seeya mod 5!!

I'm so happy to have finally completed module five! Eight pages and two thousand words later and I can finally say I'm DONE!!! I guess that is my last paper for WRA 210, once I put the finishing touches on my portfolio and write a few more blog entries WRA 210 will be no more. This class has not been easy for me and provided a lot of stress but I can honestly say I have learned a lot. It's a Friday night, I need to get out of the basement of the union. Farewell for now!

pretty picturesss

In procrastinating finishing my paper I rediscovered this image that I used in my banner. I like it so much, it seems to represent how much imagination, creativity, and possibility writing holds. I wanted to make sure that I posted it so I could remember it since it's cut down and scaled in my banner and I think the original is beautiful.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2MM0BR/maclab.guhsd.net/students/blog/writing_trees.jpg

usability

I think I will have to spend some time today looking at my usability documents and figuring out how to improve my website. Sadly I only got about one a half usability documents back with feedback so hopefully that's enough to make some improvements.

mod 5

I worked on my identity document in class today and was able to add my banners, color schemes, and logos. I will still need to add my gradient but this has given me a better idea of what I need to focus on in my paper. I think I have everything that I need it in and just need to add more details about why I chose each color scheme etc. I am also happy to see that I don't actually have to include my logo because with the presence of my banner (which also has an image in it) my site would look rather cluttered.

evaluation

• Which module was the most helpful to you and why?
  
• I found module four to be most helpful because I think that is when I finally became more comfortable with CSS and templates. Module three was also helpful because I was able to see everything you could do wrong and use this in creating my websites.
  
• Which module was the least helpful to you and why?
  
• Module two was a little confusing to me, but once I realized what I was supposed to be doing it came together better for me.
  
• What needs to be added to this course to make it more worthwhile for future students?
  
• I think, personally, I needed a little more direction. Usually I figured it out by myself eventually, but I spent a lot of time being rather lost and confused within the modules. I understand that would be difficult to gauge since everyone is at different skill levels, but when we first started with dreamweaver and photoshop I had no idea how to do anything which was frustrating.
  
• On our course syllabus I listed what I thought were the key objectives of this class, but what do YOU believe were the focal points of WRA 210 and why?
  
• WRA 210 taught me a lot; mainly how to expand greatly on my computer skills gained from CSE 101. I know now so much more about dreamweaver and css and learned it in a way that I think I will be able to retain better.
  

mod 5

I have added more to my identity document. Although I'm slightly confused as to if I'm on the right track with writing this because it needs to be different than what I reported in Mod 4. So far, I have just been explaining the color design theories I used in my color schemes and how that relates to my audience. Also, the importance of logos and establishing an identity. I hope I'm doing this correctly!

mod 5

I realize now how easy it is to do all the things I was stressed about yesterday! I went a little early today and was able to fix my resume, sample writings, and contact info tabs. It turns out that all you have to do to get the same format on each sub page is copy and paste the style sheet.. who knew! Also, linking word documents was as simple as linking the pages. I am going to spend some time reading the feedback I received from my usability document and hopefully find ways to improve my site. However, I'm much happier with it now than I was last night. Things finally seem to be coming together, hallelujah.

mod 5

I made some progress with mod 5 on Friday. I missed class on Thursday because I was sick so I've been playing catch up a little. I updated my original course website which is funny to see how awful it was. Not that I'm much better at web design now.. but having templates to work with does help. I just can't figure out how to do things like attach a word document (my resume tab). Or figure out how to duplicate my original pages for my tabs (which I feel like should be easy). I think I need to utilize some office hours, WRA 210 seems to be the source of all my stress this semester!

week 14

I am feeling very overwhelmed with module 5. At first I thought this would be a module based only on completing the final site, but now I realize how many components go into it. I feel much better after being able to say that I completed my three color schemes, three gradients, three banners, and three logos. I never knew I would be able to say I have a small level of comfort with photoshop. I still do not think its anywhere near comparable to some of my classmates' knowledge, but hey, it's a start. I guess that means that I can start writing my identity document to make myself feel better about the amount of work I have to complete in the next two weeks. I feel better now that I have a draft of my usability document that I just need to tweak and add to by Friday. I just need to make sure that the tasks I'm proposing are actually possible on my website! I finally reopened Dreamweaver today for one of the first times since Mod 4 and have begun editing my site so that it is closer to being completed for the final. However, now I'm worried about what kind of writing to include in the sample document tab. I guess writings from WRA 202 and WRA 260? Or maybe it was WRA 240. I will have to look into it. Also, my resume could use some updating. I am just praying I'm able to complete this all.

week fourteen

1) What benefits does a web author gain in considering issues of usability and accessibility when designing, updating, writing, and maintaining a site?

Usability helps assure that the web author's site will remain useful and up to date. If it does not comply with usability standards, those who have issues with it will forget about it and move onto a new website that does comply.

2) What are two aspects regarding usability you feel more confident in or know more about than when the class began?

When it comes to usability, I learned the value of evaluating these websites with other websites (like validator) to make sure sites are tested for color blindness. I also learned the importance of using HTML in a consistent and appropriate way.

3) What are two aspects regarding accessibility you feel more confident in or know more about than when the class began?

I learned the real purpose of accessibility and catering to your audience. Aspects like making sure the website is still readable when the font size is increased and the pictures are omitted are things I did not consider until recently.

week13

1) What is/was your design process for creating a logo for your site?

I have started to create my logo but I'm not sure if I'm happy with the final product. I basically just did variations of the letter "S" for Stephanie. I'm confused as to if this is what my logos should look like. I used colors from my three different color palates in creating my logos. I think I need to make them more memorable.

2) What is/was the most difficult part of this process?

The most difficult part for me was figuring out how to use Photoshop and all the different filters and ways I could alter my logos.

3) What will help/helped you the most in creating a logo that is most appropriate?

I think looking at other logos and figuring out why they were successful will help me create an appropriate one. Once I am able to pick out these traits, I will be able to apply them to mine.

week 12

I guess I'm still confused when it comes to usability. I don't know what my draft is supposed to look like; maybe like the MSU web access checklist? The posted documents for usability seem very long and confusing and I don't know how I'd create something like that. Section 508 basically just made me realize that there are laws ensuring that those with disabilities have equal access to online information. The usability.gov website seemed helpful because it conducts usability tests. However, I'd say that I am still rather confused about usability as a whole. I understand that it's implemented to grant fairness but I need to figure out how it applies to me and my site.

week12

I think both the MSU website and State of Michigan (SOM) website look so much better! Both seemed outdated and overwhelming to try and find what you need. I like the new look of the task buttons that are on the SOM website because they look very modern and help break up the many different subtasks at the top. I also really like the pier and lighthouse banner at the top because it represents Michigan well. The SOM website still looks a little cluttered to me, but I think it's much better than before. I think the MSU website looks a lot better but I'm not sure about the new task buttons. Before, it was very user friendly by having different task buttons for whoever would visit the site, but now these are buried a little more. Maybe it just takes a little getting used to, which I don't think people would be opposed to. I really like the new colors and how there is a dark green banner at the top and a light green band under that.

week 11

I missed some of the week 11 readings but have gone back and read them. I found the article "How Google Got Its Colorful Logo" to be very interesting because since it is such a recognized symbol now, it is interesting to see what it could have been. I definitely think they made the right choice because I don't really like any of the other logos. As always (this is becoming quite a pattern), I seem to be rather confused when it comes to Mod 5. I I feel like there are many parts to it which I don't understand, especially what is due next week. Also, I don't know if I should be creating a logo for myself? I am just not a photoshop expert like many in our class so I feel very behind already. Hopefully I will get some clarification tomorrow.

session 2 week 11

1. Which document - aside from your own creation of course - did you find most helpful in discussing what should be included in an Identity Document? Why?

I thought that Karen Confer's powerpoint was helpful because it seemed to give a well rounded explanation to what creates a company's identity. She explored images, fonts, colors and audience in a way that made me feel as if I had gained a general understanding about all these topics. I also liked Ariel, Andrew and Lauren's powerpoint because they gave tips in steps for creating an identity which I thought was a good idea. Their powerpoint was very thorough and probably the best one I saw because it looked like it could have been presented to a small company looking to create an identity and expand their brand.

1. Looking back at the Module 5 assignment sheet, as well as the documents for your Final Course Site and the Usability Test, what questions do you still have for me?

I have questions concerning what is actually due before the final site because on the assignment sheet it says it's due April 29 but the link to mod 5 says it's due May 3, so I don't understand if we have to turn something in before the final.

1. Where are you confused the most and what will realistically (since, no, not having to do the assignment isn't an option - SORRY!) help you resolve these issues?

I am confused as to if we are just writing a paper about what helps create an identity or logo or if we are actually creating this graphic elements. The assignment sheet says to create three of either a banner or color scheme etc so I'm confused as to if we actually need three of each that are listed or if those are simply examples of what we could do.