Week 4

This week is Chapters 6 and 7 in Creating a Web Site and chapter 2 in The Principles of Beautiful Web Design.

Creating a Web Site:

Chapter 6 is all about graphics. MacDonald notes that graphics add a lot to web sites but also add a lot of complication. Working with images offers many decorative elements to the site and also supports the text and enhances the design features of the site. I was most interested in MacDonald's discussion of Background Images (p. 198). Background images are fun for entertainment sites but not so good for professional sites. I think this is probably a mistake people make when they are just starting out with web design. I am planning on making my website a professional/resume site because I feel that web design skills will best be displayed this way, so I won't use a background image.

Chapter 7 presents linking pages. This is essential for websites. One important part of the text is the instructional guide for changing the colors of links while using a stylesheet (page 209).

The Principles of Beautiful Web Design chapter 2 is all about color. It is important to consider color associations, as discussed on page 39. This is also worth noting if you want your website to be accessible internationally, as different cultures have different associations for colors. Color schemes are important in the design of websites because they subtly inform users of the tone of the website as well as enhance the overall organization and flow of the pages.

Websites:

1. http://webstyleguide.com/index.html
This book informs readers of style guides for web sites. The Universal Usability chapter of the online book is a good reference.

2. http://universalusability.com/access_by_design/index.html
This site has very valuable information about web design.

3. http://www.adaptivepath.com/ideas/essays/archives/000242.php
The designer of this site has great suggestions for teams or groups of people who are designing sites. The "Nine Pillars" are wonderful suggestions for organizing a new site.

4. http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/05/08/now-more-than-ever-50-more-excellent-blog-designs/

Excellent blog designs! All of these chosen designs are unique and creative. Not boring.

5. http://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp

W3Schools Tutorials are great ways to stay informed and up-to-date on information such as CSS and html.