Wireframes and User Paths: Assignment 06 GrDes 67 4/5/12
Posted in Artist on April 6, 2012 by cammordsithWireframes are story boards for your website. They can also be referred to as content layouts or page schematics. Wireframes show the hierarchy of information but do not dictate exactly how something should be represented.
You won’t need to define key user paths if your user won’t be doing anything task oriented (e.g. fill out a form, log in, make a purchase.) Since defining user paths is to simulate specific paths that a typical user would take when performing a task, defining a user path wouldn’t be required for simple sites that have no user tasking contained within them.
Site Map and Naming Conventions
Posted in Artist on March 30, 2012 by cammordsithA site map according to the book is “… the backbone upon which the project stands.” It is a visual representation of the sites structure, organization, flow, and grouping of content and information. It communicates, it defines and it structures.
To me the site map is a tool that lets you quickly assemble the project without getting lost. It is, in it’s truest sense, a map to tell you where you are, and where you have to go.
Naming conventions are ‘nomenclature’ guidelines as they apply to file, folder, and assets. A good example of this is the last project. I actually went to Apple.com and had a look at their source code and css. Though some of their css is hidden, the files that I could open followed a very clear and specific naming convention but the names were non-standard and proprietary. Despite this, one could easily determine what was coded by the names of the divs and other resources in their css code.
Naming files, images, and folders should be agreed upon at the beginning of a project, or worked out if working alone. And then strictly maintained so that consistency contributes to the smooth creation and maintenance of the project.
GrDes 67: Discussion Questions and Answers for 3/1/2012
Posted in Artist on March 1, 2012 by cammordsithWhat are the differences between a Formal and an Informal Industry Analysis?
Formal Industry Analysis
Formal research and analysis can allow for an in-depth look into the client and the industry, coming with a higher budget and utilizing greater expertise
Name a few of the features you might look for when you are doing a Competitive Analysis.
Download speed, media, email, contact information, social media, search capability, global navigation, animation,
What are the three main areas for rating when evaluating for a Competitive Analysis?
Overall Experience, Functionality, Look and Feel
Discussion Questions
Posted in Artist on February 24, 2012 by cammordsithHow many phases are part of the Core Process and what are they?
There are five phases to the Core Process.
Define The Project.
Develop Site Structure.
Design the Visual Interface.
Build & Integrate.
Launch & Beyond (Maintenance).
What is “Scope Creep” and how can you prepare for it?
Scope Creep is the slow growth of a projects scope into something much larger than anticipated. Creep can be reduced by defining it in initial planing with both client and team and keeping careful eye on process, schedule, and deliverables to assure project meets target goals and doesn’t slip or expand.
What are the two ways to combat content delay?
Hire a Content Manager. Then create a content delivery plan and have the client sign off on it.
What does the “QA” in QA testing stand for?
Quality Assurance.
What do the authors mean when they refer to “Smart Design?”
Whe Smart Design approach is Audience focused and driven by Functionality and User Experience. Anything that detracts from that is not Smart Design.
Gathering Information
What does the word “Discovery” refer to?
The word refers to the process where in the team or individual gets into the minds of the site’s users to understand as much as possible about the target audience, the client/company, the outgoing site and the scope of the project as a whole.
Give me a couple examples of “good client” attributes and “red flag client” warning signs.
A Good Client is goal oriented and focused on the sites big picture, Answers the Client Survey, Is timely on all sign-offs to include deliverables, schedule and budget, returns emails and calls, gets all your content on time, loves everything you do and pays as agreed. A Red Flag Client has a small budget and totally unrealistic deadlines, they have no idea what they want, have no content to offer, but want something really “cutting edge” but they want you to comp up a lot of ideas well before they consider any budget, doesn’t return emails or calls promptly, can’t make a decision to save their life.
Understanding your audience
What is an audience profile? What is another name for it?
An Audience Profile is a document that give a detailed description of a typical site vistor. This profile is also known as a “Persona”.
Name some of the things you need to analyze when determining an audience’s capabilities?
When deciding on an audience one must consider their technical capabilities knowing that in choosing certain levels of current tech for a new or redesigned site you might leave certain demographics behind if your requirements are too steep. What sort of tech savvy does your audience have? What kind of methods may they employ to connect to the net? What machines or devices might they own? Are they up to date with their OS? Are they home users? Are they mobile users? Both? What about Assistive technology?
