mastering css.

link for design tips/mastering css

i found the tips on using the css overflow as either auto or hidden for scroll bars or to wrap an element very helpful. also, the text replacement coding is a helpful review to what we did in class.

Converting a psd to html/css

this link has a video tutorial that shows this process step-by-step. i found this to be eye-opening to all the possibilities there are in designing and also a little intimidating as there is so much to learn. another step-by-step link is here.

out of all the tutorials on the main link above, this one is my favorite. i like the style of design and the use of photoshop gave me much insight. i would like to incorporate some of the ideas presented like the use of sprites.

typography.

here are some highlights from a few typography and design articles:

A Crash Course in Typography

it is interesting that when combining typefaces, you want to choose ones that are from different classifications although there are some exceptions. it is amazing how much of an impact a simple variation in type can have on the entire feel of a website or art piece.


Effect Web Design Principles

1. don't make users think - make it obvious and self-explanatory
2. don't squander users' patience - limit requirements & barriers
3. manage to focus users' attention - make eye-catching
4. strive for feature exposure - user-friendly guides
5. make use of effective writing - be straight to the point
6. strive for simplicity - keep it simple!
7. don't be afraid of the white space - white space is good
8. communicate effectively with a "visible language" - max 3 typefaces
9. conventions are our friends - innovate, no boring websites
10. test early, test often - get others' opinions early

Web Improvement Tips

resources.

here is a link that has many helpful tools and techniques for design:

http://www.noupe.com/

many useful tips and hints can be learned from this site for Photoshop, Illustrator, CSS, Wordpress, and more. there are hundreds of posts, each with their own unique guides and ideas. this is helpful not just for codes and tutorials, but also for gleaning design and creative ideas. there are even HTML and CSS templates available for download. much to learn and little time. 1 2 3 go!

interesting web designs.

http://www.dobago.de/

• the design on this site is very clean and functional. i like the background wrap-arounds on the side links. i like the use of diagonal and dotted lines in the background. the way the pages are linked, that they come in side-to-side and up-and-down is a great idea.

http://www.muziekpark.nl/#/

• i really like the use of flash on this page. i like how each of the pages change. what i do not like that much is there are a little too many animations on the opening page. all of the other pages are great though.

 http://www.weshootbottles.com/

• for this site, i really enjoy how it is very simple and instead of scrolling up and down, that it goes left and right. the simplicity of it is very desirable. i only saw one link on the entire page.

blog.

this is my first blog post. woo