Designing With Words
In this week's lecture we looked at the importance of designing with words and considering the use of words as a design element. We also outlined the requirements for the Major Project Proposal, detailing the sections required and their associated word counts.
This Week's Recommended Book
Even if you only managed an E in your A Level English Literature (like one of the lecturers) you can learn to write properly if you apply yourself later in life. Words lie at the heart of what we do on the web and if you don't know the difference between it's and its, then Lynne Truss's Eats, Shoots and Leaves is the book for you.
Lynne Truss writes in an easy, conversational manner and covers the fundamentals of writing, in a book that is both witty and entertaining. An impassioned guide to perfect punctuation, this book is for everyone who cares about the art of effective writing (your lecturers, for example).
The 95%
Writing in 2006, in an article titled Web Design is 95% Typography, Oliver Reichenstein of Information Architects, penned the following often quoted phrase:
95% of the information on the web is written language. It is only logical to say that a web designer should get good training in the main discipline of shaping written information, in other words: Typography.
Mr Reichenstein's figure of 95% is one that is often returned to - especially in light of the rising importance of native typography on the web - and though we wholeheartedly concur with his sentiment, we'd go further, modifying his quote just slightly, altering one word and altering the sentiment:
95% of the information on the web is written language. It is only logical to say that a web designer should get good training in the main discipline of shaping written information, in other words: Words.
Before one even embarks on giving words form, clothing them with type, one needs to give thought to the words themselves. Words are a powerful, and often overlooked design element. Well chosen words can ease a user's journey through a site, they can be a delight and a pleasure. Poorly chosen words can have the opposite effect, causing an impediment.
Given the centrality of words as a part of the web's content, it's surprising to discover this significant area - language - is often wholly neglected as a part of formal academic education. In this lecture we considered this central point, considering macrocopy and microcopy as important elements in the design process.
We couldn't put it better than Joshua Porter of Bokardo, who states:
The fastest way to improve your interface is to improve your copywriting.
Wise words indeed.
The Major Project Proposal
As outlined in the lecture, we'd like you to put together a Major Project Proposal (MPP) that outlines your plans for your Major Project in semester two. The deadline for this completed document is January, a specific date and time for the hand in will be announced in Week 12.
We covered the contents of the MPP in the lecture, but to refresh your memory, we're listing the key sections we expect to see with a word count for each section (in brackets):
- 1.0 Lift Pitch (50)
- 2.0 Summary (250)
- 3.0 Research Outcomes (500)
- 3.1 Research Analysis
- 3.2 Target Market
- 3.3 Techniques/Technologies Used
- 4.0 Conclusion (200)
We would also like to see a bibliography (use Harvard Referencing for your bibliography please) and an appendices section (this is where you'll put your Gannt chart, sitemap, wireframes, flowcharts, sample questionnaires or any other relevant supplementary material).
As covered in the lecture, your Gannt chart should clearly outline your plans and cover next semester in detail. The Gannt chart is intended to serve as a functional document, designed to assist you to plan your time. Please put some thought into this and show effective and realistic evidence of time management.
Please provide a word count for each section. If you are any more than 5% over or under the maximum, marks will be deducted.