Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Unit 6 Classchum Feedback

A suggestion to make the information on the quick view page was made to edit the existing side scrolling page view widget and make a static text page that scrolls instead.

A suggestion to align to a grid system was made to ensure balance.

 A reccomendation to instead of having video on every page, make a play button for the video/audio on the quick view page under the text.

Unit 5 Reading Response


Chapter 8 describes the tension that can occur between workers due to personal preference in usability and the perceived notion of a formula that will work in all situations. This is not a comfortable topic for most due to the deeply tied emotional responses triggered by a person’s passion for their career. The best approach is to look at design and functionality in an objective, case by case basis. Understanding that different approaches to solutions are necessary in a team environment.


Chapter 9 speaks about the differences between usability testing and focus groups. Focus groups can help direct the intent of the overall job through talks about the needs and desires of the use. Usability testing is much different and encompasses the entire scope of how thing work and users reactions to the elements they encounter. There are multiple tests that have the ability to save the company money in the long run. Weeding out unnecessary, complicating elements to improve the experience, deciding the most efficient way to tackle resolutions, and clarification of all necessary data are some of the ways usability testing can prove useful. Test, test, and retest.

someslightlyirregular.com/2011/08/you-say-potato/
extra normal

nngroup.com/articles/ten-usability-heuristics/

usability.gov/how-to-and-tools/methods/heuristic-evaluation.html

Project 2 lofi and hifi prelimcomp

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2HbcZlTXl-pbkJ1ak80eEgxUFU/edit?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2HbcZlTXl-pdUM5M3lCU1RsUzA/edit?usp=sharing

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Unit 4 Reading Response

Chapter 7. The Big Bang Theory of Web Design


The homepage a key factor in showing the intent and features a website has to offer. The organization, hierarchy, and content are driving elements to direct the user and add confidence in its usefulness. The identity and mission should be clearly presented through logo or brand, tagline, and style. Establishing a clear direction for navigation of the site with search, promos, teasers, streaming content, deals, shortcuts, and registration for updates or premiere access to the site can be very helpful in getting the user to go where you would like. Creating a subconscious layout that a user can automatically predict is a way to help avoid confusion. Offering only the necessary information in an uncluttered manner will also curb confusion and bolster the intent of the site if done well. Displaying only key points on a homepage gives a taste of what is offered. This method is useful for the user to gain the overall concept without needing to read a book; timing is everything. Making clear starting points on the homepage engages the user to comfortably jump in and begin digging.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

P2 Research



Unit 3 Reading Response


“Don’t Make Me Think”, by Steve Krug

Chapter six, Street Signs and Breadcrumbs, begins with the most fundamental need on a webpage; clear navigation. Likening the process of designing navigation to a stores way finding devices, it illustrates a clear picture of usability. Global navigation with indications of location through the use of state changes and accompanying visuals to support the location allow the user to feel comfortable. A site ID or logo will maintain the users confidence in their location. Utilities, such as search bars, are helpful devices, but should be limited in the persistent navigation, any more than four should be placed in the footer. The search results should be limited to the content of the site to limit the users confusion. Navigation hierarchy should remain clear and be limited in levels to allow for a clean design and simple usability. Page names placed in an obvious location; large enough to be prominent, and named appropriately are vital in creating a visual hierarchy. Page names offer the user a sense of location and eliminate confusion in navigation. Highlighting location in the main navigation also helps with a sense of location. Breadcrumbs, a list as navigation can aid in the process of finding what and where things are located and coming form. Tabs can be helpful as part of navigation to allow for ease of use, and easy to locate paths to information. Site Id, Page name, Primary navigation (major sections), local navigation (secondary navigation), state changes and breadcrumbs, and search bars are the components of solid navigation.


Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Unit 2 Reading Response

“Don’t Make Me Think”, by Steve Krug

Chapter three's sentiment is, If it ain't broke, don't fix it. It then leads to describe a web page that uses a photo for navigation. The next section highlights three elements of hierarchy in information display–scale,grouping, and nesting. Break page up into logically sectioned areas. The book covers the idea that making things obvious is a very important part of design and usability. Tidy and uncluttered, with the use of negative space to allow the reader access to information quicker. Chapter four is brief and re-emphasizes that people are lazy and unintelligent. Chapter five reminds us to edit and proof our work for unnecessary wordiness and layers of text form questions.

popforms.com 
webmd.com
dbfestival.com