Audio Essay

I focused my project on the Mansfield city schools levy. I originally wanted to get voters to the poll in support of the levy. However, with the recent levy passage I have been forced to change my focus and intended points. The following is the audio essay I recorded in hopes to gain support.
Copy and paste this address:

http://www.susandelagrange.com/269/audio/FisherAudio.mp3

Readings: Chapters 4, 5, 6

Interesting chapter.  Many times things that we didn’t know we need become fashionable to have.  People didn’t know we (society) needed a website in which you could buy books off of.  Now, Amazon.com is a huge part of many people’s lives.  I use the site hundreds of times in a given year.  And ONLY buy books and dvd’s off their site.  Also, social sites such as Facebook and Myspace are now fashionable to have.  They used to just be a novelty item, but now are fashionable to have.  Many times throughout the day people will ask if they have a myspace page.  If they say no, the initial reaction is usually shock.  Sometimes the guilty party feels embarassed b/c they’re not up on it.

The rapid growth in multimedia has led to unlimited resources and tutorials.  You don’t necessarily have to go to school to become educated about design and become a graphic designer.  You can learn via online resources.  You can get immediate feedback, which is important for web designers.  User-friendly sites making it possible for anyone to access information instantly.

Typefaces are important b/c they can evoke certain feelings about the product or website.  They can be expressive or evocative.

In environment designers don’t always consider their audience and settings.  For example, McDonald’s restaurants all look the same once you get inside.  This gives the customer a certain sense of familiarity.  They look the same in Mansfield, Ohio as they do in China.

Image 2 10/26/07

Image #2

Image 10/26/07

I intend to use a variety of picture of children in school settings, this being one of them.

Another Link

Here’s another link concerning school levies on a local basis

Youtube Video

A youtube video highlighting the importance of a school levy in Bethel School District in Washington State.

And here’s a link to the youtube video.

Week 5 readings

The information presented in “interface design” is very helpful and important. Most notably the section in which the author describes what every web page needs. They discuss the importance of linking the home page on each seperate “page”, as well as, a creation or revision date to alert the user they’re using/reading the most recent page.

I found the warning for dead end web pages very interesting. It’s easy to get lost in designing a web page. If you continuously link other pages or have a series of chunked information that doesn’t go anywhere after a certain number of clicks, you’re in trouble. This is where the importance of linking your home page comes into play. And will keep users at your site.

10/8/07

Site Design: Great information here. Although, it is logic-based it’s extremely useful. Especially, the list of information organization.

I have learned through this reading that it’s important to make your information concise and succinct. Use just enough information for your users not to get bored. You can also have an e-mail link for users to ascertain more information about a particular subject if necessary.

Usability: Good info here. Discusses avoiding jargon/slang. And using words and phrases that are explanatory and complete.

Portfolio

www.dirtsandwich.com

The website is effective in allowing the user to quickly realize what type of site he/she is on. IT’s a site for a talented folk artist and has a variety of useful information. His bio is extremely well written and very informative. He doesn’t just list facts about his career, but rather, takes the reader on a journey through his mental state during his many ventures. He has contact information and lists influences. He has his tour information on the site, as well. He has music videos for some of his most recent songs. As a user you get the entire breadth of his experiences and style. It’s a true representation of his artistry.

Aesthetically the site is very effective, following traditional settings for entertainers, a little zany and attention grabbing. Overall, a very effective website to represent his talent.

9/23/07 Homework

Process: Planning

seems like all logic based ideas. I believe that knowledge and research can trump the need for all of those potential users’ opinions of the website. It would be just as easy to speak with people who have experience in the field and ask them what their impressions of the site are.

This reading consists of the basics of web design. How to detect problem areas and determine which aspects of the site are difficult to use. The authors suggest gathering a group of people to navigate through the website and identify problem areas. The information is useful, but also extremely logical.

Goals and Strategies:

There is some very interesting and useful information here. It’s a great starting point and asks questions imperative to one’s mentality heading into the making of the website.

Avoiding “Scope Creeps”:

Basically suggests being up front and bold about what you want for the site. The author suggests that allowing for “one more page” could potentially get you into trouble and add too many pages. Which in turn effects your budget and hours, etc.

The Site Development Process:

More of the same, but with an emphasis on being conscious of all your decisions and the potential change it may bring to your website and overall goals.

Site Definition and Planning:

Important information here. Talks how web sites can quickly become orphans and reminds users to consider a variety of importants concerns, such as copyright laws.

Site Design:

The information on Bobby is extremely interesting. I never knew there was a possibility of this program. OR the need for it. Accessibility is extremely important. Without it it could be possible for certain people not to access your website.

Site Construction:

“Only after the site has been thoroughly tested should you begin to publicize the URL address of the site to a larger audience.”

Good stuff. Now this reading is beginning to pick up, divulging useful information and tips.

An interesting breakdown of html codes and the difficulty associated with reading them for certain people.

Site Marketing:

Good information here. Breaks down how to get your website name out there. Including, listing your site name on all outgoing mail and print.

Tracking, Evaluation and Maintenance:

Good information about site analysis services and the ability to track users. Also, important information about preserving the site’s history. And what to consider when editing the site.

Top Ten Website Mistakes:

A great list! Most of it is logic, but the psychology of the web user and pop ups I found especially interesting. Also, the part about how web advertising doesn’t work.

Top Ten Mistakes of 2005:

The information on fonts was helpful. It’s logic based, but many people try to get too cute or creative with their fonts and colors. Basic font and colors may be the best option available.

This is the most useful information yet. The information on saving users a click or two is phenomenal. It was broken down very well and in a method in which I can understand. I have heard myself saying these same things (I.e. contact information, Cumbersome forms, etc.)

The inadequate photo enlargement problem is definitely in my top ten. I ahve encountered this problem many, many times. Overall, this article was extremely helpful. It made me think about the web and the way I view pages in a completely different way. I am now more conscious of the interlinkings of the web.