Web Design... :) - Page 2

Mark · 22-09-2007, 13:31

Having a design in mind now doesn't sound like a bad idea to me, but I'd agree that it'd be a good idea to know where you're going with licensing before launching a public website.

Burble · 23-09-2007, 01:13

The offer of webspace is still there if you want it Pheebs

Pheebs · 23-09-2007, 07:46

I have been awake most of last night thinking about blooming website designs and things. And I have finally decided I will give it all a bash myself using fireworks.

God help me!

I figured a) I'm a fast learner b) I have super dooper amounts of patience for these things c) I will be able to get it exactly like I would like it!

Without a doubt I will still need a massive load of help though!

Does anyone know any good online tutorials/helpful hints pages for website design using fireworks 8 and flash? Or any books? I'm popping into town later so may have a browse in the book section and see what they look like

Dymetrie · 23-09-2007, 11:13

Who'd have thunk it! Adobe have a tutorial here

Haly · 23-09-2007, 16:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitten_caboodle

we've got some dvd tutorials on web design (dreamweaver/macromedia suite) that are really good (lynda.com). Leo will have a look later and list what he's got so I can bring them along on Friday (too many to upload really!).

I'd quite like a copy of that too if it's going

Jasper · 24-09-2007, 15:54

I think that if you've never touched web design before, throwing yourself in at the deep-end and making a flash site would be way over your head.

I also abhor flash websites, and would urge you to have a think about design (rather than an interactive gimmick) and make an accessible website using html, css and degradeable javascript.

also, if you want to do it right, ignore Dreamweaver like the plague - get some tutorials and build from scratch - it's really not that difficult once you get going.

with regards to screen resolution, I would think about your target market - it's *pretty* safe to assume 1024*768, but I wouldn't go any bigger than that.

iCraig · 24-09-2007, 16:13

Ideally, letting your site squeeze on at 800px width will earn you extra accessibility points.

I agree with Jasper about Flash. Flash is easy to learn, but hard to master. These days Flash needs to be professional and innovative for it to not look gimmicky. I think a fun vibrant HTML/CSS design will be a much better starting block. You could then add some subtle flash elements in if you think the site still needs them.

A couple of general design tips when creating the site:

1.) Keep it simple and clean. Simple sites load quicker and are easier to digest. Open space also calms a design, so don't worry about trying to fill areas of the design for the sake of it.

2.) Stick to a colour scheme. Your drawings are already going to carry a lot of colour into the site, so try and limit the usage in the main body of the design. A more subtle colour scheme will not only showcase your work nicely, but will also keep the site clean and tidy.

3.) Have a maximum of 2-3 fonts throughout the entire site. It keeps the site consistent and lets your information flow properly.

4.) Take your time. Good designs take time to whittle out, so don't get frustrated if after 5 hours of playing around you haven't got anywhere. You'll hit the eureka point sooner or later, so just keep trying until you get there.

5.) Look at other sites, even ones that aren't necessarily along the same lines as yours. Obviously not to steal, but for inspiration.

MarcLister · 25-09-2007, 21:00

Perhaps I should get in on this thread. I'm in my final year at Uni and I've got a final year project of re-designing one of my lecturer's site. Its a cool project and I'm very happy to have secured it. I haven't had a meeting with him about it yet but this thread looks like a cool one to keep an eye on and perhaps also for me to supply any tips or books/links etc that I find whilst doing this project.

Feek · 26-09-2007, 15:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcLister

Perhaps I should get in on this thread. I'm in my final year at Uni and I've got a final year project of re-designing one of my lecturer's site. Its a cool project and I'm very happy to have secured it. I haven't had a meeting with him about it yet but this thread looks like a cool one to keep an eye on and perhaps also for me to supply any tips or books/links etc that I find whilst doing this project.

I have a very nastily made web site, badly Frontpage designed with tables and some java but with just a few pages. Fancy redesigning it for fun?

MarcLister · 26-09-2007, 16:04

You yanking my chain? Or serious? If you are, then yeah don't mind giving it a go. I don't claim to be the best but I'll be learning stuff quickly for my project.

23-09-2007, 07:46	#13
Pheebs Deep Throat Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 6,512	I have been awake most of last night thinking about blooming website designs and things. And I have finally decided I will give it all a bash myself using fireworks. God help me! I figured a) I'm a fast learner b) I have super dooper amounts of patience for these things c) I will be able to get it exactly like I would like it! Without a doubt I will still need a massive load of help though! Does anyone know any good online tutorials/helpful hints pages for website design using fireworks 8 and flash? Or any books? I'm popping into town later so may have a browse in the book section and see what they look like __________________ http://www.spiffingdesigns.co.uk

23-09-2007, 11:13	#14
Dymetrie A large glass of Merlot Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Letchworth with a Lightsaber Posts: 5,819	Who'd have thunk it! Adobe have a tutorial here __________________ Khef, Ka and Ka-Tet....

24-09-2007, 16:13	#17
iCraig iCustom User Title Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,250	Ideally, letting your site squeeze on at 800px width will earn you extra accessibility points. I agree with Jasper about Flash. Flash is easy to learn, but hard to master. These days Flash needs to be professional and innovative for it to not look gimmicky. I think a fun vibrant HTML/CSS design will be a much better starting block. You could then add some subtle flash elements in if you think the site still needs them. A couple of general design tips when creating the site: 1.) Keep it simple and clean. Simple sites load quicker and are easier to digest. Open space also calms a design, so don't worry about trying to fill areas of the design for the sake of it. 2.) Stick to a colour scheme. Your drawings are already going to carry a lot of colour into the site, so try and limit the usage in the main body of the design. A more subtle colour scheme will not only showcase your work nicely, but will also keep the site clean and tidy. 3.) Have a maximum of 2-3 fonts throughout the entire site. It keeps the site consistent and lets your information flow properly. 4.) Take your time. Good designs take time to whittle out, so don't get frustrated if after 5 hours of playing around you haven't got anywhere. You'll hit the eureka point sooner or later, so just keep trying until you get there. 5.) Look at other sites, even ones that aren't necessarily along the same lines as yours. Obviously not to steal, but for inspiration. __________________

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22-09-2007, 13:31	#11
Mark Screaming Orgasm Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newbury Posts: 15,194	Having a design in mind now doesn't sound like a bad idea to me, but I'd agree that it'd be a good idea to know where you're going with licensing before launching a public website.

23-09-2007, 01:13	#12
Burble Rocket Fuel Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 7,826	The offer of webspace is still there if you want it Pheebs

24-09-2007, 15:54	#16
Jasper Simple & Red Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 535	I think that if you've never touched web design before, throwing yourself in at the deep-end and making a flash site would be way over your head. I also abhor flash websites, and would urge you to have a think about design (rather than an interactive gimmick) and make an accessible website using html, css and degradeable javascript. also, if you want to do it right, ignore Dreamweaver like the plague - get some tutorials and build from scratch - it's really not that difficult once you get going. with regards to screen resolution, I would think about your target market - it's pretty safe to assume 1024*768, but I wouldn't go any bigger than that.

25-09-2007, 21:00	#18
MarcLister Absinthe Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Leighton Buzzard Posts: 1,282	Perhaps I should get in on this thread. I'm in my final year at Uni and I've got a final year project of re-designing one of my lecturer's site. Its a cool project and I'm very happy to have secured it. I haven't had a meeting with him about it yet but this thread looks like a cool one to keep an eye on and perhaps also for me to supply any tips or books/links etc that I find whilst doing this project.

26-09-2007, 16:04	#20
MarcLister Absinthe Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Leighton Buzzard Posts: 1,282	You yanking my chain? Or serious? If you are, then yeah don't mind giving it a go. I don't claim to be the best but I'll be learning stuff quickly for my project.