Chapters 1-3

Journal #1

Robbins.  (2012, August).  Learning Web Design, 4^th Edition.  Retrieved from http://0-proquest.safaribooksonline.com.opac.library.csupomona.edu/book/web-design-and-development/9781449337513

Summary: Web development can be seen as a convoluted system of technical jargon and “trial and error” know-how to the untrained web design novice.  Though Jennifer N. Robbins’ Learning Web Design manages to explain all the intricate information in a concise breakdown so that web development doesn’t become as daunting as most people would expect.  In order to understand how to begin in web design, one must understand how the Internet and the Web are formed and how they function. She provides brief history throughout the explanations of Web functionality to further explain why we as a society have gotten as far as we have in the technological advancement of the Internet.  That simply provides a clear background of where we began with the Internet and how relative it is to understanding it now. 

Q1: What are the first things to consider when approaching the beginning of designing a website?

A1: According to Robbins, you cannot only consider the physical appeal of what a website could potentially look like, but you must think of how the site will work for the client to use.  There are 3 disciplines that outline how to begin working functionality of a site: the Interaction Design (IxD), User Interface (UI), and User Experience (UX). 

            IxD: making sure the site is “user friendly” and efficient.

            UI: focused more on the particular functions of site in terms of useable tools (buttons, links, 

            etc.)

            UX: ensuring the user experience as a whole is enjoyable through observational methods.

Q2: What is the difference between the Internet and the Web?

A2: The Internet is defined as a connected network between computers for the purpose of sharing information through a governed system of rules and standards; for example, email.  The Web is a subset within the Internet that performs as one of multiple ways to transfer shared info.