LO4

Layout
The layout is probably the most important design aspect when creating a website. The layout needs to take into multiple points. It needs to be easily readable for the whole website, it needs to ensure that people do not have to search about looking for the information that they need. The navigation is another very important aspect so when looking at the layout, the navigation needs to be clearly labelled so that the users of the site can switch between different pages easily.

My layout designs were simple and easily navigated as I kept the button at the top as is most commonly found on websites. Using a header, footer and sidebar that is in exactly the same place on each page keeps consistency throughout the website making it easier to navigate.

Graphics
Any images, either created or photographs are very important as it gives personality to your website as well as drawing in the attention of users and keep them using your website. Created graphics such as headers and backgrounds need to be in theme with your website as the majority of people using it will be interested in whatever your website has to offer.

The graphics that I have on my website were all taken and created by me. The main header is simple and easy to read but gives personality to the website as well as keeping to the theme of nature. It manipulates the text to show the main things about the glasshouse such as the fish pond and broken wheel. The photos were all taken on location of various aspects and the best images were then selected and put on the website. The photos were taken to try and persuade people to come to the glasshouse.

Colour Scheme
The colour scheme that I chose was to reflect the nature of the Glasshouse. I used green in the heading and the background to give that feeling. The gradient background was subtle but supposed to make the black text stand out and therefore make it easier to read. The header was green to keep in theme with the nature feel of the website and I kept it a fairly dark green in order to keep it readable against the white background.

Browser Compatibility
Browser compatibility is very important as you will be unaware as to which browser people viewing your website are using. The most commonly used are Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome so your website must at least work on these. As I used wordpress for my website, wordpress is already compatible with all browsers that are available making it easy to create my website without having to worry too much about compatibility. The website has been tested on Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome just in case, everything is working as expected.

Font
Font is important when designing a website as you want something that is easy to read but also brings personality to your website. As I was creating an information based website, the best font would be something that we easy to read as the primary characteristic when looking for a font.