Journal 1-Chapter 1-3 Reflection

Journal #1: Getting Started Part 1

Robbins, J.N. (2012). Learning Web Design: A beginner’s guide to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and web graphics. Sebastopol, CA: O’Reilly Media, Inc.

In Chapter 1 the main emphasis of the text that the author Robbins wants the readers to gain is for the readers to have an understanding of how web pages are designed and worked, and the different software we should have on our computer to make a web site.  Robbins divides the different functions of web designs into six different categories of: Visual design, User interface and experience design, Web document and style sheet production, Scripting and programming, Content strategy, and Multimedia.  While I was reading the components of wideframe diagrams, site diagram, and storyboards and user flow charts under the category of the User interface I couldn’t help, but think of websites that I used like Yahoo, and Facebook that follows this model to make their web sites easily accessible to negative around, and use.  

In Chapter 2 the main emphasis of the text that the author Robbins want the readers to identify the difference of the Internet and the Web, the variety of functions that is used on the Internet and Web, and the HTML files that are used to display text and pictures on websites.  After reading this chapter I wasn’t even aware that an URL has three components of the protocol, the site name, and the absolute path to the document or resource.  It makes sense that the protocol of http:// would already be program in the websites, so it makes it easier for the users to get on a website, and it also save time from typing extra characters.  I couldn’t see myself typing http://www.google.com/mail every time I wanted to check my emails.  Websites have made it accessible for users to get on their site by not having users type the protocol or even the domain name of www. to get their sites.  I can just type google.com in the address bar and press enter and the website is program to get me to Google, and in the address part it will display the URL of http://www.google.com.  

In Chapter 3 the main emphasis of the text that the author Robbins wants the readers to gain is for the readers to under the big concepts of multitude of devices, web standards, progressive enhancement, responsive web design, accessibility, and site performance that any future web designer needs to know.  A section that stood out to me was the responsive web design.  I just assume that whenever I access a site whether on my computer, or phone that the site would just automatically fits on the screen.  I just learned that depending which device you used that device requires a totally different unique URL in order for that site to be display on the device you are using.  It shows that the Interaction Design, User Interface design, and User Experience now have additional responsibility of meeting goals on multiple devices in order for the user to have success on their site.

Question 1:  What are the goals of the Interaction Design, User Interface design, and User Experience design in order to make a website successful?

          The Interaction Designer goal is to make their website for their users as easy, efficient, and delightful.  The User Interface design goal is to make the navigation on the website such as using links, and menu options easy for the users to use and the users gets to the correct link they chose.  The User Experience Designer goal is to make sure that the users as an overall great experience on their website by seeking observations and interviews from the users.

Question 2: What are the four broad categories of disabilities and can these four broad categories of disabilities engage and interact with the computer?

          The first category is vision impairment.  Vision impairment are users that have low or no vision at all.  They can use the computer by having different device such as Braille displayed on the screen, screen reader, and using a browser’s text zoom function to make the text large enough to read.  The second category is mobility impairment.  Mobility impairment are users that have very limited use or no use of their hands.  They would use devices such may as a mouse and keyboards that are modified, and joysticks to navigate around the Web and type text in the address bar.  The third category is auditory impairment.  Auditory impairment are users that have very limited or no hearing at all.  They would use a device that provides them transcripts of audio of captions and tracks for any video they view on the web.  The fourth category is cognitive impairment.  Cognitive impairment are users that have difficulties with memory in reading comprehension, problem solving, and have little attention to details.  Websites would have to make the site as simple and clear for these users to use.