Web layout

We discussed in class the other day about some of the principles of web page layout, and what works and what does not work.  It is truly amazing how much of a difference your web page will look and feel after applying very simple changes to your layout.  This includes an expansive range of factors including: font size, legibility, color, mood, etc.  Having an artistic eye is useful during these decision making moments.  It’s important to have color schemes that do not clash. Pick colors that work together to get your point across, and that stand out to your targeted audience.  The next really important part of layout is having your site easy to navigate.  In order to master this in your site, your page tabs should be easy to find, and consistent throughout every page of your site.  Your main focus should be aimed at ensuring cohesion throughout the web page. Having a site that is easy to read makes the world of a difference.  Keep it simple, and eliminate anything busy and unnecessary.  The last thing to remember is to keep up with technology.  This is very important!  And with advertising, do not just promote your webpage online, but utilize other sources.

Below are the sites that I found very useful in my web page layout.

http://www.grantasticdesigns.com/5rules.html

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2007/03/26/keep-it-simple-stupid-showcase-of-simple-and-clean-designs/

http://designshack.net/articles/layouts/10-rock-solid-website-layout-examples

Photoshop

This week we started using Photoshop.  I think the most important thing that I have learned thus far is the concept of Photoshop layering.  Practicing layering is very important in gaining a better understanding of how the program is used.   With anything, the more practice I apply, the more confident I feel.  And that’s especially true with Photoshop.  So I highly recommend endurance through the tedious moments.  The following websites have been more than ideal resources for me, and I hope you can learn from them as well!

Websites:

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/03/09/useful-photoshop-tips-and-tricks-for-photo-retouching/

http://www.adobetutorialz.com/articles/2179/1/Helpful-Tips-for-Beginners

http://mashable.com/2010/08/12/12-beginner-tutorials-for-getting-started-with-photoshop/

Top 10 website rules!

When making any successful web site there are certain rules to follow. And although there are many different options and variations to what are considered to be a good site, I have studied and concluded that these are the most popular rules taken from many different sites.  Together they make up my top ten most important rules for web site design.

Top 10 Rules for Web Design

1.        Simple and organized  (get to the point to much information can be a bad thing)

2.       Design (what it looks like, remember this is the first impression)

3.       Navigation (how do they move in and out of your site is it easy)

4.       Consistency  (don’t change your font and letters it can be hard on the eyes)

5.       Color (make a good choice of colors not too bright or dark as it may be hard to read)

6.       Content (emphasize the important info that you are trying to convey)

7.       Multiple browsers  (gives you more variety, not everyone uses Google)

8.       Test web site (Not only does it work but can other browsers read all content)

9.       Clear, Clear, Clear message

10.   Check for errors (remember your site is a representation of what you stand for)

The addresses below offer further insight into the topic of ten rules to web site design.

http://www.mixyourmedia.com/top10_web.php   http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/jun2008/id20080623_750025.htm

http://www.sharpened.com/web/about/rules.html

http://www.roi.com.au/web-design/top-10-rules-of-best-practice-website-design/

http://www.pawprint.net/internet-marketing/small-business-web-site.php

Welcome!

Hi everyone, my name is Lance Malmberg and I’m a current student at Western Washington University, and am taking an Emerging Communication Technologies class that requires me to maintain and update a Blog.  I’m an avid outdoors man, and am known for my latest hunting stories, so the idea of keeping a blog is like Conan dancing with flowers in his hair.  Just plain weird!  But stay tuned, and see what I come up with!