Midterm Design Process

After all of the preparatory paperwork that we did the first half of the semester, I was a little overwhelmed with information. It caused me to over think my design at first. My main goal was to group the navigation in a way that was easy to execute and stay away from intimidating the user. When looking at competition, as well as our own main website, the first thing that popped out to me was all the navigation, which can confuse and frustrate the audience.

It was key to streamline navigating the site, while still including all the necessary resources needed in an education site. My first step was to divide the nav into user based categories, “students, faculty, alumni, home(visitors, prospective students)” From there, it was about breaking up the users by program (GD, ET, IAD)

As mentioned earlier, all the preparatory paperwork frustrating me at first, but once I took the time to review it methodically, it streamlined the entire design process. The sitemap and wireframes especially lessened the load of designing the pages.

When actually thinking of the word web “design,” I would never think the most important process would be so non-visual. But it turned  a very intimidating task in to a manageable one.

Two Design Comps

GrDes 67 week 6

What are wireframes?

Wireframes are non-design oriented sketches that show rough drafts of nav, copy, layout, key headers and other key elements on a page. In short, wireframes are “storyboards for the site.”

 

When do you not need to define key user paths?

If your site doesn’t require the user to fill out a form, log in or purchase anything, if they don’t have to do anything task oriented.

GrDes 67 Week 5

What is a site map?

A sitemap shows proposed links and main navigation. It works along the content outline. It outlines content, organization, and some functionality.

What are the two types of naming conventions that are addressed  in the book?

Organizational/numerical naming and HTML naming.

Grdes67 week3

Give examples of good documentation practices for a project.

Keep anything signed by the client, create a project folder or binder to keep all signed documentation, contracts, briefs, etc.

When is an additional change form used? (oftentimes referred to as Change Order)

When scope creep occurs and additional charges need to be made, use the additional change form to add to anything to the already established budget.

What are the two ways to approach the Scheduling task?

First create a schedule that overviews methodology chronologically. Then give a date by date format that itemizes deliverables.

What is the difference between a Visual Designer and an Information Designer?

The visual designer creates  graphics that fit into limitations and capabilities of the target audience. The information designer lays out the site map and navigation. They define the nav, functionality and user interaction.

What is a “staging area?”

It is a “hub of communication.” Also called a project site or client site, a staging area is url used for posting material for the client and design team alike to review.

What is included in the agenda of a “kick off” meeting?

Introduction of the project plan, overall site goals, schedule and timing, content, what your next steps are, and schedule regular meetings.

Grdes67 Week 2

What are the differences between a Formal and an Informal Industry Analysis?

A formal analysis would involve an independent research team with an expertise in marketing/communications/research. While an informal analysis would involve members of the actual web development team.

A formal analysis will be data driven, with a focus on market research that will end up with a book of information. Usually costs 20,000 and up.

An informal analysis will be feature driven, showing what works and what doesn’t. Research will end up with a short analysis, around 5 to 20 pages, and cost up to 20,000 maximum.

Name a few of the features you might look for when you are doing a Competitive Analysis.

Content, graphics, media, functionality, email, ad banners, message boards.

What are the three main areas for rating when evaluating for a Competitive Analysis?

GrDes67 week 1

Core Design Process

How many phases are part of the Core Process and what are they?


5 phases.

1. Define the project

2. Develop site structure

3. Design visual interface

4. Build and integrate

5. Launch and beyond

What is “Scope Creep” and how can you prepare for it?


It is when the scope of your site design subtly becomes significantly bigger. It is important to bring up “scope creep” to your client and your team in the beginning of the process and make sure to keep tabs on the schedule and content and updates.

What are the two ways to combat content delay?


1. Hire a content manager

2. Create a content delivery plan.

Creating a schedule that outlines dates to be met.

What does the “QA” in QA testing stand for?


Quality assurance.

What do the authors mean when they refer to “Smart Design?”

A smart design puts the audiences needs and experience before the designers ambitions. Thinking like your audience is the key to smart design.

Gathering Information


What does the word “Discovery” refer to?


Discovering information about your client. Their audience, goals, needs, expectations, budget.

Give me a couple examples of “good client” attributes and “red flag client” warning signs.

Good Client: Goal orientated, can give clear, definitive answers to the client survey, and is responsive to e-mail, phone calls.

Red Flag Client: Wants the site to “get up quick,” uses phrases like “look cool” rather than outlining goals and needs. Small budget, swift deadline.

Understanding your Audience

What is an audience profile? What is another name for it?


Also called personas, an audience profile is a description of your clients and how your product serves them.

Name some of the things you need to analyze when determining an audience’s capabilities?

Technical capabilities, screen resolution, bandwidth, which software is installed, which browser?