OMIS 360 EXAM 1 Disc Ques Dr. Huynh

Describe the difference between a search engine and a search directory.

A search engine is a web based search tool that locates a webpage using a word or phrase found in that page called keywords. While a search directory builds it's web index page using human interaction.

Explain why you would include a search feature, and how you might add one to your website.

A search feature on a website is a great idea because it allows viewers to search for a specific keyword that they are looking for instead of having to browse every page looking for it. Search capability is especially important for large websites that have a lot of information to sort through.

List considerations when planning the testing, publishing, and maintenance of your website, and why you would include these steps in the planning process.

A usability test should be done on the navigation system during the planning and development phases. This test determines exactly how visitors use a website, then research use this information to make design recommendations. During the publish stage you should determine how and where you will publish the website, and identify any technical or budget limitations. This helps to get the site up and running as smoothly as possible. In the maintenance phase you should develop a content maintenance plan that includes schedule and budget. This will keep everything on schedule and within the budget as the site progresses.

Identify the primary responsibilities associated with each of the following web design roles: content writer/editor, artist/graphic designer, web designer, web programmer/database developer, and web administrator.

A content writer/editor creates and revises the text that visitors read when the visit a website, choose a link, image, video, or other media that enhances your text content. A web artists/graphic designer's responsibility is to create original art, such as logos, stylized typefaces, and avatars, and props for virtual 3-d worlds. A web designer's role is to create webpages that combine, text, images, and links using tools such as markup languages; CCS, HTML, and WYSIWYG editors. Web programmer/database developer's job is to script languages such as, JavaScript, ASP, PHP, and MYSQL and must plan, create, secure, and maintain databases of varying complexity. Web Administrator assumes all roles, including creative, high-tech, and oversight. May oversee a web development team that includes technical and creative roles.

Define the following terms: CATV lines, fixed wireless, mobile wireless, dedicated lines, and dial up Internet access.

CATV lines enable home or business users to connect to the Internet over the same coaxial cable that delivers television transmission. Fixed wireless is Internet connectivity service that uses satellite technology. Mobile wireless is how people not physically connected to a network can use their computer or mobile devices to access the Internet and the web. A dedicated line is a constant connection between two communication devices that uses the local telephone network. It provides higher quality connection than dial up. Dial up Internet access is a temporary connection that uses analog telephone lines.

Describe the importance of consistency of visual elements to reinforce branding.

Consistent visual elements reinforce branding because it helps viewers to know that they are on the correct webpage when the company's logo is clearly visible. When users are on the webpage and the logo and colors are clearly visible, it makes them more aware and it is easier for customers to remember the brand for future use.

Differentiate between inline styles, internal style sheets, and external style sheets, and describe the order of application.

Inline styles are inserted within the <h1> HTML tag on a page. Internal style sheets are inserted within a page's HTML heading tags. External style sheets are a CSS document that contains style rules that is linked to a webpage. Inline styles have many disadvantages so they should not be used very often. External style sheets are the most flexible and can be used to apply formatting rules to several site pages. Internal style sheets appear in a page's HTML and should also be used sparingly.

Differentiate between goals and objectives when planning a site. Describe a purpose statement.

Goals are the results you want your website to accomplish. Objectives are the methods used to accomplish goals. A purpose statement summarizes your goals and objectives.

Describe eye-tracking studies and heat maps, and how web designers use them to plan webpage design.

Researchers use eye-tracking studies to make heat maps that show them where webpage viewers look at most on the page. Through these maps, researchers have found that viewers generally look at the top left-hand corner of a webpage first. They then look down and to the right.

Discuss how responsive web design principles influence web design.

Responsive web design principles make it easier for websites to respond do the type of device a visitor is using. For examples, the design principles suggest that websites use gridlines to lay out content so media can be moved, resized, or reordered easily depending on the device. These principles require that website designers design their websites in a way that can easily be altered, while still maintaining a simple, easy to navigate feel.

List and explain SEO technique and tools

Search engine optimization is the process of designing a webpage to increase the likelihood that the page will appear high in a search engine's result list, and increase the likelihood of the webpage being visited. Search engine optimization tools include meta tags, descriptive page titles, relevant inbound links from other websites, and clearly written text.

Discuss the WAI guidelines for the use of color and links.

The WAI guidelines for links states to identify the target for a link clearly and not to use color alone to identify these links. Group related links together in navigation bars consistently across all pages at a website. The WAI guidelines for color states that color alone should not indicate information like a text link. A common practice is to combine color and underlining for a link. The contrast between background and foreground colors should be sufficient for visitors with vision problems or those using a monochrome monitor. However many website owners only use color and bolding alone to identify links.

Describe the color wheel and identify primary colors and secondary colors.

The color wheel can be used to help you choose effective and appealing color combinations. It contains primary colors - red, yellow, and blue, as well as secondary colors - orange, green, and purple. Using the color wheel, you can identify complementary colors, which are colors directly across from each other. A combination of these colors creates a significant amount of contrast. ---• The color wheel helps you determine a good color pattern. You need colors that are opposite from each other to stack so you can read the text. If they're close to each other, the colors will clash. Primary colors are your reds, blues, and yellows. They make up all of the secondary colors when they're mixed together in different amounts.

Define five common types of links used in a navigation system.

The five common types of links used in a navigation system are text links; image links; groups of related links presented as menus, bars, or tabs; a breadcrumb trail; and a website map. Text links are hyperlinks based on a word or words in an HTML document. An image link assigns a link to a visual element, such as an illustration or photograph. Groups of related links should be put together in a navigation area presented as a menu, bar, or tab. A breadcrumb trail is a hierarchical outline or horizontal list that shows a visitor the path he or she has taken from the home page to the currently viewed page. A website map is a summary page of links to major pages at the website.

Explain the role of color as a web design tool.

The use of color helps to set a website's mood as well as provide contract between page elements. Many of us have found ourselves leaving a website simply because it lacked color. Using color helps to draw the attention of visitors, and ultimately, retain them. Colors should be chosen based on the color wheel or the RGB color system. This helps colors contrast, making text easier to read and photos easier to see. You can use color to point out a website's focal point as well. Before choosing colors for your website, you should consider the brand of the company and the goals you wish you accomplish.

What is the value of maintaining visual consistency across all pages at a website?

Visual consistency makes the webpage looks unified, and shows users that they are still on the correct website's page. Without having visual consistency, users will probably be confused and think they clicked on a link that brought them to a completely different website.

Identify the basic design principles that help webpages deliver a powerful message and leave a distinct impression.

Successful web publications combine creativity with the basic design principles of balance and proximity, contrast and focus, and unity and visual identity. Balance is the harmonious arrangement of elements. Proximity is closeness, meaning that related elements are close to one another. Contrast is a mix of elements to stimulate attention. Focus is exemplified by a focal point, a dominating segment of the webpage. Unity is a sense of oneness or belonging to create the website's visual identity. Visual Identity is the combination of design elements identified with the website and its publisher.

Describe an image map, and explain the difference between client- and server-side image maps.

An image map is an image that contains hot spots, which are areas on the image to which a link is assigned. The hot spot link information is in the HTML coding of the page and the browser processes the code to display the image map in a client-side image map. In a server-side image map, the x and y coordinates of the clicked hot spot report back to the server where a script processes the hot spot link information and returns the link's target page.

9. Define the term, flowchart, and explain its role in the website development process.

A flowchart is a diagram that depicts a website's structure. In the development process, it offers a visual method of planning your website's structure/page order

Define different methods of user-based and user-controlled navigation.

User-based navigation provides a linking relationship between pages based on the website visitor's needs rather than the website publisher's needs. One way to do this is to perform usability tests as you develop the system User-controlled navigation provides a variety of ways visitors can move around a website beyond the major links from the home page, in the way that the user chooses-not how the website publisher chooses. One way to do this is by offering various types of links in the navigation system.

What is value-added content? Discuss how the following content types can add value to a website: text, images, animation, audio and video, multimedia, and dynamically generated content.

Value-added content is information that is relative, informative, and timely; accurate and of high quality; and usable. • Text provides the basis for providing information on your website. • Images can help to visually provide information, as well as to evoke certain emotions from the user. • Animation can be used on web pages to attract attention. • Audio and video can also be used to inform the user or to evoke certain emotions. • Multimedia can offer an element of interactivity with your website. • Dynamically generated content can help show the website's visitor that the page's content is updated.

Define psychographic characteristics and explain their role in creating a target audience profile.

"Psychographic characteristics include social group affiliations, lifestyle choices, purchasing preferences, political affiliations, and other characteristics that explain why visitors might want to access your website."

10. Describe three basic website structures and give examples that illustrate when each type of structure is appropriate.

***Linear/Tutorial Structure - Organizes and presents pages in a specific order. - An example is a tutorial website using this structure to ensure the user will perform steps in the correct order. -Dropbox offers a linear guide to help customers learn how to best use their services. < https://www.dropbox.com/guide> - Another example is websites that need to display content in a chronological sequence. • Sticks, Bangs and Booms: The Rise and Fall of the Chemistry Set guides viewers through the history of the chemistry set. This website combines the linear and hierarchical structures. The user can either be guided chronologically or use the navigation bar at the top of the page. <http://chemistryset.chemheritage.org/> ***Webbed Structure - Does not arrange pages in a specific order. - The random structure might be appropriate for a simple website with few pages. ***Hierarchical Structure - Organizes webpages into categories and subcategories by an increasing level of detail. - An example is selu.com. It is separated into categories and subcategories.

Define the following terms: Uniform Resource Locator (URL), IP address, domain name, top-level domain, and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).

A URL is a unique address that gives access to a webpage. IP Address is the numeric address for a computer connected to the Internet. A domain name is the text version of a computer's numeric IP address. A top level domain designation indicates the type of organization or general domain- commercial, nonprofit, network, military, and so fourth of the domain name. Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) is the communications standard for transmitting webpages over the internet.

Define chunked text and discuss reasons for using chunked text to create scannable web content.

Chunked text is used as an alternative to typical writing one might find in a printed publication. Most web users prefer to not read long lines of text online, making chunked text the standard in online publication. When visiting a website, visitors will decide whether they want to stay on the site or leave within 20-30 seconds of entering the website. Should a website have long passages of text, the user will likely leave the website in favor for another. In a world where most people prefer to use their smartphones to search the web, chunked text is often more preferable. Chunked text makes it much easier to scan information. It keeps information more organized. --• Chunk text is a scaled down, cleaned up version of all of the information you want to convey to a consumer. They want information, but they don't have the time or the want to read every single detail about it. They want to be able to easily see it, scan the page and get the information they want.

List and explain the advantages of web publishing over print.

Currency Advantage: lies in the ability to quickly and inexpensively update webpages. Webpages can be updated continuously. Connectivity Advantage: the ability to instantaneously distribute and share content. It can also streamline the writing process. Interactivity Advantage: allows for data and resource sharing that enables communication with a website's Customer Service or Sales Department or that allows users to post comments on an article. Cost Advantage: print costs include paper, ink, printing, and distribution. Unlike print, the cost of publishing content online does not vary based on length, color, composition or complexity. Images and videos can be found for a low price or free online as well. Delivery Advantage: enables the fast and inexpensive distribution of published information over the Internet and the web.

Explain what a database-driven website is, and give two examples of such websites.

Database-driven websites use databases to generate content. Databases store data so that it can be easily searched. An example of a database-driven website would be the catalog on a library's website. Another example is online banking websites, which keep your information in a database and can be accessed via your login information.

5. Describe briefly the following tools for creating websites and webpages: HTML, XHTML, text and HTML editors, WYSIWYG editors, web templates, and content management systems (CMS).

HTML is a markup language that uses predefined codes called HTML tags to define the format and organization of webpage elements. XHTML combines the features of both HTML and XML. These look better on mobile devices and avoid user access issues. WYSIWYG editors stands for "what you see what you get", is similar to creating a document in a word processor. It eliminates the need for markup language. Web template is a predesigned model webpage that you can customize for fast website or website creation or updating. Content management systems is a software system that provides authoring and administrative tools that enable the management of web content development, including authoring, reviewing, editing, and publishing.

Discuss the role of branding in promoting unity and maintaining visual identity.

In order to establish a strong brand online, companies will often use similar elements across all of their webpages. This includes the consistent placement and repetition of elements, such as the company name, logo, and tag line, and application of the same color scheme. Branding helps keep customers aware of a company, which in turn, helps retain their business. Maintaining this sense of visual identity online and offline is important to all businesses. ---You have to let customers know who you are as a company and keep your image in their mind. When people see the golden arches they automatically think McDonalds. You have to have a clean image that distinguishable and relatable.

Describe the relationship between the Internet and the World Wide Web.

The Internet is a world wide public network that connects millions of private networks while the World Wide Web is a part of the Internet that consists of connected computers called webservers that store webpages.

Discuss how to develop a target audience profile and target audience needs assessment.

The target audience profile is created by finding more about the specific demographic and psychographic characteristics of your website's intended audience. A needs assessment can be created by thinking through what your target audience wants, needs, and expects from your website. This covers questions about what issues someone might have while using your website (such as accessibility, experience level, etc.)

Explain the advantages and considerations unique to creating a mobile version of a website.

You have to consider accessibility and usability when designing a mobile version of a website. People are using their mobile devices because it's easily accessible to them. The screen is smaller so you have to maximize your navigation into a simple scale.

Briefly discuss each of the following web publishing issues:

a. Bandwidth: the quantity of data transmitted in a specific time frame measured in bits per second. Users typically leave a website if it takes more than 10 seconds to load, making it important to try to keep the file size of your website low. b. Monitor Resolution: the measure of a display device's sharpness and clarity, related directly to the number of pixels it can display. Different devices have different capabilities, meaning a website can look completely different on separate devices. Designing a website is high resolution may make it hard for people with low resolution monitors to use your website. c. Legal and Privacy Concerns: Legal issues include copyright infringement and content liability. You can protect your content with a copyright notice. If you own a website, you must take steps to protect the privacy of visitor information from others due to the threat of identify theft. You must be wary of spoofing and phishing. d. Usability and Accessibility: web designers use accessibility to make their websites usable by people with special needs, including deafness and blindness. Usability involves designing a website so that all visitors to the website can easily and quickly satisfy their goals. One way to do this is by incorporating user experience (UX) practices into webpage design.

Define the four primary questions visitors want answered by home page content and identify the types of content on a commercial website's home page that can answer visitors' questions.

• Who? Identify who owns and publishes the website. - Company name, logo, tagline, copyright notice, etc. • What? Show what content is available and what call-to-action is requested. - Summary text and images • Why? Provide reason for why someone should use the website. - Information about awards, client testimonials • Where? Indicate where specific information/features are found. - Navigational links, search feature

Identify the first three steps in developing the website plan for a website.

• Step 1: Define the website's purpose and audience. • Step 2: Determine the website's general content. • Step 3: Select the website's structure.

Discuss the functions of a home page, landing page, and underlying pages.

• The home page should "should contain elements that draw the visitor in and encourage further exploration. The home page should also be different enough to stand out as the primary page, but still connect visually with other pages at the site." • Underlying pages "provide details to the summary information shown on the site's home page." • Landing pages "provide reference and specific information to customers about a product or event, or to encourage website visitors to complete a sales transaction or other specific interaction."