|
Web
Design Elementals:
|
Considerations | |
|
Interactivity - The user actually manipulates your website, and goes wherever he or she wants to. Also, he or she can interact with a site through mail and online forms. Fluidity - Websites can be seen anywhere in the world, and text can be rewritten in different languages. Variety - There exist a variety of different computer operating systems, Internet browsers, and viewing options. Not to mention technology variations among people who use the Internet, like those with disabilities. Immediacy - As soon as a page is uploaded, it's globally published. Hypertext - Unlike traditional media, webpages can allow a user to go anywhere from anywhere, with no restrictions, and with ease. Age - The minute a page goes up, it starts to age. Unless you want to deal with it everyday, design your pages so you do not have to update them on a daily basis. Links - If you link to other sites, check periodically to make sure they still work. Broken links are annoying and reflect poorly on the site and the entity who owns it. Multimedia - Different kinds of media can be combined on a Web page, such as audio, video, and animation. These are some challenges that make Web design both frustrating and exciting. It is more dynamic than print design, and so has different pros and cons. The interface, or the way users interact with the medium, isn't flat or static. Users scroll and click rather than turning pages. In essence, the limitations of web design are also some of its greatest strengths. It is virtually impossible to make a website that is perfect, that will please every viewer. As a designer, you can only use the established tools of design to create a product that is likely to be successful. Don't force your design on the user, or make them learn your site. As a web designer, your job is the same as any other designer: to get the message through. Designing for the Internet poses limits on a designer's traditional freedoms, but offers new freedoms in exchange. As a traditional designer, one must adapt and use these new tools. If that cannot be done, then the designer will never succeed in this new and exciting medium. See how closely you
were paying attention by taking a java
test.
|
|