1. 16-09-14
Assignment 1: Web Authoring, Protocols, Design Conventions and Software
Introduction
In this report I will be discussing what Web Authoring is, how it works and I will be talking
about the aspects of Web Authoring.
Web authoring is when web pages are able to be visually created like a desktop publishing
programme because the website development system allows it. It was designed to allow you
to create websites and web pages. There are three different aspects of Web Authoring,
which are: Protocols, Design Conventions and Software.
Protocols
Firstly, Protocol is another word for “rule”. When we are talking about Web Authoring
Protocols, we are talking about the rules which govern the exchange of data and information
over the internet. Here are several Protocols that need to be understood;
URL
URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. It is the Web address of a website. For example:
http://google.co.uk, this protocol will direct you to the website.
Domain Name
The Domain Name is the name of the website. This is normally memorised by people so
they can easily type the name into an address bar or search engine and the Uniform
Resource Locator will show below. For example, “Facebook” is the domain name of
www.facebook.com and “twitter” is the domain name for www.twitter.com.
Top level Domain Name
This is the last section of a URL. They indicate the location of the website and the website
itself.
Country Codes
Top level domain names and in a variety of different codes, these are divided into country
and organisation, for example, some country codes are; ‘.uk’ which stands for United
Kingdom, ‘.ie’ which stands for Ireland and ‘.jp.’ which stands for Japan. Some organisation
codes are ‘.ac’ which stands for academic, ‘.gov.’ which stands for government and ‘.sch’
which stands for school.
Domain Name Registration
This is how users buy a domain name, for example Mr Akitt bought ‘Akitt’ with the top level
Domain Name ‘.co.uk’. These are sold and managed by Domain Name Registrars.
ISPs
ISPs stands for Internet Service Providers. You are provided with the access to internet, for
example, BT, Virgin, PlusNet, Talk-Talk by this company.
2. Hosting
You are allowed to host your website of the Companies servers. Your website files air stored
on their serves which are accessible to others via the internet. A fee had to be paid, either
monthly or yearly.
Web Page Naming Conventions
Websites are made of lots of pages, they all use the same URL. It is important that each web
page has a suitable name that reflects the content on that page. For example the URL for
Amazons Home Page is http://www.amazon.co.uk . The URL for their Contact us page is
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/contact-us . And the URL for the Help page or Customer
Service pages http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer .
Conventions
Design Conventions are rules that govern the aesthetic design of websites. For example The
Rule of Thirds, Layout, Colour Scheme and Type face.
Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds is one of the most important design principles. It is a rule that is applied to
the layout and composition of images and websites. Here is the layout of the Rule of
thirds:
Here is what a picture looks like before Here is what the same picture looks
Rule of Thirds, it does not have point of like after the Rule of Thirds, it does have
focus: point of focus:
3. Colour Scheme
A website can be designed with three main colour schemes. You need to pick the right
colour scheme for your website, it is very important; you don’t want it to be hideous. The
colours set the tone and the feel of the website. Colour schemes nearly always reflect the
nature of the website. The three main colours are:
Monochromatic Colours
Monochromatic means ‘one colour’. So if your website it monochromatic, you will only have
one colour, but they will be different tints, tones and shades. Here is what Monochromatic
colours look like:
Analogous Colours
Analogous Colours means using similar colours. Analogous Colours are located right next to
each other on the colour wheel; here is what analogous colours look like on a colour wheel:
Complimentary Colours
Complimentary colours are opposites, but visually, they work extremely well together, they
are opposite each other on the colour wheel, here is what complimentary colours look like on
the colour wheel:
Type Face/Fonts
Finding the right font for a website is important visually and for usability. Fonts are divided
into two categories: Serif and Sans Serif.
4. Serif and Sans Serif
Serif is when each letter has a flick on each edge of the letter, makes it look quite face,
however Sans Serif is when the letters are extremely clear, they have no flicks. Sans Serif is
used more because its much easier to read, when billboards or signs are made, the people
who make them use Sans Serif. I personally prefer Sans Serif.
Here is a picture that shows the difference between Serif and Sans Serif, its quite obvious:
Layout
Font size and colour are extremely important in designing a web page. Titles and sub-headings
should be larger than the text below them to show importance and to break the
page and content up. Fonts should also be clearly coloured so they can be easily read. For
example I use a white font (Sans Serif font) on a black background; I do this because it is so
much easier to read. If I use yellow font on a white background, it will not be easier to ready,
however if I change the background to black I will be able to read it.
Text on websites can sometimes be grouped together poorly, making it harder for the user to
read. Paragraphs are used in websites, same as they are in writing, to break up long bits of
text. Each paragraph should have its own focus. For example; A paragraph welcoming you
to the website and a paragraph introducing the website and then another explaining what it
is about.
Backgrounds on websites are generally single colours, patterns or images.
Single Colours Should follow your colour scheme for consistency, and should make it
easier to read your website.
Patterns Can also be used, but should not “distract” from the foreground and content of your
website.
Images are sometimes used, but finding the right images can be difficult and large images
can make websites slower to read.