1. Review website evaluations

When designing a webpage, you will use text, images, and graphics to convey your message and content to your audience. Some webpages might use more graphics and images while others are more text-based. Other webpages try to create a balance between graphics/images and text. You will evaluate the following websites based upon several given factors such as layout, color scheme, use of text, creativity, etc.

On a scale of 1-5, with 1 being poor and 5 being superior, you will rate your website on the following factors:

Layout– How the page is organized and where everything is placed on the page, including things like menu/navigation. headlines, pictures/graphics.

Color scheme– the colors selected. Do they go together and are they used effectively to help you figure out what to focus on?

Use of text– Text is used to help organize the page (like headlines) and convey the message of the website. Is there too much text? Too little text? Is it easy to read?

Creativity– This is pretty subjective and based upon your opinion. How creative is the site?

Overall appearance– Is it well-designed and attractive? Is it ugly or boring?

Use of images/graphics– How visual is the site? Are graphics/images incorporated well? Should it be more or less visual?

Redsox.com
Average rating (1-5 scale): 4.17

Real-Visual.com
Average rating: 4.67

pixelcool.com
Average rating: 4.3

medford.org
Average rating: 2.83

apple.com
Average rating: 3.3

tufts.edu
Average rating: 1.83

cldesignz.com
Average rating: 4.67

google.com
Average rating: 3.5

bostonglobe.com
Average rating: 4.5

griplimited.com
Average rating: 2.83

twitter.com
Average rating: 3.5

medfordpublicschools.org
Average rating: 3.17

2. Pick one website from this list and tell us why you like it (layout, colors, creativity, whatever)

We are all going to share our sites with the class.

3. Facebook Timeline- what do you think?

Here are some creative pages for well-known brands

And very creative Timeline covers by individuals

A story posted on Mashable on February 7 shows people largely unhappy with Facebook Timeline

Like Timeline? How about making your own Timeline movie?

Why should you care?

1- It’s a great example of a new website design and how important design is for web development.

2- Social media matters- for your own identity and for web designers. Web designers should understand how social media works and how to integrate it with a website to help grow an audience, enhance online identity, and help control online search results.