Web Design Introduction

This concise course focuses on core web design principles and skills, bringing students the essential essence of this subject. The course is 4 modules long and includes 2 tutor-marked assignments; involving approximately 25 hours of study time.

It leads to the award of a Certificate of Course Completion.
A broad general introduction to web design, helping you to develop the skills you need to create your own web pages and sites. Includes course book, Web Design in a Nutshell by Jennifer Niederst. There are no prerequisites for this course, but you should be familiar with Internet basics. You will also need regular access to a PC and the Internet in order to complete your assignments and put your new skills into practice.

Subjects covered include: the Internet and the Web, understanding web page addresses, browsers, using FTP, Web design principles, the design process, basic HTML, formatting with cascading style sheets, understanding colour on the web, managing web graphics, usability and accessibility.

At the heart of web design, and this course, is HTML. This is mainly plain text but it also contains snippets of code that carry vital information about how the page should be displayed. During the course you will learn how to use HTML.

Course Outline

Module One: Getting Started. Basic skills. How the web works. Putting files online. Hosting and server solutions - finding secure space. Choosing a domain name. Planning and preparation of your web site.

Module Two: The Web Design Process. A unique media. Developing your idea. Creating a mock-up. Creating and organising content. Graphics and HTML. Smooth navigation. Colour and the web. Considering accessibility.

Module Three: More about HTML. Creating a simple page. Formatting with HTML. Getting started with style sheets. Using graphics on your website. Manipulating images. Testing your site.

Module Four: Taking it Further. Adding graphic elements. Understanding hyperlinks. Using tables and frames. More on cascading style sheets. Bulleted lists. Vertical tiles. Pop-up.