Homework 3 "Designing from the Content Out"

Homework 3

Readings and Tutorials

transcending CSS: the fine art of web design by Andy Clarke. New Riders: Voices That Matter/Imprint of Peachpit 2007. Re-read Part 1 Discovery pp. 55 - 97. Based on this reading post on your blog your understanding of "Designing from the content out" Using your own content create designs using the markup based on Number 1: Horses p. 68 and Number 2: A Race p. 70

Essay Response to Reading by Krystopher Romanczak:

Quinnipiac University

Professor Garvey: IDD 410

NOTICE... Blog Created using CSS style tags.

“Designing from the Content Out” (Transcending CSS p 55) refers to the idea that content (the reason why we visit websites) should be in functional form.Visual elements support systems of communication that invites the end user to a site and recommends and overall look and feel. Visual elements however, should not intrude on the content that is intended. Misuse of visual elements may lead to a site that is of effortless professionalism however, frustration and misdirection may elude the user from their initial goal – finding out more information on a particular subject.

Let’s use GOOGLE as an example. GOOGLE obtains over 3 billion requests pr year in terms of searches. The user is given a visual interface that is pleasing to the eye yet maintains it’s simplicity when granting information on a particular subject.

MySpace.Com, a popular networking site, gets users lost in a medley of visual artifacts aimed at advertising using their search engine.  MySpace.Com is a great example of how a powerful search site can get lost in an overwhelming potpourri of visual elements.

The texts talk about static instruments such as tables (p. 56) and the limiting effects of such setups in former HTML practices. Tables only allow a limited amount of intended information; limited to the data set for that cell at that time. If any information is needed to be updated, the increase or decrease of information is likely leaving such a cell off-balance in terms of other cells and their containing information.

A “Content Out Approach” allows the designer room for expansion leaving the content at the forefront of the design itself. Other elements are secondary in this approach allowing for new opportunities to produce easy navigation and display.

The text goes on to demonstrate how a particular method (using div, li, and ul tags) can help “Optimize the content order with or without style”. (p. 60)

In addition, using rendering methods that both support CSS and Non CSS layouts will assist browsers in displaying information the way the author intends in such a way that both methods shall produce the same order. For example, using styling methods and care for order will ensure that information is displayed in relative locations to either method.

In conclusion, CSS and HTML capabilities built in today’s browsers are moving forward the design ability and availability for new designs to make logical and methodical sense in site navigation, content relevancy, and visual layout. It is up to the designer to carefully consider these methods and use appropriate execution of such methods to make content change and availability more sensible than yesterday’s standards.