Web Design Development - Assignment Example

COMP2241 Interface Analysis Assignment 3 Dusan Pancik 24/12 Table of Contents COMP2241 Interface Analysis Table of Contents 2 Webdesign planning 3 References 9 Introduction In this day, internet takes a vital role in many facets of an online business’ life and process (Krug 2005). It can be defined as a tool where goods and services are provided well to reach customer needs and satisfaction. It is a way of attracting people’s attention, arousing their interests, motivating and activating their desire to take action. One strategy that can be particularly useful in satisfying customer needs more easily and lead a company towards success is, a set of good web design interfaces and effective internet marketing tool such as a solid website. Having a thorough understanding of good user interface designs and design methodologies helps a lot in the design of websites that are more user-friendly. A website is more successful when it is more usable or more user-friendly. In this report, I will demonstrate my understanding and application of techniques for a good web design in e-business. Web design planning This phase of designing the user interface also the overall system’s operational design on which further development will be carried out incorporates the utilization of splice tools regarding the design and development of the system (Webarya, 2009) and (Alexander, 2009). In order for the web site to be productive, users must find useful information or accomplish tasks. In a goal-oriented design, you must balance the users needs and the needs of the organizations (Concepcion 2002, p. 81). This needs to be taken into account at the development process by creating a comprehensive set of design documents in the form of a structure diagram, storyboards and wireframes. Another significant fact regarding web design planning that is worth noting is the website accessibility. Properly developed, designed and edited websites enables users to have uniform access to information, as well as functionality. For instance, Dolson (2009) outlines that when images and text are large and enlargeable, it is easier for users by means of poor sight to read and understand the website data content. Allowing a user to send and receive and having the user participate is essential. A user with a satisfactory overall experience comes back regularly, places a book mark, participates, stays for a while or signs up a newsletter. Web design development In simple language, developing a website entails summing up of constituent parts. One of the criteria to judge a website is the structure and navigation. This evaluates the information provided in terms of usefulness and the degree of information (Mcneil 2008, p. 28).Below in figure 1 the proposal of the web site structure for a quality web design in an e-business environment is shown. Figure 1- website structure proposal for an e-commerce web site [Created by Dusan Pancik using Adobe Fireworks] Structure and navigation of the website is an essential feature to look for because it refers to the framework of a website. The first impression a website gives is crucial, it often influences the visitor’s interest in the website, which is defined by the layout and screen view. Therefore, another important step in the web design development is the creating of the wireframe. Good practice to begin with when creating wireframes is sketching. Below in figure 2 is shown a proposal of my understanding for a good e-business oriented wireframe. Figure 2-sketch proposal for an e-business orientated web site wireframe [Photo by Dusan Pancik] While prototyping many different types of designing software can be used, where the benefits of sketching will be appreciated. To implement the learning outcome gathered during the lessons and facts identified in assignment two report, using Adobe Fireworks software I have created a wire frame design for an e-business orientated web site. This is shown below in figure 3. Figure 3- wireframe proposal for an e-business orientated web site [Created by Dusan Pancik using Adobe Fireworks] In the prototyping process, creating prototypes helps simulate the actual application. A prototype can be made up of one or more features. It usually simulates the behaviour of a real application. Prototypes may only have some functionality that may be needed (for example; complex calculations). Prototypes are normally used to test ideas since they are done in HTML due to their nature. For this prototype, I have used software called Adobe Dreamweaver. This is shown below in figure four and five. Figure 4- wireframe proposal for an e-business orientated web site [Created by Dusan Pancik using Adobe Dreamweaver] Figure 5- wireframe proposal for an e-business orientated web site [Created by Dusan Pancik using Adobe Dreamweaver] Web design testing Functionality of the website is also a prominent criterion. It defines the use of technology in the site where good functionality means the site works well. The presence of active links, quick-load time is a factor. Another important factor to consider is cross-platform compatibility of a website. This is a site that works well in terms of functionality, and look-and-feel on different browsers. The structure and navigation of the proposed website example for an e-commerce orientated website has a basic framework and straight forward content organization. The navigation is extremely helpful and saves a time for the user to search for anything he wants in the site. The interactivity of the website and overall design is nicely done. It allows the user to do something, that is; give and receive information. The prioritization of information on the website gives it usability. Other useful information that will be provided by the website include frequently asked questions, and open standards etc. This feature makes it cover the user needs in a wholesome fashion. The use of technology is evident. Technology use has improved the overall user experience by allowing an advanced level of interactivity with the website. The basic framework and content organization makes the website easy to navigate and gives it a unique and elegant design. This in my opinion gives the online store a social image and a feeling of online communication. The main interface looks well organized and easy to navigate, and you can gather lots of information. Conclusion When planning and creating a website, the developer has the objective of reaching global audiences through the internet (Horton 2005, p.43). The designer has to keep in mind the necessities of visitors and the return on investment, profit, from a website. Disseminating information through electronic means is a dynamic activity and it changes with advancement in technology (Bringhurst 2005, pp. 5, 32 & 44). When it boils down to the look-and-feel, many hospital websites meet the bill, but the designer(s) needs to focus on the visitors, reasons they view and what they are viewing in the site. Additionally, there are many advantages of using internet marketing tools such as maintaining the customer’s satisfaction, promoting the new product of the company and keeping customers’ brand loyalty of a client as long as possible. It benefits both education and business more so when promoting online businesses and stores. References Beaird, J. (2007) The Principles of beautiful web design. New York: SitePoint. Bringhurst, R. (2005) The Elements of typographic style applied to the web, John Wiley & Sons, New York. Cockrum, J. (2011) Free marketing: 101 low and no-cost ways to grow your business. New York: Wiley. Concepcion, A 2002, Professional Web Site Design from Start to Finish. How Design Books, San Francisco. Cone, S. (2011) Steal these ideas!: Marketing secrets that will make you a star. New York: Bloomberg Press. Govindarajan, V. & Trimble, C. (2005) Building breakthrough businesses within established organizations. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Horton, S. (2005) Access by Design online. Johnson, J. (2010) Designing with the mind in mind: Simple guide to understanding user interface design rules. Massachusetts: Morgan Kaufmann. Krug, S. (2005) Don’t make me think: A Common sense approach to web usability. California: New Riders Press. Mcneil, P. (2008) The web designer’s Idea Book: The Ultimate guide to themes, trends and styles in website design. California: New Riders Press. Tamara, A. & Pruitt J. (2005) The essential persona lifecycle, Morgan Kaufmann, Massachusetts. Read More