Here a few WordPress Themes that I thought would work well for our Final Project:

Traditional School Layouts:

http://themeforest.net/item/college-education/205693

http://themeforest.net/item/wordpress-university/76163

Unique Layouts:

http://redirect.eugeneo.com/?theme=sideways-wp

http://idesignmywebsite.com/u-design/

I had a difficult start with this project but managed to get it done. When I was looking for
design inspiration I wasn’t sure what direction to go in and had a hard time choosing a color palette. My first design comp was NOT my best work and I HATED the colors I chose but I didnt really have time to find  better colors. I didnt end up doing a landing page for version one because I really disliked it. I couldnt design anymore knowing that I wasn’t going to use it.

My second design comp was more to my liking. I wanted to design a site that was clean, hip, and current but one that still felt like a school website. I really wanted to design a more innovative, cool, ultra hip banner for the home page and after hours of trying I just couldnt get it quite right so I finally decided to go with an image of the new design school for the main home page image. I’m still a little sad that I couldnt come up with something with more pizazz but I’m content with the final image.

When I was designing the landing page for the graphic design program I also wanted to create a really cool, innovative, maybe even animated, banner but just didnt have the time so I did have to settle a little but the banner that I created works for now.

When it came time to code I was actually excited since I haven’t coded anything since the summer but it wasn’t as fun as I thought it would be.  I got really sick and ended up working on it with a slight fever and a headache so Im sure that added to my discomfort and took away any joy I may have otherwise experienced. It took me HOURS to figure out the stupid navigation, both in the header and the footer. I decided to use a spry menu with a drop down for my main nav cause I thought it would be easier but, alas, it was no such thing. After what felt like a century I finally figured out how to alter the CSS enough to get the result I was looking for. Still, there a few things I would like to have had more time to tweak but I felt like I conquered the monster that I was after: the drop down menu!

In the end, it was really good to get back into a lil technical production. This was definitely a challenging project – mostly from a design perspective. I’m not certain that I love my final design 100% and would definitely have done another comp if I had the time  but I’ve learned quite a bit along the way and I’m grateful for that!

Here are the screen shots of the final coded pages:

Design Comps for my midterm project:

What are wireframes?

Wireframes are used to layout the content that will be on the site. They storyboards for the site.

When do you not need to define key user paths?

You do not need to define key user paths if the user is not required to do anything task oriented.

What is a “site map?”

It is a visual representation of the sites structure, organization, flow, and grouping of content.
What are the two types of naming conventions that are addressed in the book?

1. organizational/numeric naming convention

2. html naming convention

What are the “three views” discussed in the book involving the content of the site. 

Site View, Page View, and User View.

And what are the differences between the three views?

Site View – aka sitemapping. Is the “blueprint” of the site and sets the overall structure.

Page View – aka wireframing. Presents and organizes the content, navigation, and visuals in a way that is meaningful to the visitor.

User View – defines key user paths

What is a “content audit?”

It is an evaluation of every piece of relevant content that will go into the redesigned site.

Name a few examples of “overall goals” for the web site design or re-design.

1. To increase traffic.

2. To create intuitive navigation.

3. To increase sales.

What does a Project Plan consist of?

- Project Overview

- Schedule

- Budget Breakdown, with allocated hours

- Communication Brief

Give examples of good documentation practices for a project.

Create a folder or binder for the project to house all signed documentation. Print and save emails that relate to the budget, scope, sign off, and requests for changes. Start organized and stay organized.

When is an Additional Charge Form used? (often times referred to as Change Order)

An AC form is used when a client asks for an additional feature or section that is not within the original definition of the project.

What are the two ways to approach the Scheduling task?

1. Create an overview schedule that shows methodology chronologically.

2. Build a detailed date-by-date format that itemizes deliverables and approval reviews according to due dates.

What is the difference between a Visual Designer and an Information Designer?

The Visual Designer designs and creates all the graphics that will be used in the site.

The Information Designer develops the site map and structures the way content navigation is laid out.

What is a “staging area?”

The staging area acts as a hub of communication for the team and the clients. This is a simple website where all the deliverables and project documentation are posted.

What is included in the agenda of a “kick off” meeting?

1. Introduction of the Project Plan

2. Overall Site goals.

3. Schedule and Timing

4. Content

5. Next Steps

6. Calendar of Regular Meetings

What are the differences between a Formal and an Informal Industry Analysis?

A Formal Industry Analysis would include research done by an independent team with specific expertise. It’s focus is on analyzing the industry, market segmentation, trends and forecasts, and customer needs. It is quite expensive to perform but provides  comprehensive, detailed, strategy-based recommendations on changing marketplaces.

An informal Features Analysis is conducted by members of the web development team who re-create the user experience online. An informal analysis of competitive sites is performed that focuses on features and user experience. Qualitative information is gathered and the focus in on which features work or don’t work well. It is a more affordable option which provides relevant documentation and industry info to the client.

Name a few of the features you might look for when you are doing a Competitive Analysis.

Media – audio, video, etc

Graphics – flash animation, etc

Content -company descriptions, bios, product description, etc

Functionality – Search, Login, forums, online purchasing, security, etc.

Design – good design, lame design, professional looking (or not)

What are the three main areas for rating when evaluating for a Competitive Analysis?

1. Overall Experience

2. Functionality

3. Look and feel

Core Design Process:
How many phases are part of the Core Process and what are they?

There are 5 phases to the Core Design Process. They are:
Phase 1: Define the project
Phase 2: Develop site structure
Phase 3: Design visual interface
Phase 4: Build & Integrate
Phase 5: Launch and Beyond

What is “Scope Creep” and how can you prepare for it?

Scope Creep is the swelling of a projects scope from something defined to something bigger. It happens over time and usually as a result of small additions to the project and client requests. One way to avoid this is to be very clear about project details and expectations from the beginning.

What are the two ways to combat content delay?

1. Hire a content manager.
2. Create a content delivery plan.

What does the “QA” in QA testing stand for?

The “QA” stands for Quality Assurance

What do the authors mean when they refer to “Smart Design?”

Designing with the client’s experience and needs in mind.

Gathering Information:

What does the word “Discovery” refer to?

Discovery refers to the process of gathering information related to the clients goals, the audience and their needs, the related industry, and the competition.

Give me a couple examples of “good client” attributes and “red flag client” warning signs.

Good Clients:
- goal oriented
- answers the client survey thoroughly
- handles the project and client expectations in a timely manner

Red Flag Clients:
- has unrealistic expectations
- has a small budget and a quick deadling
- does not respond in a timely manner

Understanding your Audience

What is an audience profile? What is another name for it?

The audience profile gives a brief description of a typical site visitor. It is also called a “persona.”

Name some of the things you need to analyze when determining an audience’s capabilities?

You should analyze a typical users Screen Resolution and bandwidth.