Students should be aware that this is NOT a how-to Photoshop class and should have some basic understanding of how to create shapes and work with type and images. That said, some tutorials will be given depending on the cohorts Photoshop level, and I will be happy to give any tutorials requested from students.
Objectives
Students will...
- learn to analyze and research a target audience.
- be able to evaluate the information architecture of a site.
- understand how a company's brand identity plays a part in the design choices.
- develop the capability to mock up designs for web, mobile, and tablet.
- gain an understanding of responsive design.
- make a simple .css file for the typography of your site.
Goals
- Learn the skills necessary to conceive and design a good website.
- Become familiar with the fundamental web design principles.
- Develop an understanding of the terminology, process and design skills used to make a smart and accessible website.
- Gain the communication skills necessary to discuss your work in a professional team environment.
Class Structure
During each class, we will build upon what was learned in the previous sessions. Please be on time and on schedule with your assignments so that we have time to get through everything.
Students should be prepared to...
- present work when assignments are due.
- receive a critique of new work.
- be lectured and perform exercises when learning new material.
- work on in-class assignments.
The percentage of time spent on each will be determined by project phase.
Class Project
Option 1: Redesign an existing website.
Option 2: Design an original website.
The final project deliverable for each student's website will include:
- Homepage
- Submenu page
- Content/Detail page
- 2 pages of your website adapted for mobile
- 2 screens of your website adapted for tablet
On each of the above pages, students will have to incorporate:
- Global Navigation
- Sub-navigation
- Headers and subheads
- Header/Footer
- Content (text and images)
- Social Media
- Contact page with form
Students will give a presentation of their website and all assignments on the last day of class.
Project Requirements
Complete all of the following:
- Setup a blog where you can keep your assignments and screens for presentation.
- Present 3 possible sites for redesign or original site for design.
- State the problems with the sites and ideas for solution.
- Research and present who your target audience is and how it will impact your redesign.
- Research competitors and give examples.
- Create a sitemap of the current site.
- Create a sitemap and flowchart for your project site.
- Wireframes for selected pages of your website project.
- Color palettes and typography choices.
- New logo treatment or design as necessary.
- Basic HTML page showing CSS site typography of H tags, p, links and lists.
- Mobile/Tablet friendly version for selected pages of your project site.
Class Requirement
You will need a storage device, flash drive, or online storage to transport your work, and something to take notes and sketches on.
Grading
Determined by:
- all parts of the project completed
- individual deadlines accomplished on time
- class participation
- attendance*
*3 classes missed is a failing grade; 3 times late = 1 absence. PLEASE DON'T BE LATE!
