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.
Organisation Codes
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. An
example of a domain name registrar would be https://www.123-reg.co.uk/

2. ISPs
ISP stands for Internet Service Providers. You are provided with the access to internet, for
example, BT, Virgin, PlusNet, Talk-Talk by this company.
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. Advantages are that they pay for the server. However disadvantages are
that you have to pay monthly or yearly, and if the server goes down, then your website will
not work.
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 . It is very important for pages to
be named properly so they are easier to find, if the page is not named properly then it will be
harder to find the page.
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. Websites and images can be divided
into thirds: three vertical lines and three horizontal lines. Where those lines cross are “points
of focus”. The eye is naturally drawn into those positions; a website that uses the rule of
thirds is universally seen as visually appealing. Here is the layout of the Rule of thirds:

3. 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. By being in the middle the a point of focus, this is because it’s been
Composition of the image is “off”, by moved to where the two lines intersect.
Moving it into the third we make a This means that eyes are drawn to that
Visually appealing image position. The bird rests on a join in lines
And rests in 1/3 of the picture.
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. Websites might want to use this
colour scheme to describe the atmosphere, so for example the colours of Costa are Red and
brown, those colours show that the place is warm and homey. 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. The term analogous refers to the having analogy, or
corresponding to something in particular. An analogous color scheme creates a rich look. It’s
best used with either warm or cool colors, creating a look that has a certain temperature as
well as proper color harmony. The scheme also lacks contrast and is less vibrant than
complementary schemes; here is what analogous colours look like on a colour wheel:

4. Complimentary Colours
Complimentary colours are opposites, but visually, they work extremely well together, they
are opposite each other on the colour wheel. Websites might want to use this colour scheme
because even though the colours are opposites, they work together and make it very eye-catching
and attractive, which will catch the audience’s attention, 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.
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. It is better to use Sans-Serid because the font is muich
easier to read, it is very clear. I personally prefer Sans Serif.
Here is a picture that shows the difference between Serif and Sans Serif, its quite obvious:
Here is a picture of Sans-Serif being used: Here is a picture of Serif being used:

5. 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 read,
however if I change the background to black I will be able to read it. This is important
because the easier it is to read, then the better it is for the audience.
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. Paragraphs should have their own focus so the user of the website can understand
it, and so the user does not get confused.
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.
Here is an example of a very hideous website!