Introduction to Web Authoring

1
Introduction to Web Authoring
Class mtg. 18
Ellen Cushman cushmane _at_msu.edu
www.msu.edu/cushmane/wra210.htm www.msu.edu/cush
mane/wa2.htm
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Where we are

• M 3/17 assignment 4 intro, assign groups,
  brainstorm orgs.
• W 3/19 selecting organizations, problem analysis
  procedure
• M 3/24 proposal due (1-2 pages)
• W 3/26 web standards research design charts
• M 3/31 designing test, planning
• W 4/2 testing and compliance, executing
• M 4/7 visual rhetoric, intro (readability (fonts
  white space), rhetoric and psych of color
  schemes)
• W 4/9 visual rhetoric, 2 (space real estate,
  eye/hand movement, information layout)
• M 4/14 Workshop usability testing
• W 4/16 Presentation workshops. Reports due.
• M W 4/21- /23 Presentations on websolutions

Note the changes in content as per 3/17
discussion
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Today in Class Next Class
Workshop our proposals. Create a GANTT chart to
include in proposal Create a RDC to include with
proposal Submit proposal and chart.

1. Discuss what we mean by web standards.
2. Consider how these standards map onto our
   analysis of organizations websites.
3. Outline research designs.
4. Meet with organization members who need our
   help.
5. Group work prepare content for research
   proposals due at the end of class next Monday
   3/24.

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When we say Web Standards

• HTML 4
• CSS 1.0
• Section 508
• Best practices for web design, navigation

These are all subject to some interpretation
depending on the goals of the organization and
their users
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The Big Three Arguments for Web Standards
Usability
Accessibility
Sustainability
Helps to ensure consistency of user experience
across devices Helps to ensure file loading
times avoiding bandwith/memory hogs
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The Big Three Inquiry Methods
Usability
Accessibility
Sustainability
Compliance checks using automated
tools Scenario-based testing
Heuristic Evaluation Scenario-based testing
Genre Analysis Workflow analysis
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Problem Analysis Procedure

1. Consider the liaisons needs through a look at
   their website or talking with them (preferably
   both!)
2. Analyze their framings of the problems and
   brainstorm other possible considerations
3. Collect the issues as a set of client
   needsmake a list of these
4. Write research questions that will allow you to
   gather info, flesh out the list of needs, and
   begin the design process
5. For each question determine what source or
   sources of info youll need to consult to answer
   the question

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For Next Time

• Participation Activities today your choice
• Create slots for your P3 deliverables on your
  project page or on a new P3 team page
• Meet and talk with organizational representatives
  to learn more about their needs.
• Develop the pieces for your research proposal due
  at the end of next class. (Well workshop next
  class too).