1. Features Users Would Like:
Local Events, gallery shows, and festivals
Ideas for new places to go to
Maps for how to get to those places
Ratings and comments from past events
Event & Festival personal calendar
2. Determine Who The Users Are:
Apart from the likelihood that your users are mobile and that they expect beautiful graphics, simple interactions, and high performance, what distinguishes them? In the context of the app you’re planning, what is most important to your users?
People who want to try something new
Users who like to go to different events and restaurants
Families who want coupons to try new places
Moms who are looking for a cheaper way to entertain their families
People who like to go to events and festivals
People who just want to try new places
Three Characteristics of Targeted Audience:
People who go to a lot of festivals and events
Anyone who wants to know more about what is happening in their city
People who are into trying new things
3. Filtering The Features:
List of local events and activities
Calendar of upcoming events
Reviews and images of past events
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Smartphone Application Project
1. Study/Flash Card App
I like the idea of combining video, notes, and study cards together in an app for students. We could have an area for recording lectures and then a way to customize flash cards that can be set to a specific test for a certain test. The test can have an alarm set for maybe the day before as a reminder.
2. Local Festivals and Events
Take a look at the app for LivingSocial, it gives coupons for local restaurants and salons and what not. I think that it could be a good base to start, but we can take it in a direction more towards events, gallery shows, and festivals in the area without the discounts.
3. Event Planner
It would be fun to create an app for all sorts of events and have pre-set to-do lists that could be edited. We could have it for things like birthday, weddings, graduation, etc.
4. Travel Games
We could put a list of travel games together so that adults or kids who have to go long distances could be entertained. Games like matching, travel bingo, hangman, or other simple word/image games.
5. Parking meter
Could have a timer for parking meters and maybe we could add a map system to show where free parking is or show what it would cost to park certain places.
We finally decided to follow through with the festival/event application.
I like the idea of combining video, notes, and study cards together in an app for students. We could have an area for recording lectures and then a way to customize flash cards that can be set to a specific test for a certain test. The test can have an alarm set for maybe the day before as a reminder.
2. Local Festivals and Events
Take a look at the app for LivingSocial, it gives coupons for local restaurants and salons and what not. I think that it could be a good base to start, but we can take it in a direction more towards events, gallery shows, and festivals in the area without the discounts.
3. Event Planner
It would be fun to create an app for all sorts of events and have pre-set to-do lists that could be edited. We could have it for things like birthday, weddings, graduation, etc.
4. Travel Games
We could put a list of travel games together so that adults or kids who have to go long distances could be entertained. Games like matching, travel bingo, hangman, or other simple word/image games.
5. Parking meter
Could have a timer for parking meters and maybe we could add a map system to show where free parking is or show what it would cost to park certain places.
We finally decided to follow through with the festival/event application.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Week 7 Reading Response
Chapter 12 - Bad Designs happen to Good People
I cannot count how many times that I have come across forms that are so overly intense that they have turned me away. I mean, who needs to know all that personal information for a general account or newsletter request? Designers need to keep in mind that people want to do things quickly and so having really long-winded forms full of lengthy questions is going to turn people away. I also have run across quite a few with a lot of optional fields, and quite honestly if its optional, I'm not wasting my time filling it out and so why do they even have them? Forms need to get to the point, get the information they 'really' need and then function correctly.
People also do not want to be bombarded with a lot of flashy web design, but rather want a website that functions and lets them find exactly what they are looking for quickly.
Here are some websites that talk more about these topics:
Form Guidelines - An Eye-tracking Study
Smashing Magazine - Modern and Creative Forms
Simple Form Builder for Beginning HTML
I cannot count how many times that I have come across forms that are so overly intense that they have turned me away. I mean, who needs to know all that personal information for a general account or newsletter request? Designers need to keep in mind that people want to do things quickly and so having really long-winded forms full of lengthy questions is going to turn people away. I also have run across quite a few with a lot of optional fields, and quite honestly if its optional, I'm not wasting my time filling it out and so why do they even have them? Forms need to get to the point, get the information they 'really' need and then function correctly.
People also do not want to be bombarded with a lot of flashy web design, but rather want a website that functions and lets them find exactly what they are looking for quickly.
Here are some websites that talk more about these topics:
Form Guidelines - An Eye-tracking Study
Smashing Magazine - Modern and Creative Forms
Simple Form Builder for Beginning HTML
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Week 6 Reading Response
Chapter 10 and 11 - Courtesy and Accessability
When I am web browsing for something specific, I dont want to have to search for it for very long. Users can often times get really frustrated with web browsing and so if a website wants to be successful the developers need to recognize that people want to keep things simple and fast. Some websites intentionally or unintentionally like to hide things in pull down menus or under strange categories that no one would think to look under. This can cause a real problem because people will not be able to find what they are looking for and then will avoid your website like the plague. The presentation of the website is also very important, because the user wants to know that you thought about them and put effort into it. This means that you need to know what questions are going to come up and be able to provide simple solutions to those problems.
Another issue that is becoming more prominent is the accessibility of websites. Developers have a lot of different types of computers, hand helds, and web browsers to deal with and so it is really important that websites are formatted for each viewing mode for the most accessibility. There is also the issue of developing websites to be accessible for everyone, including those with disabilities. Websites now have to follow ADA compliance in order to provide those people with hearing and vision disabilities the capability of using the web.
Here are some websites that talk further about these topics:
Adobe Article - Usability Common Courtesy
What is Web Accessibility?
Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool
When I am web browsing for something specific, I dont want to have to search for it for very long. Users can often times get really frustrated with web browsing and so if a website wants to be successful the developers need to recognize that people want to keep things simple and fast. Some websites intentionally or unintentionally like to hide things in pull down menus or under strange categories that no one would think to look under. This can cause a real problem because people will not be able to find what they are looking for and then will avoid your website like the plague. The presentation of the website is also very important, because the user wants to know that you thought about them and put effort into it. This means that you need to know what questions are going to come up and be able to provide simple solutions to those problems.
Another issue that is becoming more prominent is the accessibility of websites. Developers have a lot of different types of computers, hand helds, and web browsers to deal with and so it is really important that websites are formatted for each viewing mode for the most accessibility. There is also the issue of developing websites to be accessible for everyone, including those with disabilities. Websites now have to follow ADA compliance in order to provide those people with hearing and vision disabilities the capability of using the web.
Here are some websites that talk further about these topics:
Adobe Article - Usability Common Courtesy
What is Web Accessibility?
Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool
Week 5 Reading Response
Chapter 8 and 9 - Usability Testing
Everyone has their own thoughts, opinions, and experiences with the web, and this can cause a real argument between what is right and wrong about web design. The truth is that there is no average user and therefor the rules of engagement are still very open. The one thing that a good website has, is a high level of usability. This means that even if the website isnt the most dynamic and amazing, users will be more than happy with a great sense of organization and navigation. Designers, developers, and programmers all have different opinions about how websites should look and function, but its not really about them, its about the users. In order to create the best environment for the user testing can be done throughout the development process.
There are several ways to perform usability tests on a website, but the two most common are using focus groups and physical testing. Focus groups are best used in the beginning stages of a website development in order to sample initial user opinions. Then as the development progresses to the final stages, physical usability testing can be performed by selected users in order to ensure the best organization and navigation. Some of the most common problems that developers see in their usability testing are: lack of concept, unclear wording, and confusing or busy navigation.
Here are some websites that talk further about these topics:
25 Point Usability Checklist
Smashing Magazine - Usability Tips
Website Standards Association - Usability Standards
Everyone has their own thoughts, opinions, and experiences with the web, and this can cause a real argument between what is right and wrong about web design. The truth is that there is no average user and therefor the rules of engagement are still very open. The one thing that a good website has, is a high level of usability. This means that even if the website isnt the most dynamic and amazing, users will be more than happy with a great sense of organization and navigation. Designers, developers, and programmers all have different opinions about how websites should look and function, but its not really about them, its about the users. In order to create the best environment for the user testing can be done throughout the development process.
There are several ways to perform usability tests on a website, but the two most common are using focus groups and physical testing. Focus groups are best used in the beginning stages of a website development in order to sample initial user opinions. Then as the development progresses to the final stages, physical usability testing can be performed by selected users in order to ensure the best organization and navigation. Some of the most common problems that developers see in their usability testing are: lack of concept, unclear wording, and confusing or busy navigation.
Here are some websites that talk further about these topics:
25 Point Usability Checklist
Smashing Magazine - Usability Tips
Website Standards Association - Usability Standards
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Final Logo Design
Original Logo:
Here is the final logo redesign for Love my Shoes. Its simple, fun and has a sense of class that was not present in their original logo.
Here is the final logo redesign for Love my Shoes. Its simple, fun and has a sense of class that was not present in their original logo.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Week 4 Reading Response
Chapter 7 - Designing the Homepage
I found this chapter interesting because it explains how there is a delicate balance between getting enough information to grab the interest of the viewer and then overloading the homepage, just because you want to promote everything at once. I cannot count how many websites that I have been to that just listed and put every single link and advertisement they could think of on their homepage. It really made me not even want to look at their website, or even try to guess where to start.
The homepage should have the identity, a clear hierarchy, a search capability, a tag-line and some consistently updated material. When people visit websites they want to be able to find the identity quickly and then they want to be able to move through the page realizing who and what they are, as well as find the starting point to their search quickly. I also found it interesting about how pull-down menus can really hurt a website. Though they can be dynamic and cool, they actually hide a lot of links and can leave viewers confused and frustrated.
Here are some links to websites that talk further about these topics:
Tips from Susan Greene - Copywriter
Minimalist Navigation
10 Guidlines for Homepages
I found this chapter interesting because it explains how there is a delicate balance between getting enough information to grab the interest of the viewer and then overloading the homepage, just because you want to promote everything at once. I cannot count how many websites that I have been to that just listed and put every single link and advertisement they could think of on their homepage. It really made me not even want to look at their website, or even try to guess where to start.
The homepage should have the identity, a clear hierarchy, a search capability, a tag-line and some consistently updated material. When people visit websites they want to be able to find the identity quickly and then they want to be able to move through the page realizing who and what they are, as well as find the starting point to their search quickly. I also found it interesting about how pull-down menus can really hurt a website. Though they can be dynamic and cool, they actually hide a lot of links and can leave viewers confused and frustrated.
Here are some links to websites that talk further about these topics:
Tips from Susan Greene - Copywriter
Minimalist Navigation
10 Guidlines for Homepages
Week 3 Reading Response
Chapter 6 - Designing Navigation:
I really loved the analogy that was used in this chapter to explain navigation. I really never thought about website navigation as if I were walking through a space such as a store. It really is very similar in that when you walk through the door, you look for a section, then maybe an isle, and then to a specific type of product. The hierarchy is so important when considering navigation. People will often leave a site if they cannot find something fast enough and so good web design needs to keep the navigation as top priority. I never realized how much people rely on the web as if they were in fact walking through a physical space, and so when an information architect and a designer are building a website they really need to keep that in mind.
There is also great importance on consistency of pages and navigation in order to provide the most pleasant experience for the viewer. When people walk through a store to find something, they will be able to remember where they went and how they got it, but for someone who is browsing through a website to find something, it is important to provide a structure that they can remember. Search engines also seem to be very important because it provides the user with a tool to quickly search for a specific item. I've never been one to use a search engine on a website, but I could see that if I were frustrated with finding something, how it could really be helpful.
Here are some websites that focus on some of these topics:
Dos and Donts of Website Navigation
Website Checklist - Best Practices
Navigation Trends of 2008
I really loved the analogy that was used in this chapter to explain navigation. I really never thought about website navigation as if I were walking through a space such as a store. It really is very similar in that when you walk through the door, you look for a section, then maybe an isle, and then to a specific type of product. The hierarchy is so important when considering navigation. People will often leave a site if they cannot find something fast enough and so good web design needs to keep the navigation as top priority. I never realized how much people rely on the web as if they were in fact walking through a physical space, and so when an information architect and a designer are building a website they really need to keep that in mind.
There is also great importance on consistency of pages and navigation in order to provide the most pleasant experience for the viewer. When people walk through a store to find something, they will be able to remember where they went and how they got it, but for someone who is browsing through a website to find something, it is important to provide a structure that they can remember. Search engines also seem to be very important because it provides the user with a tool to quickly search for a specific item. I've never been one to use a search engine on a website, but I could see that if I were frustrated with finding something, how it could really be helpful.
Here are some websites that focus on some of these topics:
Dos and Donts of Website Navigation
Website Checklist - Best Practices
Navigation Trends of 2008
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
3 Choices for Bad E-Commerce Websites...
These are some websites that my partner and I looked at:
Marc Jacobs - Fashion Designer
Jonano - Fashion Designer
Indie Shopper
We chose to follow through with redesigning this website because its identity really needs help and their website is very pink and girly. The navigation works, but the links are large and span the entire webpage. It really just needs a hierarchy adjustment and some simplifying of the layout.
Love my Shoes
Marc Jacobs - Fashion Designer
Jonano - Fashion Designer
Indie Shopper
We chose to follow through with redesigning this website because its identity really needs help and their website is very pink and girly. The navigation works, but the links are large and span the entire webpage. It really just needs a hierarchy adjustment and some simplifying of the layout.
Love my Shoes
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Week 2 Reading Response
Chapters 3 through 5 were very interesting because it pointed out a lot of issues that are so commonly viewed on websites. The author defines five basic rules for designing websites:
1. Create visual hierarchy
2. Take advantage of convention
3. Break up pages into sections
4. Make it obvious what is clickable
5. Minimize noise
I thought these were excellent rules to go by because it makes the website user friendly and easy to navigate. I most liked the rule about following convention because as a graphic designer who wants to stand out and feels like they need to break convention, its not always the best route. Websites are laid out the way that they are because it works. There are sections developed to be in a certain place and a certain size because it is functional and easy to understand. The last thing that you want to do is turn a customer or employer away just because you changed things so much that the navigation was frustrating. I also agree that minimizing noise and "happy talk" is necessary because no one is going to read it anyways and it allows the viewer to find exactly what they are looking for quickly.
1. Create visual hierarchy
2. Take advantage of convention
3. Break up pages into sections
4. Make it obvious what is clickable
5. Minimize noise
I thought these were excellent rules to go by because it makes the website user friendly and easy to navigate. I most liked the rule about following convention because as a graphic designer who wants to stand out and feels like they need to break convention, its not always the best route. Websites are laid out the way that they are because it works. There are sections developed to be in a certain place and a certain size because it is functional and easy to understand. The last thing that you want to do is turn a customer or employer away just because you changed things so much that the navigation was frustrating. I also agree that minimizing noise and "happy talk" is necessary because no one is going to read it anyways and it allows the viewer to find exactly what they are looking for quickly.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Creative Brief
Background:
Portfolio websites are meant for presenting yourself as an artist and a professional so that you have a presence on the web. It is a way for an artist to showcase their work, display themselves and their personality, as well as provide clients and possible employers a way to contact them. I intend on using this portfolio website as a means to obtain an internship and then possibly begin my career.
Target Audience:
The target audience for my portfolio website would be possible employers, and the secondary audience would be fellow artists and designers.
Objective:
I want my target audience to feel comfortable when using my site and be able to enjoy the experience of viewing my portfolio. I want to look professional, but I also want to be able to express my personality and drive as a designer through the layout and design of my website. I want employers to look at my website and see my skills and design sense and want to hire me.
Obstacles:
I need to be carful not to over do the character and personality of the website and have it get in the way of the focus. I need to find the right balance between simplicity and creative design. I also do not want to misrepresent myself as a graphic designer and I need to make the wording and descriptions within my website clear and functional for all users.
Key Benefit:
Employers will have a better understanding of who I am and what I do as a Graphic Designer.
Tone:
The website should have character and express myself as an artist but the overall tone should be professional, which means keeping things clean, simple, and well-planned.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Week 1 Reading Response
Steve Krug is a usability professional who deals with reorganizing websites so that they are more user friendly. His first law of usability is "Don't Make me Think," which means that every website should be self-evident and obvious enough so that any user can navigate it without thinking too much. Every link, image, bar, and graphic poses a question to the user and making these items self-evident is key to a websites success. Even the names that are used for the links are important. For instance, using the word "Jobs" for a link is much more efficient and obvious than using "Employment Opportunities." The developer has to keep in mind that people do not want to solve a puzzle or be confused, but rather would like information to be laid out for them. Users also never read over websites, but rather glance over the page for key words or images pertaining to the item or task they are searching for. Websites with clear labels, links and images are much more successful with usability than those that are cluttered with text and information. There is no instruction manual that tells the user about how to use every website and so most people will "muddle through" a website and eventually find what they are looking for. Keeping a website simple and obvious helps to eliminate any excess muddling and will hopefully keep the users coming back for more.
Portfolio Website Inspiration
Take a look at some of these wonderful portfolio websites:
2 Serious
Kidd81
Ploc Design
Adaptd
Emotions Live
2 Serious
Kidd81
Ploc Design
Adaptd
Emotions Live
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Skills Inventory
Name: Amanda Winkler - Bennett
Department/Program: Graphic Design AAA
Are you graduating this Quarter? Yes
Online Social and Professional networks: Facebook
Website URL: My portfolio website is www.bennettdesignconcepts.com
What software experience do you have?
Photoshop: I love to do photo manipulation and editing in Photoshop and I know how to use photoshop to create layouts and optimize them for the web.
Illustrator: Illustrator is my favorite program because I really enjoy its drawing and vector capabilities. I'm fairly well versed in the program.
Dreamweaver: I have never used dreamweaver because I like to code my websites by hand.
HTML: I know basic html and css and can build clean and functional websites.
InDesign: I have not worked a whole lot in InDesign but I have created multiple publications using this program. I like its grid and layout structures and well as some of the options it has for publishing.
Explain your objective for the class to the best of your knowledge:
Learn iWeb? I have not used this before, but I can imagine it would come in handy when mocking up a website from its raw design.
Publish web site? I have a few websites that I have live right now and I feel fairly comfortable with the process.
Revise and update current site? My portfolio website needs some work and I'm looking forward to working on it further and updating it.
Begin the process of a professional web presence? I am looking forward to learning more about how to develop a professional web presence including where and how to best present myself.
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