ASSIGNMENT 2: ORGANIZATION AND PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION
PURPOSE:
This assignment focuses on the planning factors involved in the development of a Website. To this point we have concentrated on finding and evaluating information. We now turn to: organization of information, design factors, and the impact of the presentation of the information on the users.
There are two parts to this assignment:
- A plan devised by you as Planner
- An implementation of that plan devised by your classmate/partner as Implementer
The assignment will be completed in conjunction with another classmate. Each member of the pair will:
- Devise a plan for a Web implementation based on his/her topic used for Assignment 1.
- Each student will then present the plan, following the instructions listed below under Part 1, to his/her partner
- The partner(Implementer)who will complete the implementation phase, described under Part 2 below.
PART 1: DEVELOPMENT OF A PLAN FOR A WEBSITE:
The Planner, using the topic researched for Assignment 1, should describe a small to medium sized Website that could be developed around this topic and the resources you have located. The site can include links to the resources you listed for Assignment 1, but should move beyond that list to include more information.
The Planner should provide at least one additional content-based document for creation of the site. For example, you could add:
- information about organizations involved with this topic;
- a paper or opinion piece you have written about the topic;
- a bibliography of print sources that provide further information on the topic;
- images you have found that illustrate aspects of the topic
It will be the job of the Implementer to transform the information provided in the Planner's Assignment 1 and the Planner's additionally provided documents/content into a coherent and usable Website consisting of a minimum of 4 separate web documents .
Prepare two copies of a written description of your plan that includes:
- An overview of what you envision for the Website in terms of the types of information it should include.
- The audience for whom the site is intended (e.g., adults, children, experts, novices, the general public, a group of classmates). Describe as completely as possible the nature of the information needs of the audience(s); how you envision these individuals or groups using the site; how experienced they are with using electronic information sources. The Implementer can then use this information to guide in development of the site and, if appropriate, use this information on the introductory homepage for the site.
- Your aesthetic preferences for the overall tone and appearance of the site. Offer general advice only and leave the details of how to accomplish this to the Implementer.
TO SUBMIT: Th. 9 October
- A copy of your plan (on paper) to the instructor.
- Make available to the classmate who is going to implement your plan:
- a paper copy of your written plan
- the following electronic files:
- your Assignment 1
- any additional information you have created (a bibliography; an essay, etc)
- copies of any image files you have found
- additional url's you have gathered
PART 2: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN BY A CLASSMATE
- Familiarize yourself with the materials presented by the Planner.
- Meet with the Planner (no later than 14 Oct ) and review the specifications and directions you have received.
- Discuss your questions with the Planner.
- Prepare an organizational mapping diagram for the site showing the major sections and links needed to permit navigation by a user.
- Decide upon and create graphical elements that will visually enhance the presentation of the information and its readability.
- Meet again with the Planner and demonstrate your Web implementation for review and comment.
- Put in finishing touches for presentation to the class.
TO SUBMIT at beginning of class: Tues. 28 October
- a completed Website that meets as closely as possible the Planner requirements established by your classmate/partner. Be prepared to discuss briefly with the class the specifications you were given and your design decisions.
- a final mapping diagram for the site you developed
TO SUBMIT at beginning of class: Tues. 4 November:
Planner Evaluation:
A written (4 pages) critique of the website developed from your plan that includes:
- an evaluation of the website using a list of at least five significant criteria chosen from assigned readings
- a discussion of what you see as the strengths and weaknesses of the implementation
- explanation of what you would change or add given more time to revise this project
- a bibliographic list of readings consulted for writing this evaluation