Mock up pages: indesign file

With regards to my mock pages (indesign file) I need to mention that I do realise that they are not exact/as taken care of/paid attention to other years but thats simply for two reasons in previous years I used photoshop this year I used indesign which is no biggie but I found/discovered that I much prefer to it in photoshop, as I seem to like to get things more exact using that software for website versus indesign. In this year my indesign file is a rough indiction of how I wanted things to look/feel where layout wise they should be roughly but not exactly, so thinking back and analysing this, in future I think I would be better off to keep using photoshop or at be prepared to make myself a lot more picky when using indesign to do layouts in. Another great factor which I am sure I have mentioned earlier is that this year due to work cirsumstances and family circumstances I could not devote as much time as I would have liked to school, I just hope that its not going to come and bite me in the butt, guess just have to wait and see. Getting back on topic a big factor also in why indesign file not better taken care of is big I made a couple mistakes at the begining and didn't think at the time to stop and fix them and just continued which was not a very smart move, however the indesign file is not really as important as the actual flash site files, and they are exactly as they need to be, so hopefully that will be enough to get me through. 

Reasons why: behind the design

Just wanted to quickly mention some of the reasonings behind some of the design choices made for the site

The navigation bar has pastel type colours to reflect/ fit in with target - bring into mind babies.

Backgrounds whites and grey's mostly because did not want it to be too gender specific however having said that on the girl names pages the image of the soft toy cat has a pink ribbon because don't want to be too extreme either of breaking 'custom/tradition'. The reason why a cat and a dog soft toy image were chosen for the girl and boy name backgrounds is because very often then not girl and boys are said to be complete opposites and cats and dogs fit the bill with this regards. The reason for choice of stars in the background which I have briefly mentioned in workbook (hard copy) is that its not gender specific and has a lot of positive connotations/associations for both children and adults. 

The site is aimed to be a basic intro to couples who are considering on embarking on this new journey/part of their life and therefore did not want to make it too overwhelming, so keep the design clean and simple, also didn't want it to be too graphic or too descriptive in text to gross/scare people off. 

1000 word plus writing exercise

Thought it important to mention that I think I may have over done it a bit with my time and effort into that particular outcome, but thought it a good opportunity to learn more about something always been curious about once and for all- Twins/other peoples perceptions etc, why is it such a big deal at times to some??? But also thought it a good opportunity to practice/learn how to express self in writing. 

I have made more notes with regards to other considerations etc of what was thinking of writing before settling on this particular topic of twins in the hard copy workbook that is handed in on my desk for the tutor. 

Also I have far exceeded the word count, but hopefully that will not be a disadvantage, because it is a topic in which 1000 words would not have sufficed into seeing more then a handful of peoples perspectives. 

Web pages - some sample of finished website

Thought that couldn't really have a blog that didn't at least have some of the actual finished website on it. So that is why I have included them along the side bar of this blog for easy quick reference:).

Factors

I think part of the factors influencing my work is that I think I spent way to much time and energy into research and content eg: checking out sites, getting info from people, taking lots of photos for the content myself etc and I think as a result didn't achieve to the level that would have liked, however think that its still a passable level in my opinion as I wouldn't be hesitant to show a potential employer the site, and in fact the great news is that the place I got my graphics printed, liked my graphic work and wanted to see my web work once I finish it, so hopefully it will be at least to their expectations:P.
Every single photo/image on my site I have gotten permission from the parents/photographers to use so Im happy with that!.

About end result

I think even though I feel could have done better overall. Think its still a well functioning site,
that does the job well enough and has a consistent look and feel that would work for the target audience and is appropriate/fitting with the topic at hand.

why no game/quiz

Think need to mention why I decided to do rid with have a quiz type game etc, thought given that its a information based site that most likely the targets are not looking at getting quized on something that they can't really know about due to the fact that still not parents and that they just be using the site for some general knowledge on the subject in the different areas.

WHY Layout Simple of site

I think I better mention WHY I have kept the layout design of the site very simple/plain looking, felt that given its a information based site regarding pregancy targeted at first time to be parents its better not to over whelm them. Plus 99% of the sites that I checked out that were info based eg: anyting related to pregancy, childre, baby names etc were so busy and cluttered, and didn't want to to that.

Finally updating- hard copy visual diary also on desk.

Just realised that I havent really been updating my blog as I long along with my project hmmmmm however I have been keeping a hard copy visual diary so I will hand that in with my assignment, I will just leave it on my desk with a note on it for the web tutor.

I really feel that I have let things slip a bit this year due to circumstances/situations outside of tech, just hope that the end result doesnt suffer to much from it as a result, at this stage I would be happy with just a pass because I know that I couln't/didn't give it my usual 110% time and effort.

Confirmed_one project

I have reduced many sections of what I had originally planned to do since it was going to be 

super crazy to insane levels to do that many pages and that much content in the timeline.

Even so its still a huge project but luckily I have just confirmed with the tutor that this project will be the only I will be doing for this course this years, as its big, and will require a lot of time especially since I will be doing it in flash.

Decided the sections/categories that I will focus on would purely be for before actually having the baby and that there are plenty of materials and sources out there for when people already know that they are expecting, so focusing it on before conception...people that are thinking about becoming parents and also try a couple things on the site to make it informative yet interactive such as quiz and game.

before next class

Things I need to have absolutely sorted before next weeks digital class:

Content sorted, not just gathered, which means all text and images sorted.

Will have  clear idea of what the images are that i want to use.

 (with regards to images may have to manipulate and change, but not until have done the mock up designs will I temper with that.)

I will know many pages need to do, what goes onto what page (Navigation map)

Will have had a look at some good website designs. (as its important before I do my own design trials). (aim of next week is to start actually play around with doing some designs).

(may need to look into getting some possible textures and backgrounds if want to do  layering type thing etc).

Reminder: Still need to discuss with tutor that I would like this to be my main project (if not the only project for this year as its got enough substance, hopefully at least 80% anyways and possibly a portfolio online worth 20%).

Subsection_before conception

Have far far too much information, I have a total of 51 pages of information on just section on getting pregnant, thats far too much info, I better read through it again more closely and just pull out the essentials, many facts are repeated thorough various slights anyways, so will need to go and edit and pull out what would be beneficial to be on the site, thinking that I don't want that section to be anymore then like 1-3 website pages.

Possible subsections for site

Aim of site is 1 stop site for first time parents/ couples planning on becoming parents.

Pages (subsections):

Home

Before Conception

Tips for getting pregnant

Diet before conception

Baby Names

Female and Male Eg: A – Z

During Pregnancy

What to eat while expecting.

The 40 weeks of Pregnancy.

Parents checklist

After pregnancy

Getting rid if belly after baby.

Getting rid of stretch marks.

(Thinking I should maybe take out the above two, since its already a huge project, however I know this a  concern for mothers). (will make a decision about this real soon). (Think first maybe I will plan out my pages more in depth and take it from there).

Babycare

Breastfeeding

Bottle feeding

Chaning nappies

Nappy rash

Bathing a new baby

Baby first Aid

Babies & Toddlers nutritional needs

Best Books for Pregnancy and childcare

Fun baby related activities

Baby related Quiz’s.

Create your own baby shower cards

Create your own pregnancy diary

Create your own baby record book

Prayer s.

For Parents

For infants

For children

For families

NOTE: I may have to reduce the site abit once I do my navagation map of pages due to how much work would be involved in it all, and really have to make sure spend a good amount of time doing enough design trials in order to hopefully get once that’s better then what I’ve done in the past:D.

 

 

 

Photos_Permission of Parents

The Good news is that after sending out emails to most all the parents that I know, that have kids in that age grp, I have now heard back from 99% of the parents that asked permission to use their/kids photos so this is going to help alot in terms of getting a mix of children with different backgrounds etc which is wanted since its to show unity in diversity!

There 1 parent still waiting to hear from and another that has given permission just would like me to send them the photos of what i want to use first in order to see if they happy for those particicular photos to be used, which is totally understandable I would be the same, if the tables were turned, it just means have to make up my mind alot faster in terms of what I want to use from them:D.

Features could have to make site interactive

Thinking it would be benefical in also looking at baby related triva type quiz's/polls that could perhaps be part of site to make it more interactive, also baby scrapbooking, baby record book, pregancy diary, online album, creating own baby shower invites from the site could be elements that the site offers.

Research_still need:

Just realised there is one or two areas that I have overlooked, that is still require some info/research to be done on:

1) Giving newbaby a bath

2)Baby shower games/invites and baby annoucments

3)free ovulation calendars online and Pregancy online diary.

4)Diaper rash

5)Baby first Aid

6) Baby seat installing

Development of babies (in womb and early years)

I think that since I have already done alot of research in this area in terms of the books that I used, that its not necessary to look it up online, as I need to move on and use what I have already, think would already be sufficent enough to get a job done well enough for this project.

Need to talk to Tutor - project percentage worth.

Thinking that there is probably more then enough substance to this project to be able to only do this one for the year and make it a huge project rather then doing 2 projects???

However I do see the benefits of also doing a portfolio, but don't want that to be too big a project,

so have two thoughts:

1) just do this site only and make it huge in terms of substance - material and pages etc...

or

2) do this site and talk with the tutor and see if I can get this to be worth at 80% and the other one portfolio one worth only 20%.

(reminder myself to speak to tutor about this in next class).

Research_breast feeding and/or bottle feeding...nappies.

Basically just wanted to make the point that I realise that there is a lot of pressure on mums out there to breast feed etc, but that I don't want my site to be in favour of one or the other, it needs to be open minded and let people making up their own minds without making them feel one way or the other, that goes for disposable napies versues clothe etc.

However thats not to say the site is going to be sugar coated just simply that the facts are there without one way perusion to that or this.

Research_still to do on:

Just a quick list of what areas still need to do some research on, before I can start with my mock designs for site.

• Breast Feeding
• Bottle Feeding
• Changing Nappies

• Baby development (in the womb)
• Baby diet and nutrition for when on solids...(this will probably only be a small section on site).

Also need to look at some real good website designs in order to increase my chances of having a professional well designed site. will be good inspirtional direction and role models in a way:D

(I have done some research already on the above areas such as breast feeding, bottle feeding, changing nappies, babies development while in the womb but not online through books so think it also important to look for more infor on line and see how websites have dealt with these areas).

Research_gettig rid of baby fat + stretch marks

We all know that regardless of how healthy we try to be during pregancy that almost every woman puts on weight after having a baby, and this is a big issue for woman, one that naturally after having a baby they would like to solve to at least return to what their body was like before getting expecting a baby. So naturally I thought this is an important area to look into for my research as well as to have as part of the site.

Another element in which woman are concerned with is stretch marks after having a baby, so I think I will also do a little digging into that also. Everybody know that gaining weight and stretch marks are a natural part/part of the deal for having a baby, however most I'm sure would like to do what they can do make it right again ie:back to 'normal' for them of what they were before hand, if nothing else for their own self image,health etc.

Research_diet while expecting

I think it also important to look into healthy eating while expecting (I have looked into it in terms of books but not online yet). Since the concern with first time parents isn't only with concieveing but making sure that they have a healthy pregancy and baby.

As many of us know that your expecting what you eat effects the baby and therefore alot of us will need to change our lifestyle and tastes for a period of to ensure everyone will end up healthy, but something the best of intitions is not enough, we actually need to know how to do that, in other words what needs to change in terms of our eating habits and lifestyles.

Research_diet & Low S count

Basically the reason why I have looked into as part of my research diet before conception and Low sperm count is because this is an area that people trying to concieve are sometimes concerned about, and would like to have information in order to increase the likelyhood of them becoming parents for the first time.

Research_tips getting pregnant

Basically looking at this area because especially first time parents generally are concerned with what to do, what not to do, how to increase their chances of concieving, if they can conceive etc, as its a whole new ball game in their life that they have not yet embarked on, therefore many worry about that sort of thing, and look for information to help them out, or at least to have a better understanding.

Besides the content of the sites, also looking at their design layouts and naviagations as I progress with my research,

I've noticed so far that a lot sites use the colours,

white

blue

pink

purple

green

Research_ParentsTips

The load of Reasearch Parents Tip are of sites that parents may find useful for becoming a parent.
Its a selection of sites that I picked/looked at closer once I googled first time parent tips mostly and similar sites that would at least in part be useful/content wise anyways not design wise as such.
This selection of sites is not only parenting tips but also some other issues that parents face like who/when to go back to work etc.

RESEARCH_baby photographers

Basically there is a couple main reasons why I have as part of my research looked at some baby photographer sites, one because they take good photos, so looking at how they capture children, pregancy..compostion, lighting etc and also the layout/look/design of their sites and navigation etc, as they are professionals and their sites most times then not reflect this, especially compared with the baby name sites which are so lacking.

Research_regarding baby name website

Just a quick note so that I remember down the line, why/whats the purpose of my research besides the end result..of why I'm adding to my blog the websites looked at for research..beside the obvious..basically there is 2 main reasons looking at baby name:

1) this is a huge area that first time parents will look into and therefore my site will require that, at this stage I think that it would be best to have a selection of names sure on the site, however naming itself could just be an entire site, but since its only a part of my site, thought it would be good to have other sites listed perhaps that parents go to, for further options, since its a huge decision and there are so so many names, that I don't think it would be possible for one site to capture, even if that was the only area I was doing.

2) Looking at how the site looks and navigates and what other information/content/images are on the site. (most say there are very very few that actually look good). (Some sites I looked at didn't even add because they were so horrible.)

Photos on site and other images.

For the site since I want it to have a unity in diverse flavour to it,

I've contacted some of the people that I know globably through my facebook, gmail,

for permission to use their photos of their children and themselves for my site,

I've especifially asked for the photos of their children that are on facebook, so that they won't have to go to any trouble, and this will give me more variety and speed up the process, as suppose to me only take photos of children. However in some instances I've asked if I can use the photos that I have at one time or another taken of their children, in which case this scenerio will take more time, because I have to hunt them down:D, but I guess thats part the fun. I have also taken photos of children myself specially mostly of family members children.

Some of the photos that I choose will likely need to be modified, altered some what to make it more professional so that it doesn't become to candid kodak family moments, as it still needs to have a professional feel to it, while still be family wholesome focused.

I'm thinking that these are the list of items/areas that could use for image/photos on site:

(excluding backgrounds).

Babies/Children

pregent women and/orMothers

Fathers

Family Members eg: grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles, auties etc.

Family shoots

baby related items such as:

baby bottles

pacifer

nappies

wipes

changing mat

baby bag

tolitery - shampoo, nail clippers...

baby books

Toys

soft toys

Cot

Nursery furniture eg: Mobile

Prams

Rockers

strollers

High chair

Playpin

Baby clothes

pregancy test

protection

and whatever else discover maybe useful..but I think for now this is probably a good enough list to go off.

Delays and Change of theme

I've sadly been sick for two weeks and not been able to do anything, so fallen real behind, and missed one other class due to other circumstances, regardless to say I'm going to have to work by butt off to go back on track.

As such I thought since before i got sick I hadn't been able to do on my initial proposal, plus I'm not so keen on it as I first was, and want to do something else...

So now that I'm going to do is, I've changed my theme and focus somewhat for two reasons, because I feel it best to keep graphic and web more separate in terms of research, outcome etc, but still will have a unity and diversity focus, but in a different way not thorough language, but through a event that all cultures and most people experience some time in their life...I'm going to do a site that is for first time parents,the site I'm thinking will cover things like:
Conception (not graphical, tasteful) eg: tops on how to increase your chances.
Baby names with meaning (have many different ethnicities)
Pregnany - eg: the different stages...what to eat etc...what to expect..how big is the baby etc
Baby Checklist - setting up nursery for first time, the bag for the hospital...
Baby development from 0-5years of age or maybe just 0-3years of age.
Maybe something like a quiz for before Conception - take the are you ready for a baby quiz etc.
The site could also have links to other sites that cater for baby needs such as pumpkin patch,
or at least would name some companies that you can contact/look up for baby needs...
and perhaps a section that will allow you to create your own online diary of your pregancy or a baby scrapbook, so that you can have some fun on the site also not just purely information.Also the site may have something like diagrames or instruction on how to bottle feed, change a nappy etc.

I want the site to also have a spiritual element too it also, so perhaps like some prayers for children and expectant mothers...

The basic idea is that I want to site to be as useful as possible for first time parents regardless of background, like a one stop shop that will give you a range of information that you may require for becoming a parent/make you feel better prepared. But I want the site to still be interative / fresh enough not to put you to sleep, or appear to cluttered and messy as much children sites sometimes tend to appear, why dunno.

This post more or less kind of catch's you upto date on whats the latest, and will go from here.

Sites _ helpful for technical aspect

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/07/21/45-excellent-code-snippet-resources-and-repositories/

 http://snipplr.com/popular/language/css

checklist

TO DO LIST

Subject 100% picked

Visual inspirations of other websites etc

Research / Contents of site

1500 written research paper

Find Technical support material could use eg: Codes can use etc

Brainstorming / Thumb nailing of website pages for project (pen and paper)

Research eg: Finding/sourcing materials may want to use for site such as background textures...

Photoshop mock up of the site - then to be done in flash or dreamweaver which ever makes more sense to use depending on what need the site to do.

Plan of action - before next class

Plan of action is that by the end of the weekend (latest before next class next week), I would be 99% sure of my subject matter, have started looking at some visual (website) inspiration/direction, started with/sorted out the research/contents of site...basically I think i need to get onto the visual look and technical aspects of actually putting the site together. 

Also ideally I would like to write up my 1500 word research in the weekend (not sure about what yet, but thinking maybe a made up story since we have free rein:D).

Another idea

Just had a thought of another idea/subject matter, maybe like a beginners guide / manual, information etc to do with becoming parents, eg: could have illustrational guidance on how to bottle feed etc

Track of Time

I possibly don't need to mention this in my blog at all, but I want to keep track of my time with regards to why/what Ive been able to work on etc in terms of getting going with this paper and therefore I think it really important for myself to know why it is that I haven't been able to start on this paper as such yet/ not give it the thought process it is right now. Simply because since friday evening my darling little niece was in hospital (Nikka who's only 9 weeks old):( and they finally got to take her home tonight! but she has swine flu:( so at the moment thats the number one thing on my mind. Fingers crossed everything will be fine and she will 100% in the next 24hrs then she should be in the clear for good God willing. But none the less have spent a lot of time at the hospital and on the phone with family regarding Nikka's health.

Possibly 10% project

My cousin just called me out of the blue ( early saturday morning), lucky I got to speak with her briefly and tell her what I need from her in order to be more clear of what it is that she wants, so now I'm waiting for her to email me and go from there. (hopefully she can do this relatively quickly).

Once I recieve her email I think it best to disuss it with the tutor and go from there.

I'm thinking if I can do it as part of the digital 6 paper that would be really helfpful and effective use of my time on it, however don't want it to be big chunk of my outcomes, so I'm thinking if its Ok to just make it like 10 or 15% project?

Concerns

At this stage I have a three main concerns (

1st one being the level of technical ability needed for this paper to do able to do just about anything on screen.

2nd one being whether its a good idea to combine subjects ie: Graphics and Digital?

3rd one being that the work in my portfolio won't be at a high enough level considering there is just so much competition out there and that the expecations are so high of even any entry level postion especially within chrirstchurch. However will not only be considering christchurch as option because I want to be able to use my degree without it becoming dated etc.

Thought it best to write down concerns so that I stop stressing about them. Hopefully this will help identify what they are and enable me to take some practical measures to over come them hopefully very fast).

Starting off

Since its the begininning of the semeter need to think/evaluate plan of action for the rest of year, in terms of projects/topics, even if these will change along the way have to start off somewhere.

THE TOPIC

The earth is becoming a much smaller place partly due to our ability to travel to and from to almost any destination of the planet at almost anytime of the year.

Due to our ability of travelling and living and mixing with different ethnicities we are becoming more connected with other cultures and backgrounds of people then that of only our own. As a result people are getting to know very different people from all walks of life and ethnicities. In many cases developing serious relationships with one another, eg: getting married and creating families of their own. Thus creating a new ‘blends’, that no longer only associate themselves with only one ethnicity.

It is probably no longer enough to only know the language of the country that we live in to survive, because it simply may not be enough in the long run, especially if we hope to preserve languages from dying out. Also learning more then one language helps individuals to relate better to one another.

The website

Aims to raise awareness of the fact that we are now approaching a new kind of society that can be put into box’s in terms of ethnicities any longer.

The other aim of the website is to also help teach / educate people to learn a number of different languages (basic level) / cultures.

Ideas: Can have images /photos of babies/ people who are not one mix and get people to guess what their genetic makeup is and have a few only one genetic build also…

Could get viewers to create their own international currency, idea being there’s the same currency internationally or at least 1 per continent by click and dragging or drawing their own images. 0r maybe I should do this for graphics?

Since I want this topic to possibly cover digital and graphics need to be careful and crystal clear of what aspects of what/outcomes are for which subject.

Even though I have writtent the above subject as a possible topic/subject of research etc for these two papers there are a number of other topics/outcomes that I'm toying with in my mind to do instead or as well such as wedding industry related stuff, online portofolio and a couple others. Think need to sleep on this for now.

General note of why blog instead of write everything in a workbook with a biro, simply because its faster to type then it is to write.

Other issue / project option: is that my cousin has asked me to do a website for her, but have very mixed feelings about doing that as an school project, because not sure if it will be sufficient enough in terms of hours etc to do that, but also its not a area/industry that I'm particullary really interested in and therefore possibly not a industry that I hope to pursue career wise at this stage anyways. But since I will be doing it for her, think there may be some merit in making it part of a smaller project???Think need to discuss this with the tutor, or I'm going to drive myself mad I think. The other issue is that I'm not a 100% sure at this stage in what exactly it is that she wants from the website? Think need to clarify a few things with her also.

Year 3 Digital 6 Begins!

I'm super sprised that I choose and actually succedded at getting this far to be able to do this paper! (Never mind the fact that I will still be 1 credit short of graduating at the end of this year to get my bachelors degree in visual communication).

I've decided that it makes sense to still have a blog as a workbook, however this year I think I will not only just use a blog for a workbook but also keep a actual physical workbok also, because there are times that it is more accessible to joint down ideas/thought process's / research etc. I will hand that in at the end of the term/year ie: whenever the deadline is going to be.