REFELECTION ON WEBSITE DEVELOPMANT

In my point of view the subject of Web project management its really intersting and l’ll get important skills and new information of :-

1. The skills required by a group of web developers
2. Responsibilities of web project manager
3. Group structure for web developers 
4. Web designing process – Information design, Interaction design & interface design
5. Instructional Design model that can be used  – Hipermedia Design model, R2D2, Rapid Prototyping Model
6. Integration of graphics and animation into web site.
7. Integration of audio and video elements into web site – streaming concept.  
8. Uploading and distributing web site through servers.Web site issues: copyrights and intellectual rights
9. Analysis Document
10. Plan Document
11. Design Document
12. Sending web site to server

Beside that  at the end of the lecture we also have the time for discussion on the findings of case study from the evaluation conducted.

web page evaluation form

WEB PAGE EVALUATION FORM

These guidelines include most factors to consider during a usability evaluation of a web site. Not all factors apply to every site .The guidelines are a work in progress.

Rating :   5= Excellent

4 = Very good

3= good

2= poor

1= very poor

Navigation	Rating	Explanation for Rating
Current location within the site is shown clearly
Link to the site’s main page is clearly identified
Major/important parts of the site are directly accessible from the main page
Site map is provided for a large, complex site
Easy to use Search function is provided, as needed
Functionality	Rating	Explanation for Rating
Site accommodates novice to expert users
Functions are clearly labeled
Essential functions are available without leaving the site
Plug-ins are used only if they add value
User Control	Rating	Explanation for Rating
Site reflects user’s workflow
User can cancel any operation
Clear exit point is provided on every page
Per-page size is less than 50K, to accommodate slow connections
All appropriate browsers are supported
Language and Content	Rating	Explanation for Rating
Important information and tasks are given prominence
Information of low relevance or rarely used information is not included
Related information or tasks are grouped: - on the same page or menu - in the same area within a page
Language is simple, without jargon
Paragraphs are brief
Links are concise, expressive, and visible–not buried in text
Terms are defined
Online Help and User Guides	Rating	Explanation for Rating
Site is designed to require minimal help and instructions
Help and instructions, if needed, are easily accessible
System and User Feedback	Rating	Explanation for Rating
It is always clear what is happening on the site — visual hints, etc.
Users can receive email feedback if necessary
Users can give feedback via email or a feedback form
Confirmation screen is provided for form submittal
All system feedback is timely
Users are informed if a plug-in or browser version is required
Each page includes a “last updated” date
Web Accessibility W3C’s Tools, Checklist, and Guidelines	Rating	Explanation for Rating
Site follows current web standards; HTML 4.0, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS1) Cascading Style Sheets are used for layout and style where possible
Images and animations The attribute ALT= is used for images, animations, and other objects
Image maps Site uses client-side map and text for hotspots
Multimedia Site provides captioning and transcripts of audio and descriptions of video
Web versions of PDF documents are provided
Link labels make sense when read out of context; site avoids such link names as “click here”
Page organization Accomplished with headings, lists, and consistent structure
Graphs and charts Summaries are provided for graphs and charts, or the LONGDESC attribute is used
Scripts, applets, & plug-ins Alternative content is provided for scripts, applets, and plug-ins in case these active features are inaccessible or unsupported
Frames For frames pages, site includes the NOFRAMES option and meaningful titles
Tables Line-by-line reading of tables is sensible, and summaries are included where possible
Validation Site has been validated using the W3C’s HTML Validation Service and the Bobby Accessibility Checker
Site has been tested on a variety of platforms (UNIX, Windows, Mac) and browsers (Netscape 3, 4, 6, 7; IE 5, 6; lynx)
Consistency	Rating	Explanation for Rating
The same word or phrase is used consistently to describe an item
Link reflects the title of the page to which it refers
Browser page title is meaningful and reflects main page heading
Error Prevention and Correction	Rating	Explanation for Rating
Users can rely on recognition, not memory, for successful use of the site
Site tolerates a reasonable variety of user actions
Site provides concise instructions for user actions, including entry format
Error messages are visible, not hidden
Error messages are in plain language
Error messages describe actions to remedy a problem
Error messages provide a clear exit point
Error messages provide contact details for assistance
Architectural and Visual Clarity	Rating	Explanation for Rating
Site is organized from the user’s perspective
Site is easily scannable for organization and meaning
Site design and layout is straightforward and concise
Site design and layout are redundant only when required for user productivity
White space is sufficient; pages are not too dense
Unnecessary animation is avoided
Colors used for visited and unvisited links are easily seen and understood
Bold and italic text is used sparingly

Web Page Evaluation Form Title of Web Page: ______________________________________________ URL: http://_____________________________________________________ Topic or Focus: _________________________________________________ Instructions:  Rate each answer from 0 – 4. (4 points =  highest rating.) See Scale below. Navigation and Presentation:
_____ 1.	Is each section of the page labeled with a topic or section heading?
_____ 2.	Does the page load quickly?
_____ 3.	Are the pictures on the page helpful and clearly related to the subject? (Take off points for too many animated graphics or unrelated images).
_____ 4.	Are there clearly marked buttons and links that transport you to locations within the site and allow you to find your way quickly to information you need?
_____ 5.	Is the page clearly labeled with the author’s name or the sponsoring organization and contact information? (Hint: Check the bottom of the page or look for “About Us” or “Who We Are.”)
_____ Total
Content
_____ 6.	Does the information appear to be error-free? (No errors in spelling, sentence structure, content, etc.)
_____ 7.	Does the information appear to be up-to-date? (Check last update, often found at the bottom of the page.)
_____ 8.	Does the site include links to appropriate sites outside this page?  Are these links marked in any way to indicate when you are leaving the original site?
_____ 9.	Does the content have some educational value? Would it reinforce or enhance information taught in the classroom?
_____ Total
Appropriateness
_____ 10.	Is the content appropriate for classroom research? (Hint: Items that are inappropriate include profanity, nudity, undue violence, etc.)
_____ 11.	Is the vocabulary appropriate for students? (Hint:  Is the language similar to your text books or other classroom materials?)
_____ Total
Scope
	Is the content sufficient to adequately cover the topic?
	Is the information offered unique, fresh, or new?  Is the information something not easily found elsewhere?
_____ 14.	Can you find evidence of the author’s credentials, background, education, or authority? What special training or education qualifies the author to create this page? (Hint: Look for links – “About us,” “Who We Are,” “Editors,” etc.)
_____ Total
________ Grand Total	Is this page a reliable, valid source of information? Use the scale below.
Scale:	Excellent = 52 – 56 (This site is a valid source of information)
	Good = 48 – 55
	Fair  =  40 – 47
	Poor  = Below 40
Comments:______________________________________________________

How to do the web reports

REPORT Reports communicate information which has been compiled as a result of research and analysis of data and of issues. Reports can cover a wide range of topics, but usually focus on transmitting information with a clear purpose, to a specific audience. Good reports are documents that are accurate, objective and complete. They should also be well-written, clearly structured and expressed in a way that holds the reader’s attention and meets their expectations. The true value of the research may be accessed through a report since the written report may be the “only tangible product of hundreds of hours of work. Rightly or wrongly, the quality and worth of that work are judged by the quality of the written report – its clarity, organization and content” (Blake & Bly, 1993: 119). Often reports are structured in a way that reflects the information finding process and the writing up of the findings: that is, summary of the contents, introduction or background, methods, results, discussion, conclusion and/or recommendations. The inclusion of recommendations is one reason why reports are a common form of writing in industry, as the informed recommendations are useful for decision making. First Impressions are always important. If the website does not look professional and if it does not function in an efficient and effective way as well as being attractive, potential clients may be lost. The checklist offers an approach to evaluating the effectiveness of a website using the following key issues with regards to First Impressions. \ RESOLUTION Best viewed on resolution 1024 x 768 Graphics – JPEG format (to maintain the quality of our graphics) Animation – Flash format and GIF Video – Flash Video STRATEGIES Strategies – Self learning & Active learning STRENGTH Strength – Design, Original interface INTERFACE Interface was done using Photoshop Web programming was done using Dreamweaver Flash animation was done using Adobe flash OBJECTIVE This website is developed as a learning aid for students whose interest is in digital art. 1. URL (Intuitive) – The URL needs to be short and simple. The best URLs are intuitive. 2. Download time – Size of home page. The most important factor in conveying an efficient impression is download time. A user will only wait so long for a page to download. All pages should be kept under 50k in size. The homepage should be especially small and quick to download. 3. Look and feel – Readability. Pages should be easily readable, clear and easy to understand. It is important that the site is not too cluttered with text and images. The font size needs to be large enough to be readable and clashing colours need to be avoided. 4. Need to download software – Asking users to download an application or a plug-in before entering a site can cause annoyance and confusion, hence driving them away. 5. Home page on one screen (above the fold) – Users entering the site will appreciate seeing everything in front of them without having to make the effort of scrolling up and down. 6. Unique Selling Point (USP) or Value Proposition – It is extremely important that the user immediately realizes that the site is of potential use to them. The unique selling point of the site should be stated on the homepage. 7. Ability to take action (Key action point – KAP) – The site should be interactive and encourage user participation from the outset. There should be direct links to key action points immediately visible on the homepage. 8. Feeling of wanting more – Depth of site – The site should strive to create a feeling of wanting more in the user. The goal should be to get the user to stay as long as possible and to come back to the site again. 9. Contact details – Providing immediate contact details such as e-mail addresses and telephone numbers on the homepage will give the site an open feel and add a personal touch, thus increasing user confidence and trust in using the site. 10. Credential validation – certifications, associations etc. – Providing credential information is a useful way to build trust in the user. 11. Statement from management – This provides an opportunity for the surfer to see the business vision and values of the company. 12. Are users made to register to get into site? – Forcing users to subscribe or register on the home page before continuing will not be appreciated and may turn users away. Users will only identify themselves when they are ready. Being offered an easy way to find your way around the website is critical to the success of the venture. The checklist offers an approach to reviewing website effectiveness using the following 9 key issues with regards to Navigation. . 1. Ease of use – The navigation system should be intuitive and easy to use, providing direct access to various content and facilities on the site. 2. Site map – Site maps are easy to understand and present a completely alternative method of navigating the site to the user. 3. Return to Home Page from any page – Constantly providing a link back to the homepage is essential to ensuring users do not get lost and feel more secure 4. Internal links – Allow users to move through the site not only through text or graphical navigation system but also through the content. This allows the user to navigate through the site following the natural progression of the content. 5. Broken links – All links should be continuously tested to insure they are working. Broken links will frustrate users and give an unprofessional impression. 6. Text as well as graphic links (ALT tags) – Graphics may not convey immediate meaning to some users so providing additional text links is important. ALT tags on images accommodate the visually impaired and can boost ranking with some search engines. 8. Navigational links visible – Navigational links should be constantly visible and consistent throughout the complete website. 9. Using Frames – The fundamental view of data on the Web is the page, which is viewed as an atomic unit. Frames split up web pages and can add confusion to the user attempting to navigate the site. CONTENT Without valuable and useful information the website may well fail to achieve its objectives. The key to good content is that it is extensive and original. The checklist offers an approach to evaluating the effectiveness of a website using the following key issues with regards to Content. MENU - Home The first page of the website, will explain something about digital art - Gallery Samples of the best digital arts, more samples for the student to be inspired. - Tutorials Downloadable files (.pdf, .doc, .ppt) , links to other websites providing tutorials - Video Tutorial videos on some of the skills and techniques on photoshop to produce digital art. - About us Information about the webmasters - Comments The comment is for the student to leave their comments or question for student-lecturer interactivity. - Contact us Contact information of the webmasters LINKS (for example) - LACDA - Digital Arts - Digital Arts museum - Digital Arts Sources - Digital Arts ORG - Photoshop Support - Art Culture - Smashing Magazine - Photoshop Star Video Video 1, 2,3,4,5 1. Useful information – All content presented on the site should be of the highest quality. Generally users are interested in content and not fancy animations and graphics. It is important to proof read content thoroughly before adding it to a site. 2. Degree of substantiated information – Information published on the Web is generally evaluated under the following five headings. Authority: Who is responsible for the pages, what are their qualifications and associations, can these be verified? Currency: Are the dates when the site was created and last updated clear? Coverage: What is the focus of the site? Are there clear headings to illustrate an outline of the content? Objectivity: Are biases, if any, clearly stated? Are affiliations clear? Accuracy: Are sources of information and factual data clearly listed, and available for cross checking? 3. Level of interaction – As a medium the Web is especially tailored to presenting content through the use of text, graphics and animation, offering a huge potential to convey content to users. Therefore a website should be as interactive as possible, taking advantage of the great opportunity to interact with users. 4. Use of valuable graphics – Graphics should add value to the website rather than reduce performance without providing any real benefit to the user. 5. Use of valuable animation – Animation used should add value to the website rather than reduce performance without providing any real benefit to the user. 6. Use of valuable sound – Sound used should add value to the website rather than reduce performance without providing any real benefit to the user. 7. Reviews, testimonials and certifications – Providing independent comments about how trustworthy the website actually is will build trust in the users. 8. Content in digestible quantity – Content should be chunked, that is broken up into easily digestible amounts. Pages that are only composed of scrolling text should be avoided as they will bore the user. 9. Up-To-Date – All content published should be recent and up-to-date. BROWSER COMPATIBILITY Make the website visit a much more useful and pleasant experience. There are many variations of browsers and monitors in use today and it is important that the website is accessible to as many internet users as possible. The checklist offers an approach to evaluating the effectiveness of a website using the following key issues with regards to compatibility. 1. Internet Explorer – versions (1-5) 2. Netscape Navigator – versions (1-4) 3. Macintosh – Safari 4. Monitor Compatibility – Best viewed with 1024 x 768 resolution KNOWLEDGE OF USERS To ascertain how well your website is performing The more a website knows about the surfing and buying habits of the users, the more ability it has to fulfill the users needs. The checklist offers an approach to evaluating the effectiveness of a website using the following key issues with regards to knowledge of users. 1. Adaptive website – An adaptive website will remember the buying preferences of the users. 2. Availability of utilization statistics USER SATISFACTION The checklist offers an approach to evaluating the effectiveness of a website using the following 5 key issues with regards to User Satisfaction. 1. Robustness/reliability of the site i.e. is the site frequently crashing or off-line. 2. Clicks to completion 3. Does the cookie fill the form? EVALUATING WEB SITE Evaluating 1 Evaluation of Web documents How to interpret the basics 1. Topic of Web Documents • Who wrote the page and can you contact him or her? • What is the purpose of the document and why was it produced? • Is this person qualified to write this document? Accuracy • Make sure author provides e-mail or a contact address/phone number. • Know the distinction between author and Webmaster. 2. Objectivity of Web Documents • What goals/objectives does this page meet? • How detailed is the information? • What opinions (if any) are expressed by the author? Objectivity • Determine if page is a mask for advertising; if so information might be biased. • View any Web page as you would an infommercial on television. Ask yourself why was this written and for whom? 2. Authority of Web Documents • Who published the document and is it separate from the “Webmaster?” • Check the domain of the document, what institution publishes this document? • Does the publisher list his or her qualifications? Authority • What credentials are listed for the authors)? • Where is the document published? Check URL domain. 4. Currency of Web Documents • When was it produced? • When was it updated’ • How up-to-date are the links (if any)? Currency • How many dead links are on the page? • Are the links current or updated regularly? • Is the information on the page outdated? 5. Coverage of the Web Documents • Are the links (if any) evaluated and do they complement the documents’ theme? • Is it all images or a balance of text and images? • Is the information presented cited correctly? Coverage • If page requires special software to view the information, how much are you missing if you don’t have the software? • Is it free or is there a fee, to obtain the information? • Is there an option for text only, or frames, or a suggested browser for better viewing? Date of evaluating : 6 April 2009 Number of Student : 25 Opsyen : KDPM ( Teknologi Maklumat ) 1. Topic 2. Objectivity 3.Accurancy Website Evaluation Form.(2 ) DIGITAL ARTS Date : 12 April 2009 Number of Student : 14 Evaluate the website according to the following criteria. Select the number that you feel the site deserves. 5 =Very agree 4=agree 3=Not sure 2=disagree 1=very disagree 1. Interface design 5 4 3 2 1 The interface was interesting Its related to the topic 2. Interaction design 5 4 3 2 1 Easy movement link to link Links clearly labeled Links to other sites operate effectively Links for backward and forward movement when necessary Interactivity was appropriate The user could exit the website at any time. 3. Motivation 5 4 3 2 1 The presentation was motivating The website motivated learning 4. Content 5 4 3 2 1 Information that meets objectives Clearly organized and labeled Linked to worthwhile sites Accurate and useful Provides interactivity 5. Graphics, Videos, and Sounds 5 4 3 2 1 Use clearly identified Clear purpose and appropriate Aids students to achieve objectives Relevant for the site Graphics enhance content 6 Learning strategy 5 4 3 2 1 Objectives were clearly described Objectives were achievable The user could adjust the sequence of presentation The presentation was well planned Constant guidance was provided The user was encouraged to think and reflect on the material presented Add the total number of points that the site earns to determine the overall rating. Overall rating: Website (130-110 points) This site is of sound content, and I can let the students freely explore. ________________________________________ Website (312-240 points) This site contains good instructional material, but the students will need very specific instructions to explore the site. ________________________________________ Website (239-200 points) This site contains some worthwhile information, but students will need more specific links and a list of bookmarks along with frequent discussions to progress. ________________________________________ Website (199-100 points) Although some useful information exists at this site, the best way to effectively use this site is through whole-class instruction and guiding the students. ________________________________________ Website (100- and below) This site contains some useful information, but other sites would be more appropriate, and I must supervise the students 7.0 General Evaluation 7.1 Explain some of the strength in this website? 7.2 Explain some of the weaknesses in the website? SUGGESTION TO IMPROVE Suggestion to improve – Restriction for the user to comment (I/C or Matrix ID), improve user-friendliness for navigation purpose, put some sample of questions (objectives Q), student evaluation forms. Why we want people to visit our web. - Self learning - Active learning Prepare By Christina John 650427-12-5094 Marina Abdul Ghanie 810811125304