Web-Based Interface Design Overview

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) are the foundation for creating web pages and defining their visual appearance. HTML structures the content, while CSS styles the layout and presentation.

HCI focuses on designing websites that are user-friendly and intuitive. It considers how people interact with technology and aims to create a smooth, enjoyable experience.

A user-centered website focuses on the needs and preferences of the visitors. It prioritizes their experience, making it easy to navigate, find information, and complete tasks.

Students will 1) understand basic concepts of web interface design and human-computer interaction, 2) analyze web design principles, and 3) build functional websites using HTML and CSS.

The assessment emphasizes not just knowledge but also application and practical skills. Projects and practical exercises account for a significant portion, showing the importance of hands-on experience.

The client is the user's device (e.g., computer, phone) that requests information from a server. Think of it as the customer making a request in a shop.

A domain name is the easy-to-remember address of a website (e.g., google.com). A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the complete address with protocol and path (e.g., https://www.google.com/search).

Websites should be tailored to the specific needs and interests of their intended users. Understanding the target audience helps designers choose colors, layout, and content that resonates.

Visual design principles deal with aesthetics and appearance (color, font, layout). Website organization focuses on the structure and logical flow of information, making it easy for users to find what they need.

Navigation design focuses on creating clear pathways for users to move through the website. It involves menus, links, and other elements to guide them seamlessly.

With a high number of people accessing the internet on mobile devices, websites need to be responsive and adapt to different screen sizes. Mobile design ensures a good user experience across platforms.

A DTD defines the rules and structure of an HTML document, helping browsers interpret code correctly. It's like a blueprint for building a web page.

Heading elements (h1, h2, h3, etc.) designate different levels of importance in a page. They provide structure and help users quickly understand the content hierarchy.

List elements (ordered, unordered) present information in a structured and organized way. They help in presenting multiple items clearly, improving readability.

Anchor elements (a tags) create clickable links that allow users to navigate to other pages or sections within the website. They are crucial for navigation and connecting different parts of a website.

HTML 5 introduced new elements like audio, video, canvas, and semantic elements for structuring complex web content.

Inline styles are directly applied to individual HTML elements within the code. Embedded style sheets are placed within <style> tags in the HTML head, affecting the entire document.

Linking external CSS files allows for easier code maintenance and makes styling consistent across multiple pages. It keeps the code modular and organized.

Positioning elements enables you to control the exact placement of website elements, overriding their natural flow. It provides precise control over the layout.

The box model describes how an element is rendered as a rectangular box with padding, borders, and margins. Understanding the box model helps in controlling element size and spacing.

Conditional statements (if, else) execute different code blocks based on conditions. Looping structures (for, while) repeat code blocks multiple times, automating repetitive tasks.

Functions are reusable blocks of code that perform specific tasks. They improve code organization and make development more efficient by avoiding repetition.

Large-scale projects need a structured process, efficient communication, version control, and proper documentation to manage the complexity and ensure successful completion.

Web hosting provides storage space and resources for your website data to be accessible online. It connects your website to the internet, allowing users to visit it.

Understanding how people store, retrieve, and process information helps designers create websites that are easier to learn and use. It guides the design of navigation, information architecture, and overall user experience.

Input channels are how users provide information (typing, clicking, voice commands). Output channels are how the computer responds (text, images, sounds).

Psychology provides insights into human behavior and cognition, impacting how we design websites. Interactive system design applies these concepts to create user interfaces that meet human needs and preferences.

Analyzing websites using criteria such as aesthetics, navigation, responsiveness, and content helps identify strengths and weaknesses, leading to improvements in future designs.