Introduction to Web Design Course

In this course, students will learn the basics of designing and developing a web site. We'll take a look at design issues specific to web-based presentations, learn web page layout, effective navigation and delve into the design process. We examine some of the how-to's, in's, out's and pitfalls of using graphics, color and fonts on web pages as well as working with tables and CSS. Some site management techniques are covered, accessibility issues and working with domains and clients discussed.

Outline

Week 1: Basics of Web Design

Focus on the customer
Working with your clients
FYI - information on domains
Web design patterns
Site development processes
- Naming conventions
- Purpose of a website
- Planning your site

Week 2: Design Principles

Design principles
Effective Page Layouts
Layout options
- Using tables, layers, frames
- Working with forms
- Using CSS to add interest and flexibility to a design

Week 3: Page Layout - Navigation

Principles of effective navigation
More than one way to navigate
Hierarchal organization
Task-based organization
Other ways to organize your navigation
Making navigation easy
- Bread crumbs
- Links, embedded and external
- Error messages
- Unified browsing hierarchy
- High-visibility buttons
Accessibility issues

Week 4: Managing Content

Speeding up your Site
Assisting your visitors with task completion
Writing for search engines
Printable pages
Version control
Searching the site

Week 5: Color and Graphics

Using color on your pages
- Flashing colors
- Bright colors
Pros and cons of background colors
Contrast
Do's and don'ts of Graphics
Dimension vs weight
Wrapping text around a graphic
Using Background graphics
Banners and moving objects

Week 6: Credibility

Site branding
Privacy policies
Disclaimers
Email subscriptions

Week 7: Site Management

Site organization
- Organizing associated files
- Keeping prior versions
Directory structure and organization
Too many cooks in the kitchen - version control

Week 8: Final Steps and Extras

Testing your site
When you need help testing
Online research

Prerequisites

Completion of the HTML course (H101) or XHTML course (H401) or equivalent previous html experience can attend. Material covered in the H101 class will not be covered again in this course.
Students must have webspace available to post assignments, and the ability to post their homework in that webspace.
Student browsers should be equipped with the latest Flash Player and be able to play Quicktime movies. Students will need at least two browsers, Firefox and IE are recommended as cross-browser compatibility will be stressed.
Some familiarity with CSS and graphics editing, although not required, is helpful.

Requirements

FTP software for uploading assignments, such as WS_FTP at http://wsftp.com, an HTML editor such as Dreamweaver or a text editor such as Notepad for hand coding. Although not required, students will find it helpful to have a photo processing application such as PhotoShop or PSP and drawing program such as Illustrator.

Books:
Required Book	The Design of Sites: Patterns for Creating Winning Web Sites
Additional information:
Your place in the course is confirmed by your payment. Introductory courses are intended for students with no experience in the subject matter and are seeking beginner level training. Refund Policy: Please read our Terms and Refund Policy before registering for this course. Additional Cost: Book and software might be required for the course. Read the Requirements and Book section for more information. Course fee does not include the book and software cost . How eClasses Work:Instructors post lectures (text-based, no video or audio), reading selections, and hands-on assignments once a week in the online classroom. Students can discuss the assignments with the instructor and amongst themselves in the classroom area. This format has no set meeting time, which allows students to attend class at a time most convenient to them, yet still provides logically organized communication between class participants. Students can apply for the completion certificate after finishing the class.

Price:

$220.00

Course No.:

D313

Instructor:

Peggi Rodgers

Co-instructor/TA:

Clive Dowie

CEUs:

Duration:

8 weeks

Open Courses:

Start Date: Sep 13, 2010

Start Date: Nov 08, 2010

Testimonials

Instructor's Profile:

With over ten years of web and graphic design experience, Peggi owns and operates Misty Canyon Designs. With a major focus on new site design and specializing in the management of large websites, Peggi is contracted with several public and private-sector entities for the design and maintenance of their websites. Peggi is currently the contracted webmaster for six national forests across the nation.

Before you register for this class, please read the Outline, Prerequisites, Requirements, Books, and Refund Policy sections carefully.

Ratings

"Peggi is a great instructor. She had great comments that really helped move the class and each individual along at the right speed. I would recommend anyone interested in the Web Design world to take this class. Thanks!" - Kristi Duncan

"Peggi created a terrific course. Her links were current; her comments on-target and helpful. I liked very much that she revised her lectures from feedback she received. I will save the PDFs from this class and refer to them. Good work, Peggi!" - Jan Timmons

"I really enjoy the online classes you offer. I try to take only one class at a time though. I overlapped this class with the XML class (by two weeks) and I was a little bit unsure whether I would be able to get everything done for both classes. It worked out, but I don't think I'll try it again. Excellent materials, book and instruction. Thanks!" - Colette Fuchs

"This is my second class with Peggi as an instructor and I count myself lucky! She is an amazing instructor, always quick to respond, help out with suggestions, and very positive with feedback. Thank you very much for another wonderful class!" - Colleen Haubrich

"This was a great class, and Peggi is an awesome instructor! " - Beatrix Boros