YOUR website

So you've learned what a KJ session is and you know a little about wireframing and paper prototyping. You've even started working on your first web-building tutorial. Now it's time to start working on a website of your very own. Don't panic! We'll be working on this for several weeks and you'll get through it just fine.

First thing you'll need to do is decide what type of website you want. For all the students in the graphics curriculum, I'd like to see some type of website to showcase your talents. That means a portfolio site. An online portfolio will be a valuable asset to have when you start looking for jobs. Potential employers like to have an idea of what you can do before calling you in for an interview. This is your chance to dazzle them!

To all the non-graphics students, you will have a little more latitude when coming up with what type of site you'd like to create. Now remember, we're just beginners, so don't plan on any sort of crazy, code-intensive sites. I will not be coding these for you–you will complete them yourself. So if you want to create some sort of portfolio site like the graphics students, you are welcome to do so.

Maybe you love photography and want to make a website to showcase your photos? Maybe you want to show off your collection of Hot Wheels© to your buddies around the world? Maybe you want to make a special 50th wedding anniversary site for your parents' upcoming celebration? Any of these (and more) are fine.

First step: Decide on your site's content

Second step: Wireframe your site

Third step: Paper prototype your site

Fourth step: Build your site

HOMEWORK (due Monday, March 8th)

• I want you to finish the Dreamweaver tutorial.

• Come up with your site's content. List it out, outline-style.

• Wireframe your main page (called a "landing" page) and one content page.

We will be looking at what you've done on Monday, so make sure you have it in class!