Blog Topic #10: What's a Favicon?

What's a favicon? What file format is it in? Is this a file format that Photoshop natively supports? How do you create a favicon? How do you add one to your HTML code? Where does it appear? How does it affect bookmarks? Why use a favicon?

Some resources:

• Mysteries of the Favicon -- Tutorial
• Favicon From Pics - Web Tool
• Photoshop Plugin
• Irfanview (freeware image editor)

Possible Points: 15 points

Blog Topic #9: Web Critique and Analysis

First, review each of the following sites:

• http://www.sapient.com
• http://hirshhorn.si.edu
• http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/identity
• http://www.lunabar.com
• http://www.holmleaguesthouse.co.uk
• http://tang.skidmore.edu/
• http://www.rubios.com
• http://www.groundsforchange.com
• http://www.hi-res.net
• http://www.snapple.com
• http://www.okeeffemuseum.org
• http://www.chipotle.com
• http://www.donnadelory.com
• http://www.oslaw.com
• http://www.sipa-empa.com
• http://www.flypentop.com
• http://www.wilderness.org

After looking at each of them, choose two of them for in-depth critique and analysis. Write a critique/analysis in which you compare and contrast the two sites. In your critique, you may wish to discuss the following questions:

1. What are the communication objectives of the site? Is there one purpose that is primary?
2. Who is the target audience for the site? Is there an audience who the site excludes?
3. What is your rationale for believing the communication objectives and audience are what you claim?
4. What is the aesthetic look and feel of the site? Why do you suppose the designer choose this look and feel?
5. Does the look and feel support the communications objectives? Why or why not?
6. Does the site have a theme?
7. How do the design elements (composition, use of color, choice of fonts/typographic design, use of graphics and photos, textures, animation, sound, interactivity, video, etc.) function to reveal the themes and objectives of the site?
8. How are principles of design such as harmony (repetition, consistency, pattern, rhythm, unity); variety (contrast, differentiation, elaboration); balance (symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial); movement (sense of movement, direction, rhythm); dominance (focus and emphasis, sense of hierarchy); and economy (cleanliness, clarity, ease of understanding, purity) applied to reveal the themes and objectives of the site?
9. Are the design elements and principles appropriately applied? Does the design complement (or compete with) the communication objectives? Why or why not?
10. How is information structured on the site? What is the site's basic information architecture? How are files and categories organized? Does the site apply a naming convention?
11. What is the site's navigational scheme and structure? Is the site easy to navigate? Do you ever get lost or confused? Does the interface present information clearly? Does the interface allow for a logical flow of information?
12. Can you easily accomplish any tasks that you might want to accomplish on the site? If yes, how did the site make it easy or obvious? If no, what got in your way?
13. What technologies (HTML, Flash, Javascript, CSS, XML, ASP, PHP, Shockwave, CGI forms, streaming (or progressive downloading) video or audio, etc.) does that site utilize? Does it utilize web technologies effectively?
14. Can you discover any incompatibility problems with the site for people using different browsers, platforms, screen sizes, fonts, modem speeds, etc.?
15. Is there anything unique about the site and sets it apart from other sites and/or competitors? Are there special features that the site employs?
16. How do you suppose the site markets itself? Does it do anything to drive traffic to itself (such as viral marketing) and/or provide reasons for return visitors?
17. What is your overall impression and assessment of the site? Does the site accomplish it's objectives? Can you think of design ideas or solutions that would be interesting or more effective alternatives?

Possible Points: 40 points

Blog Topic #8: Get into the process

Many design firms provide information about their process: the business, creative and/or developmental process that guides the completion of their design projects from conception through delivery. Hillman Curtis dedicates the first third of his MTIV book to process. Find and research interactive design studios/firms that provide information on their developmental process (many of the design firm websites listed in the left column of the online resources have a section describing their process). Compare the process of two such firms (remember to include links to them). What are the typical process stages in the development of a multimedia project or website? What is involved in each stage? Why do you suppose process is important?

Possible points: 25 points

Blog Topic # 7: What is Experience Design?

Many designers have found a rigid focus on usability design stifling to creativity on the Web. The incorporation of experimental navigational systems, animation, sound, high-end graphics, and multimedia elements are often left out of sites who focus on fast-loading pages and making things as easy as possible for the user. However, as broadband connections become increasingly common, so too have many designers become increasingly interested in creating user experiences on the Web; sites where users can do more than simply read a brochure or shop at a store. Companies and designers are discovering that the Web can also be a place for drama, emotion, and a branding experience. Such designers are working in a relatively new design area sometimes called "experience design."

In your own words, define experience design. What considerations would be important for you as a designer if you were designing a site that focuses on "experience." Can you find a site that is a good example of experience design? Why is it a good example and how does it differ from other sites? Like debates between form and function, designing for experience and designing for usability are frequently put at odds. Why is this? Do you think they are mutually exclusive? Or, can they co-exist in design?

One good resource:

• Glossary of Experience Design terms from author Nathan Shedroff

Possibile points: 20 points