WD1 - Web Design and Usability Techniques
The Web Design and Usability training course is designed for individuals getting started in Web design and development, and focuses on creating static sites. Dynamic, database-driven sites involve additional design approaches that are beyond the scope of this course. However, the concepts in this course still apply to dynamic content, since the focus is on what the user sees, rather than how the content is generated.
This course is designed for anyone interested in learning some important principles of Web design that apply to just about any purpose or theme. You will explore several pitfalls of Web design and how to avoid them, and a variety of design tips and guidelines that you can use no matter what your Web site project entails. Students taking this course should have at least intermediate-level experience with HTML, including tables and forms, and familiarity or experience with Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).
Overview of Design Issues
Common Problems in Web Design
Planning a Site
The Planning Phase
Choosing a Site Metaphor
Content Outlining and Storyboarding
Design Guidelines
Choosing a Design Approach
Using Site Mock-ups
Page Design Considerations
Effective Use of Images
Choosing the Right Image Format
Optimizing Graphics
Effective Use of Color
Color 101
Color and Design
Writing Good Code
Authoring with HTML 4.01
Validating Your Code
Organization and Maintenance Techniques
Safe CSS
Styles that Break Down Gracefully
Web Typography with CSS
Creating Usable Sites
Principles of Usability
Simple Usability Techniques
Designing Effective Navigation
Accessibility
Creating Accessible Sites
HTML and CSS Accessibility Techniques
Dealing with Browser Incompatibilities
Browser and Platform Issues
Using Browser Detection Scripts
Publicizing Your Web Site
Promoting Your Site: Meta Content
Review
Apply Your Knowledge
Appendix A: Quick Reference