The Non-Mainstream site  I’ve chosen is: Money Aisle. The site has a good layout, the main services that they offer are right out in front for the user to access easily. All of the content is separated nicely with individual boxes so it esthetically  pleasing to the eye.

There are a couple of things that are located near the bottom of the page that should be out in the front of the user when the page initially loads. Due to the type of business this is, the first thing would be the endorsements received from the various state banking associations, being this site offers financial service to the end user, this would help build user confidence.  Also, users  need to scroll to the bottom of the page to ensure that the site is secure to use with financial information. The web security identifiers (Verisign, Truste should be near the top of the page so that users know that their ID is safe when using this site.

Un-successful sites:

This site tops the list in my opinion: HavenWorks. I don’t even think that I need to explain why this one doesn’t work.  It basically complete visual chaos and make me want to turn off my computer.  My suggestion would be to start over with a new layout, less contrasting colors and some structure.

my second site is GoDaddy. I picked this site because my wife and I used it to buy her a domain name for her home business. During the process I found information very difficult to find and the entire site seems very congested.  One thing I would change on this site would be the amount of information that being presented and how its being presented to the user.

Successful Sites

The first site I’ve chosen is: Apple Inc.. This site is visually appealing, all information is where the user can find easily. If they cant find what they’re looking for, the site has provided a search function. The one thing I would recommend addressing is the functionality of the support area of the site it can be a little cumbersome for one not familiar with apple products.

The second site I’ve chosen is:1800flowers.com. As for this site, it has a very good organized layout, access for users is just a click away. Usability seems of the site seems to be in the interest of the end user. From my standpoint the site offers all that it needs to for the type of service they provide to their users.

Overall we’ve seen some good sites that have end user in mind and we’ve seen some really bad sites that don’t. Something I can take away from this assignment are some good ideas of what to look for when designing sites in the future.

My goals are to become fluent in the operation of Adobe CS4, be able to write code by hand, and ultimately be able to position myself so that I’ll have the ability to do any work from a home office.

• Which aspect of web design interest you the most?

I’m definitely interested in the development side of the business.

• What current skills do you have that will be useful in creating web pages?

I possess the basic understanding that I for one have no idea what I’m doing! But a quick learner! Seriously though, I’ve got a pretty deep knowledge of computers & technology, I’ll be trying to get my A+ certification this month. I’m an Apple wiz, been on the fruit for 15yrs. I’m a logical thinker, so looking at code on a page should make some sense when I learn the proper terminology.

• Which skills will you need to brush up on?

Probably need some help with being able full utilize CS4, I have very basic skills. I just need to learn all there is to know about writing proper code. I’m a newbie to this industry.

• Which hardware and software tools do you already have for web design.

Currently have:
-Apple MacBook
-Canon SX10 digi camera
-Canon flatbed scanner
-Canon all in one WiFi printer
-Apple iPhone 3GS
-HP pavillion for second testing computer.
-Couple of LCD monitors for extra real estate
-external HD
-an original Bondi Blue iMac(not relevent, but kool none the less)

• Which tools do you need to buy? Which tools would you like to buy eventually?

I pretty much have everthing I need for my current level of knowledge.
Need to purchase:
-Adobe CS4 web premium

Want to purchase:
-Apple MacBook pro
-Apple desktop for ultimate power!
-Canon DSLR
-Intous graphic tablet

With such tall aspirations I have for my future in the web industry, there’s also plenty of fear to go along with it. By this I mean, I’m a 30 something that’s been in the same industry since the age of 15 and have decided to make a life altering career change. This is scary enough on its own merit. Then add the plethora of information and technology that I know very little about, it definitely makes for a very challenging prospect. I think that learning to write code from scratch and having a complete understanding of what I’ve written is probably my biggest fear.