14 May 2008
12 May 2008
7 May 2008
Today's Topic: A brief look at JavaScript
See this example and look at the source.
5 May 2008
Today's Topic: Tables
(Not for positioning)
After an overview of tables, you will be given class time to work on your animated gifs.
30 April 2008
28 April 2008
23 April 2008
Today's Topic: Image Creation: JPGs masking, inking
Class time will be devoted to analysis of Usability Test 1 results.
21 April 2008
Today's Topic: Image Creation: JPGs selections, drawing
This class will be devoted to running the first of two Usability Tests.
16 April 2008
14 April 2008
Today's Topic: Image Creation: Composite images
A quick review: when last we looked at images, we covered bitmap vs. vector images, resolution, color depth, and compression. In Photoshop we reviewed the various selection tools, layers, the clone tool, levels and variations.
Today we will move on to a discussion of gifs vs. jpgs. We will also talk about masks, inking, and will create a collage for our class exercise.
9 April 2008
7 April 2008
Today's Topic: Design Considerations: Usability and Information Architecture
Sites should not only be easy on the eye, it should be easy on the mind. Today's mantra will be "Don't make me think."
2 April 2008
Today's Topic: Raster vs. Vector Graphics
Your projects will be a series of iterations of a website that explains/instructs the user on how to make something. (This need not be realistic - parody, satire, and fantasy are all permissible). I do expect excellent writing regardless.
DUE: Midnight, April 2nd.
METHOD OF SUBMISSION: Post link to your personal site (again) in the comment section here. Ensure you have a link to the site from your personal web page.
REQUIREMENTS:
Post a link to your Project MAKE: Part 1 on your personal web page.
The first website must be in a subfolder entitled MAKE1 in your home directory.
The website must be comprised of at least 3 web pages.
GRADING CHECKLIST:
- Link to your project 1 is clearly visible from your personal web page. (I should be able to find the link within 3 seconds).
- pages are viewable
- links to to and from home directory
- website is structured as stated above
- all links work
- one page contains an annotated bibliography. This is a list of sources where you went to get ideas for your pages.
- Color scheme is appropriate for the subject matter
- All text is legible
- Each page has a consistent layout
- An external style sheet is used for all web pages
31 March 2008
Today's Topic: Visual Elements and Graphics
Your projects will be a series of iterations of a website that explains/instructs the user on how to make something. (This need not be realistic - parody, satire, and fantasy are all permissible). I do expect excellent writing regardless.
DUE: Midnight, April 2nd.
METHOD OF SUBMISSION: Post link to your personal site (again) in the comment section here. Ensure you have a link to the site from your personal web page.
REQUIREMENTS:
Post a link to your Project MAKE: Part 1 on your personal web page.
The first website must be in a subfolder entitled MAKE1 in your home directory.
The website must be comprised of at least 3 web pages.
GRADING CHECKLIST:
- Link to your project 1 is clearly visible from your personal web page. (I should be able to find the link within 3 seconds).
- pages are viewable
- links to to and from home directory
- website is structured as stated above
- all links work
- one page contains an annotated bibliography. This is a list of sources where you went to get ideas for your pages.
- Color scheme is appropriate for the subject matter
- All text is legible
- Each page has a consistent layout
- An external style sheet is used for all web pages
26 March 2008
Configuring Color and Text with CSS
Your projects will be a series of iterations of a website that explains/instructs the user on how to make something. (This need not be realistic - parody, satire, and fantasy are all permissible). I do expect excellent writing regardless.
DUE: Midnight, April 2nd.
METHOD OF SUBMISSION: Post link to your personal site (again) in the comment section here. Ensure you have a link to the site from your personal web page.
REQUIREMENTS:
Post a link to your Project MAKE: Part 1 on your personal web page.
The first website must be in a subfolder entitled MAKE1 in your home directory.
The website must be comprised of at least 3 web pages.
GRADING CHECKLIST:
- Link to your project 1 is clearly visible from your personal web page. (I should be able to find the link within 3 seconds).
- pages are viewable
- links to to and from home directory
- website is structured as stated above
- all links work
- one page contains an annotated bibliography. This is a list of sources where you went to get ideas for your pages.
- Color scheme is appropriate for the subject matter
- All text is legible
- Each page has a consistent layout
- An external style sheet is used for all web pages
24 March 2008
Today's Topic: Basic Web Design Principles
There is a simple acronym used to remember basic design principles. That is C.R.A.P. (Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity).
In an effort to start with a clue, we will talk about design concepts, color theory, and get you started in Photoshop as a means of doing preliminary layout.
We'll have a look at various examples at COMMUNICATION ARTS.
Your projects will be a series of iterations of a website that explains/instructs the user on how to make something. (This need not be realistic - parody, satire, and fantasy are all permissible). I do expect excellent writing regardless.
DUE: Midnight, April 2nd.
METHOD OF SUBMISSION: Post link to your personal site (again) in the comment section here. Ensure you have a link to the site from your personal web page.
REQUIREMENTS:
Post a link to your Project MAKE: Part 1 on your personal web page.
The first website must be in a subfolder entitled MAKE1 in your home directory.
The website must be comprised of at least 3 web pages.
GRADING CHECKLIST:
- Link to your project 1 is clearly visible from your personal web page. (I should be able to find the link within 3 seconds).
- pages are viewable
- links to to and from home directory
- website is structured as stated above
- all links work
- one page contains an annotated bibliography. This is a list of sources where you went to get ideas for your pages.
- Color scheme is appropriate for the subject matter
- All text is legible
- Each page has a consistent layout
- An external style sheet is used for all web pages
19 March 2008
Today's Topic: Just enough UNIX for us
Today we cover the basics: getting into a command line application, creating directories, moving about within the structure, and setting permissions.
NOTE: In all the times I've taught this course, this is the one topic that will pretty much ensure failing the course if you don't get it right.
17 March 2008
12 March 2008
10 March 2008
Today's Topic: Course Overview and the Evolution of the Internet
This course focuses upon those basics one needs to publish a page on the world wide web. We'll discuss the course syllabus, the course outline, and this weblog.
We'll discuss my expectations of you, and also what you may expect of me.
Key Folks:
- Vannevar Bush
- Marshall McLuhan
- Doug Engelbart
- Tim Berners-Lee
- Marc Andreesen
- Steve Jobs
Copyright and Fair Use
What can be copyrighted?
When can copyrighted work be used?
What is Creative Commons and who is its originator?
