Sample Discussion and Applications from Principles
of Web Design
Chapter 1. Understanding the Web: A Designer's View Chapter 4 Using Content Types Effectively Chapter 5 Societal Implications and Ethical Choices Chapter 8 The Navigational Interface Chapter 11 Graphic Design
Chapter 13 Non-Hierarchal Information Structures
Consider that the term "page" was chosen as the term for
a unit of content on the Web. Do you see problems with this choice? What
alternative terms, including the possibility of neologisms (newly invented
terms), can you think of?
Find two Web sites not devoted to music in which sound is used effectively.
Explain.
A Seniors Citizens' residence has recently acquired a computer with Internet
access so that residents can use email (especially to communicate with
their children and grandchildren) and surf the Web. The computer is located
on a table in the main lounge and is quite popular. Several residents
however, have observed other residents viewing pornographic Web sites and
want this practice stopped. This issue is on the agenda for the next management
meeting. Or, you are assistant manager of the facility. You are also
the facility's system administrator and the designer of the facility's
own Web site. Because of your expertise and professional responsibility,
you will be expected to take a leadership role at the meeting. What information
will you gather to prepare yourself for the meeting? What is your overall
viewpoint on this issue?
Compare the identity information on a sampling of Web pages on two different
Web sites. What are the differences? Which design ideas are effective or
ineffective in introducing the Web site and lending coherence to the user's
experience as the user navigates the site?
Visit www.websitesthatsuck.com
or another Web site that calls attention to bad design on the Web. Examine
some of the featured Web sites and, when available, the criticism that
is offered. Do you agree with the criticism? To what degree do the shortcomings
of these Web sites pertain to graphic design? What other kinds of shortcomings
are present?
Examine several of the Web sites available for perusal on the Second
Story Web site or a comparable Web design company. Diagram the node-link
structure of one of these Web sites. The diagram does\does not need to be complete;
it just needs to suggest the overall information structure. Briefly evaluate
this Web site. 