week 2

1. What was in your plan for this week?

My Plan was to start thinking of ideas based on my research and to start thinking outside the box i had set for myself which is dangerous in a short timed project like this but i have too to get the extra marks. I began with re-emphisising microsite research a little, i picked up a few interesting but similar designs as trends often are and have subsequently drawn sketches of my own design linked to my research.

I have also set out some things in writing as I had not done so prior to the development of solutions, the details contained info on what software i would be using, what spaces, what people and what websites i would plan to use. I also set out to start thinking on what the menu should contain as htis is a key feature in microsites.

Some of the ideas that leapt forward were firstly and obviously the home button, next an about button as this is key to the brief, a sponsor button for the design idea that will be displayed on the main page, and a how to help us otherwise page, or a help your way page, whcih is basically a small forum to send in to ask about what they can do to help in their way or send ideas etc.

I have also planned to start thinking on what other content i could put into this microsite an dth efirst idea which i have now storyboarded is a flash animation of the 15 below text/logo. breifly outlined with suggestions and comments aswell.

I also started to look at the type of 'containers' these micro sites were in and thought of way to design some for myself, my mouse mat was one and the macs in the college was another, simple rectangles with curves always is a gd way to go in this time, especially looking towards tailoring towards the design class in america, which they are all about, ie curves cleanliness.

I had also planned to research a bit into the audio side of the webdesign such as how i could incorporate it into the code and make it a useful and friendly to sue feature.



2. What did you actually do this week?


This week went according to plan roughly, but in these terms how i set myself the goals, i achieved all of them.

3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.


For starters I did not look too much into the audio side as i didnt want to push my own feelings into the microsite and would first research on the design classes in amaerica which are roughly located in terms of density New York, Manhattan and vancouver.


Also this week I kept my plan loose but i do try to get my work done near the times and for the same amount of time,


4. What worked well this week?


I finally got a good idea or two sketched out on paper which i am pleased because for a few days i had a creative block. I also planned out my sketch sletchbook well giving myself space outside my original guidlines to adapt and change an idea which worked a few times.

Also I have a basic idea of what the ECA finally want now which is a start finally. ALthough the design seems a little flawed and i might have to direct them in designing it.


5. What did not work so well this week?

My imagination failed me a little this week but its perhaps from other sources and not lack of design flair, although myabe not. Also this weekend I have forgotten to put anything in my logbook which i will rectify tonight


6. What have you learned this week?


I learned that a simple answer helps and and taking a break on one topic an dmoving onto another which is also gd practice to not spend hours on one thing. Also that my class needs a little more motivation, so i showed them some of my stuff and a few took to it well, others are just going about this the wrong way.


7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.


More research into microsites and design sketches into the layout and flash animation, logbook entries and thought on new topics, i count my mind as a portfolio.


8. Do you have any other comments to make?

Not much for this week except that I hope that this 1 year course will not get me jobs for the sake that i won't have wasted 3 years of my life learning about sound when i won't even use it.


Soon to have images of my work up