Interactive Design - Final Project

 

Interactive Design - Final Project: Design, Exploration and Application

3/7/2024 - 24/7/2024 (Week 11 - Week 14)
GU QIANKUAN/ 0369385
Interactive Design / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University 
Final Project: Design, Exploration and Application

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Lectures 
2. Instructions 
3. Project 2: Working Web Page
4. Reflection
1. LECTURES


Lecture Note: HTML & CSS







2. INSTRUCTIONS




3. FINAL PROJECT: DESIGN, EXPLORATION AND APPLICATION

Introduction
In this assignment, we have the creative freedom to design and develop a single-page microsite centred around the theme of lifestyle. Our goal is to craft an immersive and visually appealing microsite that effectively communicates the chosen lifestyle theme and engages users through thoughtful design and interactive elements.





Final Project

For visual inspiration, I turned to various sources, seeking out compelling examples of game websites. I conducted extensive research, examining a range of design styles and layouts. Pinterest proved to be an invaluable resource, where I gathered a collection of visuals that capture the energy and aesthetics of the gaming world. These references have informed my design approach, helping to shape a website that is both visually appealing and user-friendly.

This project is not just about creating a website; it's an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of web design principles and hone our technical skills. By focusing on a topic I am passionate about, I aim to create a compelling online experience that resonates with fellow gaming enthusiasts.

Wireframes #1




mood board



In the initial wireframes labeled #1, my approach seemed to diverge from the intended vision. Mr. Shamsul suggested that my design should be more aligned with a blog format. He emphasized the importance of creating wireframes that reflect a structured, content-rich layout typical of a blog. Additionally, Mr. Shamsul noted that the navigation bar was too simple and needed more complexity and functionality.


To address this feedback, I need to redesign the wireframes with a focus on a more sophisticated navigation bar and a layout that supports blog-style content. The navigation bar should include clear sections for different categories, perhaps incorporating dropdown menus or other interactive elements to enhance usability. The overall design should facilitate easy access to blog posts, archives, and other related features, ensuring a user-friendly experience.


I will create new wireframes based on these recommendations and submit them to Mr. Shamsul for further review and feedback. This iteration will aim to capture the essence of a well-organized, aesthetically pleasing blog, providing a solid foundation for the project's development.


Visual references

First, I searched for design inspiration, focusing on game websites. I explored various online resources, including Pinterest, to find visual references. After examining numerous examples, I created a mood board to capture the aesthetics and elements I want to incorporate into my website. This mood board includes a variety of design elements, such as color schemes, typography, layout styles, and imagery that align with the vibrant and dynamic nature of gaming. The process helped clarify my vision for the website, ensuring it is engaging and appealing to the target audience.


mood board


Prototype #1
After Mr. Shamsul approved my wireframes, I moved on to the prototyping phase. This step involved creating more detailed and interactive versions of the wireframes to visualize how the final website would look and function. The prototypes included design elements such as colors, typography, images, and interactive components like buttons and navigation menus. This phase was crucial for testing the user experience and making any necessary adjustments before moving into the development stage. By creating prototypes, I was able to refine the layout, design, and functionality to ensure the website would meet the project goals and provide a seamless user experience.




In Figma, prototypes are interactive models of a website or app that allow you to simulate the user experience. After your wireframes were approved by Mr. Shamsul, creating prototypes in Figma would involve several key steps:

  1. Design Elements: Begin by fleshing out the visual design elements in your Figma file. This includes selecting the color scheme, typography, images, and other stylistic choices.

  2. Interactive Components: Use Figma's interactive components feature to create buttons, menus, and other interactive elements. You can define their behavior, such as hover states and clickable links, to mimic real-world functionality.







 Prototypes Attempt2
In the second attempt of the prototype, I initially considered changing the background color to black to give the design a professional look. However, after re-evaluating the visual style, I chose to use a lighter, more neutral background color, specifically #FAF4E4. This choice was intended to create a clean and elegant appearance, providing a softer and more inviting feel compared to a darker theme.

After receiving feedback from Mr. Shamsul on my second prototype, I made several improvements to address the issues he highlighted. The adjustments were focused on enhancing the overall design and functionality, ensuring the website meets the desired standards and visual appeal.




In Dreamweaver, I utilized the skills learned during practical classes to enhance my game website project. Here's a summary of the implementation:

  1. External Style Sheet: I linked an external style sheet, , to the HTML page using the tag. This style sheet controls the overall design and layout, ensuring consistency across the website.final_styles.css<link>

  2. Fonts: I incorporated several fonts from Google Fonts, such as Bree Serif, Exo 2, and Teko, to improve the visual appeal of the text. These fonts were chosen to match the dynamic and engaging theme of a game website.

  3. Navigation Menu: The navigation bar () includes a list () of links that direct users to various sections of the website. The sections include "Home," "Buy Now," "Play Now," and other relevant links tailored for a game-focused site. This setup allows users to easily access different content areas.<nav><ul>

  4. Content Sections: The page content is organized into distinct sections using the tag. Each section covers different aspects of the game website, such as game introductions, player reviews, tutorials, and promotional content.<section>

  5. Footer: At the bottom of the page, a element includes an "Ask Me" interactive box and social media links. This section allows users to engage with the site by asking questions or following on platforms like Instagram.<footer>

  6. Images and Visuals: The tag is extensively used to display images, enhancing the visual engagement of the site. These images include game screenshots, promotional banners, and other visual content relevant to the game.<img>

  7. Navigation and Structure: CSS controls the structure and layout, making the page easy to read and navigate. The design choices aim to provide a seamless and enjoyable browsing experience for users.


HTML CODE

Main Menu Code;


Second main page:






Navigate to another page :











CSS CODE

Main Menu CSS :



Second main page CSS :


Navigate CSS:






Html & Css :        



REFLECTION 

This project provided a comprehensive exploration of web design and development, covering everything from wireframing to prototyping and final coding. The iterative feedback process emphasized the importance of user-centric design and maintaining a professional presentation. Through this experience, I learned to balance aesthetics with functionality, ensuring that the final website was not only visually appealing but also user-friendly.

By incorporating feedback and making necessary adjustments, I gained a deeper understanding of web design principles. This hands-on experience allowed me to develop practical skills in creating a polished, professional website that meets user needs and design standards.


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