1/8/13 – Week One

Starting the semester we talked about web design and how it differs from print design. The web has certain limitations. These need to be kept in mind when designing for it. Then we went over what you’d want from the client and a client brief.

web vs. print

Web

• RGB (hexidecimal)
• 72dpi
• devices: size, monitors
• browsers
• connection speed
• fonts (web-safe/font replacement)
• plugins
• user preferences
• file size
• storage space
• final product still editable
• files: jpg, gif, png, pdf

Print

• CMYK
• 300dpi
• files: pdf, tiff, eps
• harder to edit finished product

Of course, design principles still apply to both like using a grid, good typography, use of color, etc.

Some other things I thought about: web and print are experienced differently — the web is available to anyone with an internet connection whereas print if experienced physically/locally. I think the web is longer lasting (in general). Printed material (again, in general) is shorter lived.

client brief — questions to ask the client

• include social media
• history
• problems that need to be addressed
• web hosting/who will update
• what do the NOT want
• budget
• deadline
• inspiration (similar products)
• audience
• colors and type (existing for brand)
• copy (existing/new/importance)
• images (stock/hire a photographer)

Finally, we talked about making a process book for each project. For web design that would include inspiration, sitemap, wireframes (thumbnails/roughs), as well as color and type studies.