Level Two Work
- Virtual Space - INT2041
- Marketing Methodologies - WEB2003
- Designing for the User - INT2038
- Designing for Dynamic Content - WEB2002
- Contextual Practice - INT2048
virtual space INT2041
unit brief
You should choose a real world space and analyse it thinking about the types and methods of interaction that take place in that space and the thoughts and emotions generated by these interactions. Using Macromedia Flash as a core tool you should produce a piece that communicates these thoughts and feelings. Think about how you can use a variety of media to describe these ideas. View Full Brief
proposal
After much brainstorming within the group over a period of 4 weeks, we decided upon a virtual school. To create an experience with a choice of routes for the user to follow, without a set path that the user is forced to take, which will give a sense of freedom. In an effort to ensure we recreated this “space” in a non-representational manner, we came to the conclusion that it would be best to approach the project in a simplistic and geometric way.
planning
There was a lot of planning involved before we started working within flash. We looked at a lot of different ideas including a train station, supermarket and park. Over the initial four week period we looked at our ideas and tried to look for ways in which the users could interact with the piece. Due to the wider range of user experiences that we felt would be achievable if the subject of a school was chosen we decided on this. Drawing outline sketches of key areas of a school to help us in preparation for working within flash.
final piece
Launch Virtual School Mini-site (Please Note: a WEBCAM & MICROPHONE are REQUIRED to experience this). Download Documentation.
review
Overall, we feel that this project has been a success. It has thoroughly developed all the team member’s skills in the Adobe Flash program and given us a unique experience into flash based team work situations.
marketing methodologies WEB2003
unit brief
The main aim of this brief was to explore the methodology and place of marketing on the web and the relationship between online marketing and previous forms. However, for this brief, a group of us were chosen to work on a web site for a high profile client called Trident, a packaging pre-press company based in Hull. View Full Brief
proposal
After meeting with the client, we came to the conclusion that they wanted a web site that would primarily be used as an information resource for customers and potential employees. It needed to be able to be updated easily, so we proposed a content management system.
research
We looked at some of their competitors in order to see the kind of content they had and how they presented it in order to get an idea of what we were up against.
planning
We created a mock-up of a design idea we had and showed it to the client. We then created several other mock-ups taking their feedback into account before they chose and approved a final design.
final piece
Launch Trident web site. A Marketing Proposal and an User Guide for the content management system is available as a PDF here: User-guide.pdf Marketing-proposal.pdf
review
Overall We felt that the project was a massive success, and I feel that we worked very well together as a team, communication was always good, having regular meetings on a twice weekly basis and IMS’s were used frequently to communicate with each other while working at home (e.g. W.L. Messenger).
I feel that Jase and I had an especially good working relationship; I leant a lot from him and gained some valuable experience into his own high level of problem solving abilities and knowledge of PHP and MySQL.
I also feel that the professionalism of the team as a whole during meetings was of a very high standard throughout the project.
designing for the user INT2038
unit brief
Research a range of existing paper-based and online magazines. Consider the means used by their publishers to engage readerships, and how they may transfer/transform themselves into a digital medium. Build a magazine web site, which satisfies the requirements of a particular user group that you have chosen. Ensure a sample of your intended audience is consulted at all stages of the production process and include both user feedback and competitive research in your design document. View Full Brief
proposal
I propose to make a web site that will showcase information on games that fall into the First Person Shooting Genre. It will contain reviews, previews, trailers, cheats and downloadable content.
research
I looked at various web sites on the internet that were similar in what they were trying to achieve. Most where done in a mixtures of HTML, PHP and Flash, and all were overloaded with advertisements.
planning
Sketches, mock-ups and prototypes were created before work began on the final web site. A project log was kept throughout the project to record progress. This can be found in the proposal document which is linked to below.
final piece
Launch Frag It web site. Download: documentation.doc
review
This was my first time using flash and I believe I have done well considering that I'd never used the software ever before. The final piece is slick and serves it's purpose and more. There are a few things which could improve the web site, for example a larger array of content in the news section.
designing for dynamic content WEB2002
unit brief
Design and produce a web site for a real or notational client which must contain some dynamic content in the form of a list of at least 20 text entries. The final web site should demonstrate clear application of web site design principles, information architecture and usability conventions. View Full Brief
proposal
I propose to create a book store's web site that specialises in only books that are web related. I will contain at least 20 different books and include a search feature which will enable the user to search the catalogue of books on offer.
research
I looked at a series of online book retailers, to see the layout of their products and site overall, including amazon and waterstones.
planning
First, sketches were created of initial ideas. The web site was then developed using white pages to make it easier to fix errors if and when they occurred. This was then merged with the final web site design.
final piece
Launch Web Books Download: WEB2002-documentation.doc
review
This was an interesting project for me, as i've only ever used very primitive PHP programming before, and nothing to do with the combination of MySQL with it. It gave me the chance to greatly enhance my skills. The final piece looks attractive and has many features including a simple and advanced searching an a very user friendly admin panel. There are several improvements that could be made to the web site. Details of these can be found in the documentation which is linked to above.
contextual practice INT2048
essay unit brief
Complete the following:
- Produce a digest response to the lecture and seminar programme (30%).
- Illustrated essay of 2500 words on your own example of representation, series of representations, design, etc (70%).
summary
My proposal was to write an essay on the games industry, which would include a brief description about the past, current issues it is having in the present, and what the future may hold...
final piece
dissertation proposal unit brief
During this semester, you should begin to think about, and work towards, your Major Project for Level Three (see web site for unit description). By the end of this semester, you are required to produce a first draft version of your Proposal Document. which should provide the following information:
- Abstract outlining the project.
- The goal and purpose of the project.
- An indication of the intended audience.
- An indication of the critical and analytical framework and research sources for the project.
summary
I chose the blogging culture was the topic of my dissertation because it is an area that i really want to explore in depth, from analysing why people blog to the effects that this new wave of blogging has changed the press/media industry.
final piece
Download my proposal here: blogging-culture.doc