What's Next??

As the project manager, I sat and determined what are the next steps should be for us to continue the project at a successful pace.  Here is what I was thinking....

• Finalize the site structure
• Begin the asset list
• Determine content for pages that are not currently in the site
• Type all content needed for pages and re-write if necessary
• Finalize the site hierarchy
• Decide on the layout and create mock-ups
• Continue sketching ideas for branding and be prepared by Thursday to pick one and move forward with logo, headers, etc.
• Find a good jquery script to utilize for the gallery portion of the site.
• Gather external documents that are needed for the site

When I was researching the competitors websites, I saw a link to 'a guide to creating a portfolio.'  It was like a mini workshop and was a resourceful tool for prospective students.  I know when I was applying, Lucy sat down with us one class and gave a us a brief rundown of what we should do to prepare.  I think it would be really wonderful to have that tool on the website for students to refer to. 

sharing docs

This weekend we are continuing to do research for our website design.  As the project manager, I have shared the Creative Brief for this assignment with my team through Google Docs.  We already have answered all the questions but now any member of team can update or change the document and the entire team can see.  I cant wait to determine the design of the website.

Thoughts after exploration...

When I was searching the internet checking out the competition, I found that many graphic design program websites are very basic.  Most were just a page or two within their schools main website and the layout and look resembled the main site.  I then began searching outside of the box and looked at websites that related to graphic design as a whole.  What I found was not disappointing at all.  COLOR, COLOR, COLOR, surrounded me everywhere I looked!  I really feel our design should have bold beautiful color while not being too busy and overwhelming.  

I found illustrations and hand drawings were commonly used as the imagery throughout the sites.  With the variety of styles that our team is composed of, I really hope that we can combine our ideas into a magical design that will interest designers of a variety of styles while still appearing very professional.

When our group first reviewed the site, we agreed that the pages needed to be split up into different sections.  Some of the pages seemed to be filled with too much text/content for one page.  So when I was exploring others sites, I noted their navigations and what I liked or disliked.  We talked about separating the site into parents, potential students and current students.  Now after my explorations, I am starting to think maybe we can scratch the parents because anything they might be on the site looking for will be covered under the potential or current students sections.  Still need to discuss this with my group...  I drafted up my suggestion or idea for the site map and the way I thought would be nicely organized and beneficial to the visitor.  I am excited to show it to me team members and get their feedback or to combine our ideas and determine a finalized site map so that we can move on to tackling the design.  

I attached my sketch for the site layout... any thoughts or suggestions?

Final Project for Web Design

For our final project in Web Design, we are to choose a website to re-design as a group.  My group includes Mike Cross and James Jeffers.  We chose to redesign the USFSP Graphic Design Program Website!  Here is a link to the website as it is now.... http://www.stpt.usf.edu/graphicdesign/GD_FrmSet_.html

Don't you agree it need to be spiced up?  What are your opinions about the site?  Some issues we thought of were the fact that the design and style of the site does not match the concept and feel of the program. It seems very basic and we really want the site to be inspiring while still being informative.

An identity system for the program currently does not exists and we plan on creating one! To begin the process of creating the new site, we are going to do research and sketch ideas to share with each other on Monday.  We are going to visit web pages of our graphic design programs around the world and be inspired through graphics and design.  I cant wait to see where we end up with this project!  Get excited!!!

-Brittney

Mike's Portfolio Site

Check out the final design of Mike Cross's Portfolio Website!!  I am very proud of it and I hope Mike is enjoying it!

http://mrcross.myweb.usf.edu/

Updated Layout Appearance

Check out the new appearance of the layout I am now applying to the site.  I liked the simplicity of the other look but it was just too boring and seemed like an amateur design so I tried to spice it up while still keeping it simplistic like my client wanted.  Once the interactive elements and galleries are added to this layout design, I believe it will be a sharp website for Mike.  Like it better than the previous look?  Any suggestions?  Remember this is just a rough illustration of what the finished layout will look like without the real content.