Functionality Functionality is concerned with how everything actually works. A common design mistake is to create a web layout which works wonderfully for one web page, but not for all of the web pages within a site. The amount of space available on a computer screen may not be sufficient for every message you need to convey. Start with the most complex or crowded pages and design a solution which functions for those pages. The less complex pages will fall into place easily. Try to design the controls for all of the pages at one time, and keep the audience in mind. Making decisions about the functionality of a site requires that you alternately focus closely on problem area details then step back to make certain your solution is in keeping with the overall site concept. A number of functionality goals must be considered, including;
• Individual screens must remain consistent with the overall design
• Decide what you will do about content which doesn't fit your plan
• Button names should be specific, not vague
• Determine which functions are automatic and which require a click You will visit the Nashville State Website, and analyze how Nashville State Website (Functionality). As an example of the kind of writing expected, which analyzes a site called Vizability. Your submitted document should contain a similarly frank and thorough analysis. Example Analyzing VizAbility Pages Below are links to screenshots of six pages. These pages are from a Website which won many awards for design but which no longer exists. Imagining Seeing Drawing Diagramming Environment Culture Some of these pages use photographs, others use sketches, and others use diagrams. Despite these differences there is a strong sense of continuity between these pages. Briefly visit the pages (linked above) in order to consider how you would answer the following questions.
• How was continuity maintained?
• What are the different ways in which this site demonstrates the principles of simplicity and consistency of design?
• What are the stylistic factors which make this a well-designed site? Now, view the following paragraphs to see some examples of what can be said about these thumbnails...
1. How was continuity maintained? Continuity assures the reader that she or he has not left the site. Each page uses a spiral binding metaphor to create the impression that you are turning the pages of an artist's sketchbook. The title text on each page is the same slab serif font and size, is always orange and is always at the top left of the page.
The instructional text on each page is the same sans serif font and size, is always black, and is always on the left beneath the title text. Graphics are consistently positioned on the right side of the page, are always focal point of the page because of size or color. All graphics have a soft shadow with the same light source (shadows are all on the lower left). Each page has a row of buttons across the bottom for consistent navigation.
The buttons are consistently spaced, providing rhythm. There is an L-shaped rule above related buttons to communicate their relatedness. The orange, black and gray color scheme is used throughout the site. While the Environment and Culture pages differed slightly from the other pages, they differed in the same way by using a ghosted grey background picture, restoring continuity (at least with each other). In each case, the background photo provided a harmonizing context for multiple buttons in the main graphic area
2. What are the different ways in which this site demonstrates the principles of simplicity and consistency of design? Simplicity is the reduction of the complex to the essential.
It is achieved by removing extraneous detail or by grouping related items together. Each page has only one topic. The information provided is stripped down to the essential, only relevant items are included. Instructions are brief and to the point. The orange, black and gray color scheme is simple and harmonious. Related icons are grouped to form a block and are sized to match one another. The navigation bar is the same on every page.
The link icons at the bottom have brief one or two word labels. There is no advertising.
3. What are the stylistic factors which make this a well-designed site? Continuity and Simplicity are the two most prominent stylistic factors, but creativity and freshness was provided by using photos for some pages and drawings for others, and by using tightly cropped photos or drawings on the row of buttons. The images on the buttons changed on some pages (more freshness) even though the placement of the buttons did not.
The consistent location of the buttons provides navigational comfort to the user despite the fact that the buttons or the pages they link to may change. The text is easy to read, has good contrast with the background, and communicates quickly. The content of the text is brief and to the point. The color scheme is simple and consistent. Generous use of white space provides a relaxed feel to the site. When you write your document, you should provide a similarly thorough and frank analysis for (Functionality)