CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 DEFINITION Web design is the process of creating websites. It encompasses several different aspects, including webpage layout, content production and graphic design. While the terms web design and web developments are often used interchangeably, web design is technically a subset of the broader category of web development. Websites are created using a markup language called HTML. Web designers build webpages using HTML tags that define the content and metadata of each page. The layout and appearance of the elements within a webpage are typically defined using CSS, or cascading style sheets. Therefore, most websites include a combination of HTML and CSS that defines how each page will appear in a browser. Some web designers prefer to hand code pages (typing HTML and CSS from scratch), while others use a “WYSIWYG” editor like Adobe Dreamweaver. This type of editor provides a visual interface for designing the webpage layout and the software automatically generates the corresponding HTML and CSS code. Another popular way to design websites is with a content management system like WordPress or Joomla. These services provide different website templates that can be used as a starting point for a new website. Webmasters can then add content and customize the layout using a web-based interface. While HTML and CSS are used to design the look and feel of a website, images must be created separately. Therefore, graphic design may overlap with web design, since graphic designers often create images for use on the Web. Some graphics programs like Adobe Photoshop even include a “Save for Web” option that provides an easy way to export images in a format optimized for web publishing. [1]
1.2 TYPES OF WEB DESIGN Static website-small websites Basic Brochure website Advanced static website Dynamic website Design- large/complex websites Content Management System(CMS) websites eCommerce website 1.3 APPLICATION OF WEB DESIGN 1.3.1 Static Website Design – Small Websites A static website is one without any server-side functionality and has no database or interactive content. Static web design is appropriate for smaller websites that don’t need any complex features or content. Static websites can still be designed to look really good with stylish graphics and content, they just can’t do anything clever based upon any behind-the-scenes programming. The advantage is that a static website is easier, faster and cheaper to design and build but is still professional and stylish. [2] 1.3.2 Basic Brochure Website For individuals and small businesses with a low budget; a simple but professional website that acts as a brochure or advert for you and your business. [2] Brochure websites can have as few as one or two pages (usually five or six) and typically follow a common format: I. Home Page – an eye-catching introduction to your business with clear summary information about what you do II. About / Philosophy – who you are, your credentials and your values III. Your Services – one page for each different service you offer IV. Contact – a contact form, address/telephone/email, location map V. Links 1.3.3 Advanced Static Website For small/medium businesses: static websites can be enhanced with advanced web design features to make them slick, stylish and interesting including: [2] i. Drop-down navigation ii. Animated jQuery (JavaScript) effects iii. Flash content iv. Multimedia (video/audio) v. News page vi. Social Network plugins vii. Image gallery 1.3.4 Dynamic Website Design – Large/Complex Websites Dynamic websites make use of server-side programming and databases to store and deliver the content. This allows web pages to perform more complex functions and display complex data and interactive content. This is the standard way that larger websites are designed as it makes adding large numbers of pages based upon the same template very easy. The down side is that it requires more initial work than a static website so it isn’t economical for small sites. [2]