Here are my initial designs for my portfolio website. I’ve done three pages so far; the home page, first year page and a page detailing the work. The images and text are not final yet, just there to give you an idea.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks
Ensure the XHTML 1.0 Strict and CSS 2.1 are Valid
Valid code increases cross browser compatibility and accessibility. It also makes sure that you website will be viewable in future browsers, without the need to change the code. To check for valid code I will use the W3C validation service.
Keep each page global file size under 40kilabytes
Even though many people now use broadband connections, it is still important to keep small page files sizes so the website loads up quickly for the visitor. To make sure the pages global file size is under 40k, I will check each page once they are uploaded to the web using the web developers add on in Firefox.
Viewable in a screen resolution of 1024 X 768 pixels
A 1024 X 768 resolution is still a popular size with 20% of people still using it. So it’s important to keep the website viewable to them. I will check the goal by viewing the website on a computer using 1020 X 768 pixels screen size.
Cross browser compatible
There are many different web browsers out now and it’s important to make sure the website not only works but also views the same in different browsers. To measure this I will test the website using the most common browsers according to W3Schools.
Delivery requirements
The website will be created in Komodo Edit and will use XHTML 1.0 Strict, CSS 2.1, PHP 5.3.0 and Java Script.
XHTML will be used for the content of the website and CSS for the layout. PHP will be used to pull the pages together and also the send the contact form. Java Script will be used to add interactivity to the website, with the validation of the contact form and Top-Up LightBox to display the larger images.
FileZilla an FTP program will also be used to upload the website to the web server.
Primary Audience – Steve
Steve is a course leader and the purpose of his visit to the website is to assess the work shown within the portfolio. Steve is an experienced web user and mainly uses a Mac but occasionally uses Microsoft Windows. He has access to a high speed internet connection, both at home and work and mainly uses the latest version of Mozilla Firefox. Steve regularly visits design and sport related websites, but also has an interest in websites containing the latest news and Apple products.
Secondary Audience – Potential Employers
Michael is 45 years old and owns a design company based in Leeds. His company specialises in delivering standards compliant websites at affordable prices. Michael is looking for a new web developer to join his team.
At work and home Michael has access to a high speed internet connection and is a very experienced web user. To browse the internet he uses a Mac Book with the latest version of Mozilla Firefox. Michael spends at least 8+ hours online a day, most of those at work.
Tertiary Audience – Students
Stacey is a 19 year old college student, currently studying ICT. She is looking to enter into higher education and has become interested in the FdA Web Design course at Wakefield College. She wishes to view work that previous students have done, to make sure the course is right for her.
Stacey uses Microsoft Windows Vista and IE8 to browse the internet. She is an experienced web user and has access to a high speed internet, both at home and college. She spends around 5 hours online a day, mainly visiting social networking websites and performing research for her college work.