Interactive Design/ Exercises

29.08.2023 - 17.09.2023 (Week 01 - Week 08)
LIEW XIAO HUI / 0353121
BACHELOR OF DESIGN (HONOURS) IN CREATIVE MEDIA / INTERACTIVE DESIGN
Exercises: HTML Document Development & HTML, CSS Document Development, CSS Layout Model

INSTRUCTIONS


Exercises 01: Web Analysis
Our task is to evaluate two websites and identify areas of improvement based on the link given by Mr. Shamsul Hamimi. We were required to create a short report, limited to 500 words, and include screenshots of different website sections for explanation. This report summarizes our findings and recommendations using Google Slides.

I chose websites from different categories to explore their varied purposes and user engagement strategies, allowing me to have a better understanding of web design. 


Exercise 02: Web Replication
In this task, we are instructed to replicate two existing websites from the three given websites. We are required to take full-screen screenshots of the selected websites and then use software like Illustrator or Photoshop to recreate the pages, ensuring similarity in terms of images and fonts.

Website 01 Progress
https://www.oceanhealthindex.org/?authuser=0
The website dimensions are 1899px in width and 2860px in height. For font selection, I selected Arial Bold, Black, and Regular, as I found that Arial's characteristics closely matched the font used in the existing website. As I couldn't find the logo in white, I utilized the shape tool in Illustrator to recreate it, mirroring the appearance of the original logo. Besides, I placed the full-size screenshot of the chosen website next to the artboard I used so that it was easier for me to analyze and replicate. This also allowed for a more convenient comparison of layout, fonts, font sizes, and colors.


Figure 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Progress screenshot.

Final Web Replication 01
Compare

Figure 2.1 Final replication 01- compare.

Screen's Viewport


Figure 2.2, 2.3 Final replication 01- screen viewport.

Fullscreen

Figure 2.4 Final replication 01- fullscreen.

Website 02 Progress
https://banditrunning.com/
The website's dimensions are 1899px in width and 4321px in height. I utilized Bricolage Grotesque Regular and Medium fonts for text, as they closely resembled the font used in the existing website. However, for numbers, I chose the Acumin Variable Concept Medium and Regular fonts due to the distinct differences between Bricolage Grotesque and the original page's number font. To facilitate the analysis and replication process, I placed the full-size screenshot of the chosen website alongside the artboard I used.


Figure 3.1, 3.2 Progress screenshot.

Final Web Replication 02
Compare

Figure 4.1 Final replication 02- compare.

Screen's Viewport



Figure 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 Final replication 02- screen viewport.

Fullscreen

Figure 4.6 Final replication 02- fullscreen.


Exercise 03: HTML and CSS Document Development
For this assignment, our task involves crafting a recipe card using HTML and CSS, as instructed by Mr. Shamsul Hamimi in our prior classes. We are tasked with designing a simple web page that presents a recipe's ingredients and instructions in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The selected recipe must be picked from the two websites provided by Mr. Shamsul Hamimi, namely https://www.aheadofthyme.com/italian-meatballs/ and https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/malaysian-recipes/.

Progress
I've decided to select the Italian Meatballs recipe for my recipe card design. To begin, I've created a dedicated folder on my laptop and initiated the process by generating a new file in Adobe Dreamweaver, which I saved as 'index.html.' Following that, I created a separate CSS file, saving it as 'style.css,' and subsequently linked the 'style.css' file to the 'index.html' file I created earlier.

Figure 5.1 Progress screenshot. 

Next, I proceeded to input all the pertinent information from the selected recipe website into Adobe Dreamweaver using HTML code. My approach is to first incorporate all the essential content, and subsequently, I'll apply the styling to achieve the desired design."

Figure 5.2 Progress screenshot. 

Once I had input all the necessary information in HTML, I sought out a suitable font family from Google Fonts that aligned with my desired design style. After some consideration, I chose 'Playfair Display' as the font family to be used throughout the website. To ensure proper integration, I revisited the in-class exercises previously instructed by Mr. Shamsul Hamimi, refreshing my memory on how to incorporate the chosen font family into the webpage using both HTML and CSS."

Figure 5.3 Progress screenshot.

I also carefully deliberated on the color scheme I wished to employ in the design of this recipe card. Ultimately, I opted for a monochromatic palette centered around a rich maroon color, complemented by a background hue resembling floral white. This particular color scheme was discovered on Colorhunt, and I made some adjustments based on my design preferences.

Figure 5.4 Progress screenshot.

As I'm not highly experienced with HTML and CSS coding, I turned to Google whenever I encountered challenges during the design process. Additionally, I sought assistance from my brother to teach me some specific code elements that were essential for achieving the desired webpage design within the scope of my abilities. Rather than taking shortcuts or resorting to copying, I viewed this assistance as a way to enhance my coding skills and gain a deeper understanding of HTML and CSS."

Figure 5.5 Progress screenshot.

Attempt 01
https://liewxiaohui-ex3-recipecard.netlify.app/

Figure 5.6 Attempt 01.

After receiving feedback from Mr. Shamsul Hamimi during the week 07 class, I made some adjustments to the design. I removed the navigation bar and relocated the recipe title to the center of the webpage to align with the feedback provided.

Final HTML and CSS Document Development
https://liewxiaohui-ex3recipecard.netlify.app/

Figure 6.0 Final recipe card.


FEEDBACK
Week 07
Mr. Shamsul Hamimi commented on the overall design of the recipe card. He noted that the color scheme, font family, and font size were all well-executed and aligned with the design. However, he suggested removing the navigation bar, as it wasn't necessary for a recipe card. I took this feedback into account and made the appropriate changes to enhance the design.


REFLECTIONS
Throughout these three exercises, I've experienced significant growth in my understanding of website structure and design skills. Using Adobe Illustrator to replicate websites has provided me with valuable insights into web design. Additionally, I've acquired new skills in using HTML and CSS code to create and style websites, which was a completely new experience for me.
While I've made progress, I recognize the need for more practice to become truly proficient in HTML and CSS. Currently, I often refer back to my notes to refresh my memory on various code elements. HTML and CSS present a challenge due to the multitude of elements that require understanding and memorization. Nevertheless, I'm committed to improving my skills in these areas through continued practice and learning.

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