1. List All the Features You Think Users Might Like
• Campus Map
• Class Schedule
• Student Calendar
• Class Syllabi
• Campus Happenings
• Campus Alerts
• Student Activities
• Nearby Restaurants/Food
• File transfer from computer for notes
• Connects to Facebook
• Connects to school email
• Connects to LinkedIn
• Connects to myAiCampus.com
• Registration on the go
• Books/Library
• Midterm Grades/Final Quarter Grades/GPA
• Virtual Bulletin Board for ride share/actors/models
2. Determine Who Your Users Are
Students currently attending The Art Institute of Seattle, who own an iPhone, need something to help them stay organized and connected.
3. Filter the Feature List Through the Audience Definition
Main Features: Class Schedule/Assignments, Calendar, myAiCampus
Application Definition Statement: “Great way for the AiSeattle Student to stay connected and organized.”
4. Don’t Stop There
Use your application definition statement throughout the development process to determine the suitability of features, controls, and terminology.
Students will want something simple and very easy to use, an app that will help them get answers about school/their schedule fast and efficiently. The design of the app is very important considering the fact that most of the students using the app will be in a design focused degree. It should help student stay organized with reminders/alarms of events, activities, and/or tests or assignments that are due.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
iPhone ap ideas;
Here are a few ideas that Whitney Mack and I thought about in class last week:
1. An app for the Seattle zoo or aquarium that talks about the different animals or creatures, shows a map of the park, gives discounts, gives information about happenings at either park.
2. An app for Ai students to help them stay organized, a map of the school, connects with myAicampus, student schedule, teacher syllabus available to students, local places to eat, etc.
3. Restaurant app that allows you to take a picture of food and gives you the recipe on how to make it, this app is a little unrealistic but a very good idea none the less.
4. An invisible leash, it connects with a device that is attached to your dog/pets collar and allows the user to walk the dog without a leash, by controlling the dog with the phone.
5. A key finder app that helps you find your keys; this may have already been created.
Our two favorite ideas are the first two; there have been versions of student study/organization apps but none that are tailored to AiSeattle Students.
1. An app for the Seattle zoo or aquarium that talks about the different animals or creatures, shows a map of the park, gives discounts, gives information about happenings at either park.
2. An app for Ai students to help them stay organized, a map of the school, connects with myAicampus, student schedule, teacher syllabus available to students, local places to eat, etc.
3. Restaurant app that allows you to take a picture of food and gives you the recipe on how to make it, this app is a little unrealistic but a very good idea none the less.
4. An invisible leash, it connects with a device that is attached to your dog/pets collar and allows the user to walk the dog without a leash, by controlling the dog with the phone.
5. A key finder app that helps you find your keys; this may have already been created.
Our two favorite ideas are the first two; there have been versions of student study/organization apps but none that are tailored to AiSeattle Students.
Week 7 Reading,
The last chapter of Don't Make Me Think is about cutting out the unnecessary.
Some designers get trapped producing something that is not the optimal way of going about something like a form with many optional spaces or having customers fill out a lot of information just to receive an emailed newsletter.
Graphic Designers often do not have the power to give input on a design, so when something awful is asked upon them, it is sometimes unavoidable. Usually the boss in circumstances like these doesn't know or would actually appreciate the input on how the site could be more functional.
Some designers get trapped producing something that is not the optimal way of going about something like a form with many optional spaces or having customers fill out a lot of information just to receive an emailed newsletter.
Graphic Designers often do not have the power to give input on a design, so when something awful is asked upon them, it is sometimes unavoidable. Usually the boss in circumstances like these doesn't know or would actually appreciate the input on how the site could be more functional.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Week 6 Reading;
The author starts out the chapter with a story about a time when she was about to board a plane when she found out that the airline was going through a strike and when she searched the website, there was no trace of it to be found. Keeping things current is extremely important especially when changes are experienced.
Sometimes a single mistake is all it takes to make the user leave the page in anger.
The author calls the amount of patience a user has 'goodwill' and lists multiple ways to lose and regain the goodwill.
http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/the-web-designer-s-guide-to-user-experience-658868
Sometimes a single mistake is all it takes to make the user leave the page in anger.
The author calls the amount of patience a user has 'goodwill' and lists multiple ways to lose and regain the goodwill.
http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/the-web-designer-s-guide-to-user-experience-658868
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Week 5 Reading;
There is a big difference with how we want to create sites and how we want them to look and feel when we're actually using them. It can't be said enough; simple is best. People read from left to right, and they'll more than likely see your page that way so why not take advantage of that?
A focus group, a small group of people (usually 5 to 8) sit around a table and
react to ideas and designs that are shown to them. It’s a group process, and much
of its value comes from participants reacting to each other’s opinions. usability test, one user at a time is shown something (whether it’s a Web
site, a prototype of a site, or some sketches of individual pages) and asked to
either (a) figure out what it is, or (b) try to use it to do a typical task.
Testing users is very important in the creation of a good and functional site. One is better than none, but most is best.
A focus group, a small group of people (usually 5 to 8) sit around a table and
react to ideas and designs that are shown to them. It’s a group process, and much
of its value comes from participants reacting to each other’s opinions. usability test, one user at a time is shown something (whether it’s a Web
site, a prototype of a site, or some sketches of individual pages) and asked to
either (a) figure out what it is, or (b) try to use it to do a typical task.
Testing users is very important in the creation of a good and functional site. One is better than none, but most is best.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Week Four Reading;
Things a site needs to have:
Site Identity and Mission Statement: The Home page has to tell me what site this is and what it’s for—and if possible, why I should be here and not at some other site.
Site Hierarchy: The Home page has to give an overview of what the site has to offer—both content and features—and how it’s all organized. This is usually handled by the persistent navigation.
Search: Prominently displayed search bar
Teasers: Site needs to entice me to go deeper just like a book or magazine cover
Timely Content: Content is updated regularly to avoid the site becoming a bore.
A site's home page needs to answer the four main questions, What is this?, What do they have here?, What can I do here?, Why should I be here instead of somewhere else?
Some common excuses for confusing home pages are the creator thinking that what they are conveying is obvious and they don't need to include it. Thinking that reading a site explanation once is enough and seeing it any more times would be considered bothersome. Also thinking that the viewers will understand the site because they wanted to go to it in the first place, which is not true at all.
One of the most valuable bits of real estate is the space right next to the Site ID. When we see a phrase that’s visually connected to the ID, weknow it’s meant to be a tagline, and so we read it as a description of the whole site. Some sites such as Ebay, CNN and the Smithsonian don't have a tagline because they are so well known, they don't need one.
Keeping a balance of space is also important, not too much but never too little rendering it cluttered and not worthy of staying for more than a couple seconds.
Site Identity and Mission Statement: The Home page has to tell me what site this is and what it’s for—and if possible, why I should be here and not at some other site.
Site Hierarchy: The Home page has to give an overview of what the site has to offer—both content and features—and how it’s all organized. This is usually handled by the persistent navigation.
Search: Prominently displayed search bar
Teasers: Site needs to entice me to go deeper just like a book or magazine cover
Timely Content: Content is updated regularly to avoid the site becoming a bore.
A site's home page needs to answer the four main questions, What is this?, What do they have here?, What can I do here?, Why should I be here instead of somewhere else?
Some common excuses for confusing home pages are the creator thinking that what they are conveying is obvious and they don't need to include it. Thinking that reading a site explanation once is enough and seeing it any more times would be considered bothersome. Also thinking that the viewers will understand the site because they wanted to go to it in the first place, which is not true at all.
One of the most valuable bits of real estate is the space right next to the Site ID. When we see a phrase that’s visually connected to the ID, weknow it’s meant to be a tagline, and so we read it as a description of the whole site. Some sites such as Ebay, CNN and the Smithsonian don't have a tagline because they are so well known, they don't need one.
Keeping a balance of space is also important, not too much but never too little rendering it cluttered and not worthy of staying for more than a couple seconds.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Week 3 Reading
In chapter six of the book, Don't Make Me Think compares navigating a website to navigating through a department store. You walk in the door, find the section of the item you want, and find your product from there. If you are unable to find your desired product, you are likely to leave and never come back.
The same goes for web surfing. If it is impossible or even mildly difficult to navigate your site, your user is not likely to ever want to come back again.
Instead of having a clerk to ask about what you want, some websites offer a search bar usually located on the top of the screen to help find what you want.
Wanting to use the search bar usually depends on how big of a rush the user is and whether or not they want to try and navigate the site.
One major difference in department stores and websites is that when inside a store, you usually have a good sense of how big it is and how difficult or easy it's going to be to navigate. Websites can contain 17,000 separate pages that you will probably never know exist.
Some sites try to label their search bar with something else such as 'quick find'.
That confuses people because they are searching for the word, 'search' or 'go'
A logo allows the user to know what site it is that they're on, and an arrow or marker next to the section you're on keeps the viewer knowing where it is that they are. It's just like a directory with a 'you are here' dot on it.
Sites about navigation:
http://webdesignledger.com/inspiration/30-examples-of-clean-and-minimal-website-navigation
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/01/04/showcase-of-modern-navigation-design-trends/
http://www.eastonmass.net/tullis/WebsiteNavigation/WebsiteNavigationPaper.htm
Websites with good navigation
You'll always know that you're on the site because of the red bar and logo at the top, despite it's millions (probably) of different pages...
Netflix
This site directs you to other sites that it thinks you may enjoy, but there is always a bar at the top of the screen to let you know you're using stumpleupon...
stumbleupon
Just like everything apple does, their site is brilliant.
Easy to use and navigate.
apple
The same goes for web surfing. If it is impossible or even mildly difficult to navigate your site, your user is not likely to ever want to come back again.
Instead of having a clerk to ask about what you want, some websites offer a search bar usually located on the top of the screen to help find what you want.
Wanting to use the search bar usually depends on how big of a rush the user is and whether or not they want to try and navigate the site.
One major difference in department stores and websites is that when inside a store, you usually have a good sense of how big it is and how difficult or easy it's going to be to navigate. Websites can contain 17,000 separate pages that you will probably never know exist.
Some sites try to label their search bar with something else such as 'quick find'.
That confuses people because they are searching for the word, 'search' or 'go'
A logo allows the user to know what site it is that they're on, and an arrow or marker next to the section you're on keeps the viewer knowing where it is that they are. It's just like a directory with a 'you are here' dot on it.
Sites about navigation:
http://webdesignledger.com/inspiration/30-examples-of-clean-and-minimal-website-navigation
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/01/04/showcase-of-modern-navigation-design-trends/
http://www.eastonmass.net/tullis/WebsiteNavigation/WebsiteNavigationPaper.htm
Websites with good navigation
You'll always know that you're on the site because of the red bar and logo at the top, despite it's millions (probably) of different pages...
Netflix
This site directs you to other sites that it thinks you may enjoy, but there is always a bar at the top of the screen to let you know you're using stumpleupon...
stumbleupon
Just like everything apple does, their site is brilliant.
Easy to use and navigate.
apple
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Week 2 Reading
With people's short attention span, sites need to be designed for scanning, not for reading. There are five things to make this easy.
Create a visual hierarchy, take advantage of conventions, break pages up into clearly definable areas, define what is and isn't clickable and minimize noise.
Creating hierarchy gives emphasis to the most important things by making them bigger, a different color or more defined. Noticing when a visual hierarchy has been placed takes practice for we see it daily and never think much of it.
Conventions give meaning to things we see daily such as a news paper. What is large is usually the headline and the following copy is the details that the headline summed up. Whatever falls underneath a picture is usually describing the photo above. Nobody ever taught us this, it is what we have gathered from previous experiences and basic knowledge. On the web, conventions are also very present, like lists of links in blue and body, like a newspaper. When trying to be inventive and doing something new on the web, one must make sure that everything is evident in purpose and functional.
Some pages become stressful on the mind when decisions are not clear. Every like should not make the viewer worry whether or not they make the right decision.
Body copy is often full of what the author calls 'happy talk' where the writer is throwing out useless information such as a welcome paragraph or instructions to do the most basic thing. Happy talk needs to go away and be replaced with self explanatory links and directions.
http://psd.tutsplus.com/tutorials/designing-tutorials/9-essential-principles-for-good-web-design/
http://gdbasics.com/index.php?s=hierarchy
http://www.aiga.org/webinar-responsive-web-design/
Create a visual hierarchy, take advantage of conventions, break pages up into clearly definable areas, define what is and isn't clickable and minimize noise.
Creating hierarchy gives emphasis to the most important things by making them bigger, a different color or more defined. Noticing when a visual hierarchy has been placed takes practice for we see it daily and never think much of it.
Conventions give meaning to things we see daily such as a news paper. What is large is usually the headline and the following copy is the details that the headline summed up. Whatever falls underneath a picture is usually describing the photo above. Nobody ever taught us this, it is what we have gathered from previous experiences and basic knowledge. On the web, conventions are also very present, like lists of links in blue and body, like a newspaper. When trying to be inventive and doing something new on the web, one must make sure that everything is evident in purpose and functional.
Some pages become stressful on the mind when decisions are not clear. Every like should not make the viewer worry whether or not they make the right decision.
Body copy is often full of what the author calls 'happy talk' where the writer is throwing out useless information such as a welcome paragraph or instructions to do the most basic thing. Happy talk needs to go away and be replaced with self explanatory links and directions.
http://psd.tutsplus.com/tutorials/designing-tutorials/9-essential-principles-for-good-web-design/
http://gdbasics.com/index.php?s=hierarchy
http://www.aiga.org/webinar-responsive-web-design/
Monday, July 25, 2011
Website
Shown is the most basic design for the interface of my personal webpage. The links and header are shown, along with the overall page look and feel. Critique is welcomed and expected.
Concept Statement:
A list of all users that may visit my site:
• Perspective clients
• People interested in the work I create
• My portfolio work
• A resumé and contact information
• People interested in Graphic Design
• I think outside the box
• I am very passionate about my work
• I am easily contacted for anything
• Advertisents
• Web
• llustrations
• Perspective clients
• People interested in the work I create
What will each of those users want to see in order to enjoy their visit to my site?
• An appealing website design and interface• My portfolio work
• A resumé and contact information
Intended audience:
• Clients, Employers• People interested in Graphic Design
What I need to inform and persuade of:
Promote my: Myself, my artwork
Goals of the site are: Easy to understand and appealing
My ultimate message/philosophy: Work needs to be appropriate and impressive, site needs to be to par with my portfolio work.
What is the story I am telling? My artistic journey
Assets I need to persuade the user:
• I have a developed style in my work but also am flexable• I think outside the box
• I am very passionate about my work
• I am easily contacted for anything
For the purpose of structuring my website portfolio pages, I will list the categories of work I will show:
• Branding• Advertisents
• Web
• llustrations
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Week one reading;
Steve Krug's book, 'Don't Make me Think!: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability is about how to create an interface based on the User's experience and keeping it simple in order to assure ease and keep attention. Steve continues to explain that there are no rules necessarily in web design, it's just whatever looks and feels right. Nobody wants to spend too much time figuring out what is going on in the website.
His first law of usability he calls, "don't make me think!"
All features should be self explanatory and evident in their functions.
"Making pages self-evident is like having good lighting in a store: it just makes everything seem better."
When creating some sites, people tend to think that viewers will care enough to carefully read every finely crafted sentence when in reality, the majority of the audience will just skim through the page without paying much attention to the details.
http://www.frankchimero.com/
http://www.hornallanderson.com/
http://www.rludwigdesign.com/
http://www.paulfoxdesign.co.uk/
His first law of usability he calls, "don't make me think!"
All features should be self explanatory and evident in their functions.
"Making pages self-evident is like having good lighting in a store: it just makes everything seem better."
When creating some sites, people tend to think that viewers will care enough to carefully read every finely crafted sentence when in reality, the majority of the audience will just skim through the page without paying much attention to the details.
http://www.frankchimero.com/
http://www.hornallanderson.com/
http://www.rludwigdesign.com/
http://www.paulfoxdesign.co.uk/
Monday, July 18, 2011
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