(INSERT PICTURE??)
Production
Overall the actual website took about 3 weeks to produce, as some members of our group had previous knowledge about site construction. However, there is also the research and planning to account for, which added another couple of weeks to the total time taken to complete the work.
We encountered some problems with picture sizes. Other machines that the websites were viewed on were unable to load the band pictures due to their size. Because of this, we had to learn how to change the picture sizes so they were able to viewed on all machines. This was successful.
Another problem that we encountered was the fact that the brief stated that the site could have a maximum of 4 pages, and for the amount of information we had, this number was not enough i.e we had profiles for 3 people, which, keeping the construction simple could have meant we only had one page left for the rest of the site. However, we learnt how to create hyper links that went to a certain part of a page. This meant that all of our profiles could be kept on one page, though if you clicked on ‘Beth’ ‘Rachel’ or ‘Leila’, you would be taken to the part of the page where their profile started from. This saved a lot of space, meaning we were able to include more features such as: the home page
the picture page
the history page
We made use of the internet when completing our research, as we had to study sites. We used a digital camera to take the photographs of the ‘band’ near a derelict hut. This was much better than using a normal camera, as the photos were able to be transferred straight on to the computer. Once transferred, the pictures were burned onto a CD, which made it easier for them to be transferred to another PC ready for work elsewhere. We used (name of design programme) to construct the website and worked on the whole thing on the computer. The internet was also used to aid the look of the website. The ‘flaming’ and ‘electric’ used on the website as titles and links was created on the internet (downloaded on my PC) and then Emailed top the PC that the construction was being carried out on.
It was decided that people visiting a site about the genre of music we were promoting would expect a website to reflect it, in this case it was thought the site should be dark and quite simple, with relevant information. It was also thought that too many colours might make the site look too fussy and complicated, therefore the picture on the homepage is in black and white. It was thought that this gave the introductory page and subtle, but at the same time striking quality. We wanted to communicate a simple love of the music we produced, reflected in the simple, but at the same time appropriate style of the site. The ‘music’ is quite dark and disturbing, which are similar characteristics of the site.
Contributions to the group
All members of the group carried out individual research, looking at websites of a similar genre in order to form our own opinions about what the site should look like before beginning production. (expand??)
This research also made us look at the layout of websites in general, and together with another member of my group, I helped construct a list of elements crucial to consider when constructing a good website. These included:
The brief specified the original photography was needed to put on the sites, and therefore it was crucial to get the photography of the ‘band’ done early. I organised for the photos to be taken, and also suggested the setting for them to the group.
I also helped out with basic design ideas for the site such as colour and page layout.
I also created the ‘electric’ and ‘flaming’ style fonts using , and when I had these, I was able to send them to s different machine so they could be uploaded onto the website. I also, as did all the members of the group, produced a profile/biography of myself to add a personal touch to the site and the information it provided.
Evaluation
Although the finished appearance of the website was as we had wished, there were some pages and images which were particularly successful.
History page
The history of the band is presented to the viewer in individual sections. This makes the overload of information more manageable to read and understand. Using ‘page anchors’ we were able to separate out the history information, although keep within the specified 4 page limit. Visitors were able to click ‘history’ from the home page. When they had finished reading one section, they were able to use a ‘next’ hyperlink to continue their read.
Profiles
The profile pages were a major part of the website as they are the sections which are specified to individual band members, rather than to the band as a whole.
As with the history the information here is separated, making it easier to read.
