Website Design and Visual Design Principles

In this section I reflect on the design of my own website by discussing website design principles. I will complete an evaluation of my own website by making use of a website evaluation matrix, which I developed myself.

Criteria 1: Visual Appeal

My first criteria for a good website is web appeal. We've all come upon a website that looks like it came straight out of the 80's (do you want leather pants with that course subscription?).

Look, I'm not trying to diss the 80's, or anyone else for that matter, all I'm saying is that your visual appeal is the first thing that draws a viewer to stay and navigate your site or get out without Michael Jackson on their 'play next' screen.

A good website is visually attractive, has a modern finish and keeps things simple. That is the look that I went for.

I tried to limit my use of colour to three vibrant HEX colours (the same three we use in our logo) with a clear white background where possible. A simple tip I have is to visit a website from your three favourite brands, see what they have in common, and apply it to your own site. Companies like Nike, Apple and Mercedes spend millions of Dollars to draw you in, why not get inspired?

I score myself a good 80% for visual appeal (feel free to let me know what you think?).

Tip:

Visit the websites from your three favourite brands and see what you can learn and apply to your own site.

Criterial 2: Navigation

Simple website navigation is essential to a good user experience (UX). You definitely don't want your site visitors to keep clicking around your site, looking for the right page to book a session with you. The simpler the site design, the easier it will be for your future client to click the 'register' button and in your subscription list. Remember, you are offering a SERVICE to your client; you want to make it as enjoyable as possible.

Since this was my first time designing a website, I must say I had a bit of a hard time getting the navigation buttons to do exactly what I wanted them to do. This was especially the case with the course material. I still did not manage to set up a button that would allow the user to easily navigate between activities 1 to 7 from the web page itself. There is a little navigation bar on the top right, but this is not what I had in mind. I'll keep paying attention to that.

In my view, my website navigation is not as simple as I would have wanted it to be. I wanted to try out the dynamic page option, since that is what Wix suggested for the kind of educational material that I want to offer my clients. I had a really hard time figuring out the repeater concept, with pages changing (even if I wasn't editing the specific page????). I decided to stick with it however and worked around this function a bit by settling for compacted (hyperlinked) versions of my Model answer, Rubric and Instructions buttons. To add to this, I do still feel like it might be a bit confusing to 'register' for a 'program' on the programs page and then access the information freely under the 'couses' page. Regardless, people should feel happy to have access without paying (though it might scare them a bit).

I score myself a good 70% for navigation (feel free to let me know what you think?).

Criteria 3: Purposeful design

In my view, my website is pretty clear about its intention. The double dose of mission and vision, visible on both the homepage and the about page makes it pretty clear what this site is about. Most pages direct the user to some sort of service, with accompanying course material. I would say I'm pretty satisfied with meeting my goals for this criteria.

It is however worth noting that, though this site was originally intended for a Post Graduate Program, I also have personal intentions for it (of which you would certainly get slight hints). Our online service business has been running for just over a year and it's been time for a website for quite a while. I took this as an opportunity to get that going for myself and am really happy with where I am heading.

I score myself a good 80% for purposeful design (feel free to let me know what you think?).

Criteria 4: Web-interaction

Web-interaction, for me, refers to the use of links, hyperlinks, and embedded media sources within a website to add more value to a site. I did not really make much use of web-interaction, since this course was designed for a very specific group of people with very specific apps and instructions. I did not have the time to create a set of YouTube demonstrator videos of my own, and therefore opted to make use of others creators' material. This is however something that I believe is important and will want to work on in the future (as I continue to develop my site).

I score myself a good 70% for web interaction (feel free to let me know what you think?).

General remarks:

In the end, I have to say that I really did my best and thoroughly enjoyed this assignment. Creating (and surely maintaining) a website is clearly a lot of work, but something that is of immense value when considering computers as cognitive tools. For now, it is probably the highest, most intricate level of computer generated artefact on offer with tremendous value for education and humanity at large. The addition of Learning Management Systems (explored in semester 1) makes a wonderful package for development and distribution for virtual-, hybrid-, or contact learning. I am thankful for what the University of Pretoria B.Ed Honours program has offered me as a student, scholar and professional.