down to see the rest of the page, the whole page does not fit on the screen.
• Large buttons take up more space then necessary.
• The one graphic does not display so no alt labels to tell you what it should be.
• Some people like black but a more colorful background would be better and everything is in the center of the page.

Graphic two:

• The second one the whole page displays on the screen no scrolling to see the rest of the page.
• There are matching graphic and text buttons.
• I have better idea where I am going when I click on the buttons.
• The color scheme is better and it has a nice left alignment

Graphic one:

• The first one you will have to scroll down to see the rest of the page, the whole page does not fit on the screen.
• Large buttons take up more space then necessary.
• The one graphic does not display so no alt labels to tell you what it should be.
• Some people like black but a more colorful background would be better and everything is in the center of the page.

Graphic two:

• The second one the whole page displays on the screen no scrolling to see the rest of the page.
• There are matching graphic and text buttons.
• I have better idea where I am going when I click on the buttons.
• The color scheme is better and it has a nice left alignment

Additional comments

As we go on each week, I learn something new and understand why graphic design, particularly for the web, is such an intriguing and fascinating world.  I am no artist what so ever, but this makes me feel I can do something I never thought I could do.

Poll questions

My favorite was: "Should medical marijuana be legalized in all states"
Don't judge me I was born in the 60's.

Readability vs Legibility and Summarizing typography

Readability vs Legibilty

How easy it is to read a lot of text, extended text, and pages and pages of text refers to readability.

Being able to recognize short bursts of text, such as headlines, buttons, and signs easily is the meaning of legibility.

The difference is readability is being able to easily read lots of text and legibility is being able to recognize short references of text.

Summarize typography

Typography is a set of rules for applying text in all forms such as, headlines, or banners, to whole paragraphs of text for the web.  Following these guidelines can help you make your web site and web pages stand out.  There is some room for flexibility for you to use your creativity to make it your own style.  Remember to stick with the guidelines because something simple as a text font will display differently in different browsers.  Stick to the basic rules but be creative to put your own imagination to your web site.

Week #2 Making your image web ready

1. The first thing you want to do is make sure the resolution is 72 to 96.  Computers can only display at 72-96 dot per inch.

2. Resize the image next; you have to know how much space your image needs for your web page.  You should make the image larger at first you can always go back and make it smaller but you cannot make it larger.  In Photoshop go to image, resize, and image size.

3. You can now crop the image; you want to get rid of the tourists on your picture.  Cropping is a technique of removing unwanted images to leave only the images you want.  Using the elliptical and rectangular marquis tool with or without feathering for resizing is another option.

4. Adding layers, adding text, and applying filters are some other options for your image. Layers give the image different levels to work with.  Adding text to your image is another option if you want to add a title or a caption to your image.  Filters can enhance or completely change your image to your own liking.

5. Last thing is to save your file.  Save it to its native file type first.  Then save it for the web, in your image software go to file and save for the web.  Save the picture as a jpegs, this is the best file format for pictures and graphics with many colors.

Answers to Quiz on Page 112

Question #1:

The web with email if they want a copy they can print one

Question #2:

The web you can design a business card with your web address on it

Question #3:

On the web emailing customers is quick

Question #4:

The web is easier and quicker to update

Question #5:

You could make files to view on the web

Question #6:

Print gives you a higher quality

What is your understanding of designing for the web vs designing for print.

When designing for the web some advantages are:
  

• the relatively low cost of web publishing
• colors are endless (print is limited in colors)
• changes can be made quickly (have to take back to the printer)
• sounds and animation ( not available to print)
• variety, convenience, and accessibility (need multiple forms of print)

Advantages of designing for print:

• print is portable (can't carry a monitor with you)
• cheaper to read (don't need a computer)
• read it anywhere (don't want the pc in the tub)
• keep a book forever (if you don't have power can't view a pc)

What did you learn about graphic design and how does graphic design play a role in our daily lives and activities in both the print and web?

            Graphic design is about basic concepts and principles that if followed will make your presentation look and be professional.  Whether you are design a web page or an advertisement in the local newspaper these ideas and concepts will bring out the best in your work.  After reading the assigned chapters I look at every web site, web page, and advertisement differently now.  I would look at a web site because it had a cool picture or the site was an interest of mine. Now I look for the true design of the web site, what alignment did they use, are related items grouped together.  What color scheme did they use and did they use it repetitively through out the site if it has multiple pages.
          Everywhere you look, you can probably see some form of advertising in your daily life.  Driving down the highway with billboards shouting out at you to buy a new car or play the lottery to the daily newspaper wanting you to buy something on sale at your nearest shopping center. Then you the World Wide Web probably the most used form of advertising in our lives today.  All these forms of advertising try to get your attention by a fancy slogan or an eye-catching picture made in some form of graphic design.