This is an introductory class to web sites and how to design them. It covers basic concepts and essential skills necessary to build a functional web site.

I. COURSE TITLE: WEBSITE DESIGN

DEPT: GRPH NUMBER: 225 UNITS: 3

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is an introductory class to web sites and how to design them. It covers basic concepts and essential skills necessary to build a functional web site.

III. PRE- REQUISITES: GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION I

IV. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:

Lecture
Demonstration
Class work
Student Critiques & Feedback
Examples

V. EVALUATION METHODS:

GRADES BASED ON:

1. Understanding and solving the problem.
2. Creativity
3. Craftsmanship/Execution
4. Presentation

VI. TEXTBOOKS:

The Non-Designers Web Book, Robin Williams and Jon Tollett; PeachPit Press, 1998

Designing Web Graphics.2, Lynda Weinman; New Riders, 1996

PhotoShop Web Magic, Volume 2, Jeff Foster; Hayden Books, 1997

VII SUPPLIES:

( 2) Zip 100 Disks

VII. STUDENT PERFOMANCE OBJECTIVES:

The student will:

1. Explore the reasons for developing a strong web site.
2. Design a basic web site.
3. Be introduced to the World Wide Web.
4. Be introduced to how to search the Internet.
5. Be introduced to how to organize files for a web site.
6. Discuss the potential audience for a web site.
7. Explore how design is affected by designing for print vs. Web.
8. Explore basic web site. design principles.
9. Explore the design of interface and navigation.
10. Discuss good and bad web site. design.
11. Explore color and web site. design.
12. Discuss graphic definitions.
13. Integrate digital graphic design techniques and layout.
14. Learn how to prepare image files for the web.
15. Learn how the principles of digital design apply to graphic design.
16. Explore typography on the Web.
17. Discuss how to test, upload and update a Site.
18. Discuss how and why to register a Site.

VIII. UNITS OF STUDY

UNIT 1 Using the World Wide Web.
UNIT 2 Designing Web Pages.
UNIT 3 Color, Graphics and Type.
UNIT 4 Testing, Uploading, Updating and Registering a Site.

CLASS I Introduction: Introduction and exploration of the World Wide Web. How to search the Internet.

CLASS II Introduction to Designing a Web Page: What is a web page? Things to know before you begin a web site.

CLASS III Designing a Web site.: Introduction to web authoring software.

CLASS IV Designing a Web site.: Basic design principles. Designing the interface and navigation.

CLASS V Color and typography colors

CLASS VI Using PhotoShop to Web Graphics

CLASS VII HTML, Scanning for the Web and Animating Graphics

CLASS VIII More Animation and Sound

CLASS IX Image Maps and Forms

CLASS X Testing Your Site and Finding a Web Hosting Company

CLASS XI Uploading, Updating and Promoting a site

Homework Assignments

Class 1: due 4/16

• What you would like your web site to accomplish (one paragraph)
• The first impression a visitor to your web site should receive
• A picture of the type of individual you would like to visit your site.

Class 2: due 4/23

• Describe the demographic to which your site is targeted (one paragraph)
• Develop a copy platform:
  • Positioning statement for yourself, your product or service
  • Positioning statement and description for at least 3 features
• Sketch out your site's architecture
• Choose a basic color palette (two primary colors)

Class 3: due 4/30

• Sketch out your web site's front page, being sure to indicate
  • All navigation controls
  • All graphic elements needed
  • All copy needed (indicate where it will go and what it must do rather than writing the actual words)
• Read The Non-Designers Web Book, pages 24 - 75 and chapters 6 - 8
  
• Read Designing Web Graphics 2, chapters 2 and 3

Class 4: due 5/7

• Re-write your copy platform, developing the specific language you will use to:
  • Position (describe) to visitors what your site is about. For example: "A place to get serious about comedy"
  • Position (describe) yourself, your product or service, or whatever else your site is trying to sell or provide. For Example: "The world's funniest skinny white guy."
  • Position (describe) each level-two page on your site: for example: "Wonderful one-liners." "Jokes you would never tell your mother." "The truth about lawyers."
• Read The Non-Designers Web Book, chapters 9 and 12 (the chapters in between will be read later)
• Read Designing Web Graphics 2, chapters 6 and 11 (the chapters in between will be read later)
• Review Pages 40 - 44 and 90-91 in Photoshop Web Magic and be prepared to create these graphic elements in class. Bring the book, or at least its CD-ROM to classes with you.
  

Class 5: due 5/14

• Read: Non-Designers-pages 200-201 and 206-209
• Read: DWG2-chapter 7
• Write: List of primary navigation controls (typically used on all level-two pages and the home page)

Class 6: due 5/21

• Read: Non-Designers-pages 195 and 210-12
• Read: DWG2-chapters 12 and 14
• Write: Sketch out or find at least 3 frames for an animation

Class 7: due 5/28

• Read: Non-Designers-chapter 13 (will not be reviewed in class)
• Read: DWG2-chapter 15

Class 8: due 6/4

• Read: Non-Designers-chapter 14

Class 9: due 6/11

• Read: Non-Designers-chapter 15

Class 10: due 6/18

• Read: Non-Designers-chapter 16