In this assignment, you will either redesign a previous web project or create a new web page from scratch. This project focuses on enhancing your web design skills and applying best practices in layout, typography, color, and overall user experience.
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Identify a Project:
- Choose a previous web project that you feel could benefit from a redesign, or define a new web project that interests you.
- Consider the purpose of the website, the target audience, and the key features you want to include.
- Document your goals for the redesign or new design, outlining what improvements you aim to achieve.
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Define Project Goals:
- List the essential elements your web page must include (e.g., navigation, content sections, footer).
- Consider any specific functionalities or interactive elements you want to implement.
- Consider what you are going to "redesign". Focusing on an area to improve is a good idea. Think about one of these:
- Focus on improving typography - Update and impove the typography of your site. adjust the type face, line height, font sizes, font weights, color etc.
- Focus on layout - Improve the layout of your site, use a grid, use flex, think about the columns and structure, consider making a single page type site.
- Work on the color and background - Consider using backgroundimages, choose a color palette, use graients.
- Documentation! Important! - You must document the changes you are making. Take screenshots of the pages you are going to improve for comparison.
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Create Mockups:
- Use design tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD to create high-fidelity mockups of your web page.
- Focus on the overall layout, including headers, footers, content sections, and navigation.
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Iterate and Refine:
- Share your mockups with peers for feedback and iterate based on their suggestions.
- Ensure your design reflects a coherent visual style and aligns with your project goals.
As you work on your redesign or new web page, focus on the following challenges to improve your design:
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Typography:
- Choose a limited number of font families (ideally 2-3) that complement each other and enhance readability.
- Pay attention to font sizes, line heights, and letter spacing. Ensure your text is easy to read across different devices.
- Experiment with font weights and styles to create a visual hierarchy (headings vs. body text).
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Layout:
- Explore different layout techniques such as grid and flexbox to create a responsive design that adapts well to various screen sizes.
- Consider the visual flow of your design; ensure users can navigate intuitively from one section to another.
- Use whitespace effectively to separate elements and create a clean, uncluttered appearance.
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Color:
- Develop a cohesive color palette that reflects the brand or message of your website. Limit your palette to 3-5 main colors.
- Consider color contrast for accessibility; ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colors.
- Use color to establish visual hierarchy and draw attention to key elements (buttons, headings, etc.).
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Imagery and Graphics:
- Select high-quality images and graphics that enhance your design and relate to the content.
- Consider the use of icons for navigation or to illustrate concepts; ensure they are visually consistent.
- Experiment with image placement, size, and alignment to create visual interest.
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User Experience (UX):
- Think about the user journey; design with the end-user in mind, considering how they will interact with your page.
- Ensure that navigation is clear and intuitive, allowing users to find information easily.
- Test your design with potential users to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.
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Responsive Design:
- Ensure your design is responsive and works well on various devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Use media queries to adjust styles based on different screen sizes and orientations.
- Test your design across multiple browsers and devices to ensure consistency and functionality.
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Accessibility:
- Keep accessibility in mind throughout your design process. Use semantic HTML and ensure that all interactive elements are keyboard-navigable.
- Add alternative text for images and consider using ARIA attributes where necessary to enhance accessibility for screen readers.
Write a short reflection on your process.
- Goals: Explain your goals and if they were met.
- Problems: Talk about the problems encountered and how they were solved.
- Self Assessment: Self assess the results.
Criteria | Does Not Meet | Meets Expectations | Exceeds Expectations | Points |
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Originality of Design | The design lacks originality or shows minimal effort. It closely resembles existing styles without any unique elements. | The design demonstrates some originality and creativity. It reflects personal style but may incorporate common design trends. | The design is highly original, showcasing creativity and a strong personal style. Unique elements enhance the overall experience. | /10 |
Typography and Color Scheme | Typography and color choices are inappropriate or poorly applied, leading to a lack of readability or visual appeal. | Typography and color choices are mostly appropriate and enhance readability, though some areas may need improvement. | Typography and color choices are highly effective, contributing to excellent readability and visual harmony throughout the design. | /10 |
Layout and Structure | The overall layout is confusing or poorly structured. Elements do not align properly, and the design lacks cohesion. | The overall layout is functional and mostly well-structured. Elements are aligned appropriately, creating a cohesive design. | The overall layout is expertly structured, with a clear hierarchy and alignment. The design flows seamlessly, creating an engaging user experience. | /10 |
Use of Design Tools | Little or no effort is demonstrated in the use of design tools. Mockups are poorly executed or lack detail. | Adequate use of design tools is demonstrated. Mockups are clear and mostly detailed, though some areas could be refined. | Expert use of design tools is evident. Mockups are detailed, polished, and clearly convey the intended design vision. | /10 |
Reflection on Design Process | The reflection is superficial or lacks detail about the design challenges faced and how they were addressed. | The reflection provides some insight into the design process, including challenges faced and solutions applied. | The reflection is thorough, offering deep insights into the design process, challenges faced, and thoughtful solutions. | /10 |