courseworkgeorge nicolaou

webpage design

This course covers the design and implementation of web pages and small websites. It is concerned with the client-side technologies, XHTML and CSS and includes an introduction to JavaScript and jQuery. The course also covers an introduction to the server-side technologies, PHP and MySQL since even small sites can benefit from the use of dynamic techniques. It also aims to develop an understanding of webpage aesthetics and looks at the use of colour, images, typography and general graphic design principles, although these are covered in more detail during the Applied Art for the Web course. It also covers the web design process, from client brief through to deployment and promotion. As such, it can be considered a general introduction to web design which is why this is the first course taught on the Web Design and Content Planning programme.

applied art for the web

This course has a strong focus on the design aspect of working on online projects. Teaching practical skills in image creation and editing software, it moves onto discussing core graphic design principles and how to apply these to the web. By studying common patterns in web design – the course will allow for reflection on typographic rules, working techniques, such as the use of grids, colour usage and effective interface design. Critical reviews will encourage analytical thinking and the search for creative design solutions for online projects as well as develop skills for delivering constructive site reviews and self critique.

website planning

This course builds on the skills developed during the Webpage Design course and covers the design and implementation of medium to large scale websites. It is concerned with some server-side technologies, such as PHP and MySQL in addition to the more advanced development of client-side technologies. The focus of this course is upon 3 main areas of web design: The creation of websites with "user-centred" design techniques. The deployment and promotion of websites. Improving efficiency in the building and management of larger sites. As with the Website Design course, this course is about the technical and aesthetic aspects of web design in equal measure. The course develops a professional approach to web design and the creation of websites to a high standard. The web designer is essentially a designer of user interfaces and it is crucial that design aspects such as Usability, Accessibility, Findability, Navigation and Information Architecture are well understood in order to create successful websites. The web designer must also ensure that designed sites are optimised for search engine indexing so that they can easily be found and successfully categorised. In addition, it is important to understand how websites can gain high page rank status on search engines such as Google. Finally, it is important to understand that whilst basic web design techniques may be suitable for basic websites, more complex sites require more complex solutions. This may involve the use of server-side technologies and/or the use of ready-made applications such as content management systems.

content management

This course introduces students who have studied, or are studying, the design of webpages and websites to the issues involved in planning and managing the content of large and small websites.

web thesis project