ETEC 565 HJD e-portfolio

My investigations into web  design and HTML authoring tools has been an interesting and puzzling one.

I began this investigation early in the course and have extended my familiarity with html coding to the point where I keep some handy guide sheets at my side. It still puzzles me that the string of code results in such interesting images, actions or results.

THIS:

<object type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” style=”outline:none;” data=”http://hosting.gmodules.com/ig/gadgets/file/102399522366632716596/dog.swf?” width=”300″ height=”225″><param name=”movie” value=”http://hosting.gmodules.com/ig/gadgets/file/102399522366632716596/dog.swf?”></param><param name=”AllowScriptAccess” value=”always”></param><param name=”wmode” value=”opaque”></param><param name=”bgcolor” value=”FFFFFF”/></object>

BECOMES THIS:

The application of Cascading Style Sheets still eludes me, but I will continue to read and investigate this element of design since I try to make my pages have a consistent look and simple appearance.

I have downloaded web page development software (Amaya) and have been using this to create pages. It is fairly easy to use but I did have to remember to save  files to the same locations, particularly when images are involved. I made the mistake of moving items from one location to another and this caused some problems. Once I figured out where my error was, it was a lesson learned and remembered.

My challenge in planning and storyboarding was solved by searching the web for some editable, downloadable templates. These have come in handy during the planning of the Moodle course modules as well as the digital storybook that needed to be planned. I have decided that the simple stories, elements and appearances create the best style in web design. Then adding some interesting elements where appropriate and applicable give the design some interest and variety.

The Zen of Design

I can’t leave this exploration without referencing  Garr Reynolds and his concepts of design, presentation and branding have become integrated into my personal sense of design and style. My investigations into the many style and design challenges found on the Websites that Suck list certainly extended my understanding about how not to design websites.