Adding background image to add variety

Having the same layout or GUI for all pages can be slightly boring. As a user myself, i want varities. To differentiate between the main page to other linked pages, I've created a background image. The background image will also help to avoid a linear look. By changing the GUI for some pages, users will feel less bored.

I personally like the stripy background image from Cupcake Fun.



Here are some try outs

A design that symbolizes Rythm (repitition) and Balance (Symmetrical)

This is a Contrast design.

I finally decided to go with a slightly softer design.

This design is a combination of Rythm and Unity. It's repititive, but it blends with the content.

Main page layout

I sketched the layout for my main page so that I can better understand what I wanna do and how I want it to look like. My main objective is to link all the pages smoothly and connect the page to each other. So I decided to make full use of the Main page (the index page) by adding brief information of each page. Confused?

Let's take a look at my sketches first before I explain further.

A Rough Sketch

Main Page Layout

As illustrated in the Main Page Layout above, all the content on the main page is a brief description of other pages. To read further, users will have to click 'more info' which will be linked to the right page. For instance, the caption 'New in Town' explains new updates briefly. By clicking 'More Info', the page will jump to 'What's New?' section.

Current progress : I'm 60% done with my website.

Attractions

E-Coupons
One of the ways to make users return to my page is through giving promotions regularly. The current promotion I created is E-Coupon. The coupon gives discounts to users in order to celebrate Flutterby's 3rd Anniversary. Users will have to print the E-coupon and present it during their visit to our store.


A few surveys have been done before I created the coupon. The best reference I got was from Thrifty.com



New Flavours
Another attraction would be new cupcake flavours. From time to time, Flutterby Cupcakes will add new cupcake flavours in order to increase customer's excitement.

Recipe Of The Month!
New recipies are also added to ensure customers return.

Events
The latest news and events are updated regularly. Current events are:

1. Chrismast Fiesta
2. IKEA's New Opening
3. Flutterby's Anniversary

Tips
Tips on baking and baking equipments are also provided to engage customers attention

That's all so far :D

Creating Named Anchor Point

Named Anchor is created to make the navigation easier for users when there's a loooooooong list of stuff. This is to help users jump to the desired section easily and quickly. Although my list isn't that long, It's a good way to experiment with Dreamweaver CS3's features.

Creating an anchor point:
1. At the top of the page, I listed down the titles of each section. Eg : Measurement, Conversion.
2. Then I created an anchor point at each heading section and named it accordingly. Eg: a1, a2.
3. Then I hyperlinked the titles at the top (Measurement/Conversion) to the anchored point (a1/a2)


Tadaaaaaa! Named Anchor is done! :D I also added a link that says 'Back to top' and linked it to the top of the page.

For more info, here's a tutorial from Youtube.

Named anchor can also be done to link to another document. Just link the file as usual, and add a # sign followed by the anchor name. Eg: filename.html#A1.

Templates and References

Templates
I hate templates. I edited the editable region on the main template and lost all the content on every other pages. So the conclusion is, never use template if you are a beginner in Dreamweaver! Loosing all the content was tough coz I had to re-create the content all over again. But it was a good learning process. After consulting Dr. Ken, I managed to find a better way to edit my website -> Use TABLES.

So I decided to use tables as a template. But before creating all other content, I had to make sure I am fully satisfied with the template in order to save time. So once I am certain of the template, I saved it in 6 different files (for 6 different pages).

The only problem is; If I decided to change anything, I'll have to change every single page. This is the troublesome part in creating a manual template. But then, it's better than loosing all your content ;)


Current Progress - Developing Content

So far, I have done 2 pages; Q&A and Quickies. I am still doing loads of research by referring to other websites such as CupcakeChic, YummyCupcakes & CupcakeFun. What I like about these websites (in terms of the layout and the content):

1. Cupcake Chic : Very simple and a straight forward design.
2. Yummy Cupcakes : Informative
3. Cupcake Fun : GREAT ideas, great design, loads of fun stuff.

I tried my best to combine all three designs and ideas into my website while creating the content. Here are some references / my source of information:

1. Recipes I refer to : Cupcake Fun
2. Baking tips : Nigella Lawson's.
3. Amazing Pictures : Happy Cakes Denver, Rachel, Minhnimie28.
4. Cupcakes names : Cupcake Lane Bakery

Those are all of my updated references for now :D

Starting The Index Page

I'm currently working on the index page. I've done the layout and put in the logo plus links to other pages. Here are some brief steps I took to build the index page:

Step 1
First is to re-create a logo that best suit the resolution for web. I tried cutting the images I did for the poster (last sem), but it looked horrible and very messy. Therefore, I decided to re-create Flutterby's header for the web, plus some buttons.

<-- Header

<-- Button 1

<-- Button 1 Rollover

Step 2
I like the 'table within a table' concept which Dr. Graphics illustrated in class. I find it easier to deal with tables rather than frames. As a start, I created a table according to what I need and added all the details needed.

Step 3
Then I saved it as Template (so that all my pages are the same). And I added an Editable region. After all is done, I saved it as index.html.

There you go. I still have loads to do, but that's my current progress =D

The Pre-Authoring And Authoring Process

Pre-Authoring Process

Alright, so it's time for me to start creating a website. But first, it's important to:

1) Gather all important information such as pictures & data from the internet.
2) Digg up all Photoshop, Illustrator & Flash files that I've done in the previous semester.
3) Research the internet further to find cool yet simple websites.


Managing The Media
And yes, Media Management is crucial, so I've arranged all the files that I have with me so far, into different folders. Will add up more files later on. Here's the overview of my folders:


The Authoring Process

Installing the Software (Tool)
As for the Software required, I decided to get the Adobe Design Premium CS3 CD from Syikin when the trimester begins. This CD contains all Adobe's latest software. Although this subject focuses more on Macromedia Dreamweaver and Flash, other softwares such as Photoshop CS3 and Illustrator CS3 is vital especially to edit the bitmap (pics of cupcakes) and vector (logos) files.


Creating A Site
For a kick start, I created a site and saved a test page. This site is named 'flutterbysite'. For those of you who are having a hard time starting, try creating a site. It should give U some moooooooooooood ;) [At least U'll feel like U've done something].


Importing Media Elements
After A site is created, I start Importing all the important stuff into the right categories.

Next? Time to have fun exploring the tools!

Since presentation is just around the corner, I'll have to speed up a lil bit! I'm waaaaayyyyy behind schedule :(

Will update soon. Till then, good luck all!