Building A Site, Part 5: Final Touches

    This week I focused on the finishing touches to the Biotechnology website for Glendale Community College. Based on meeting I had with Biotech team some weeks back the tasks I had left to complete were to create a "Sequence" page, move the "Published Works" page, change the sites footer, and adjust the "Publications" page. 

    In order to move the "Published Works" page I had to first delete the page. The contents of the page were to be moved to the "Publications" page. To accomplish this task adjustments had to be made to the "Publications" page. After discussion with the team, I knew that the way the published works was displayed was liked, so I recreated that look on the publications page. I added a heading to make it clear what content was to follow. Then, I made four sections that were similar. Each had the title of the publication, a photo, along with a collapsible group to hold information about the work. Each section was separated by a divider so that each section stood out from each other. I also added a section to the publications page entitled "Sequences" along with a button for users to head over to the newly created page. Note, to account for these changes the name of the page was changed from, "Publications" to "Completed Work."

    Next I started work on creating the "Sequences" page. Not knowing exactly what the biotech team wanted to add to this page made it difficult to complete, I did my best an anticipating what needs they might have. I added images and and area where an explanation of what they are trying to accomplish can go. Along with a heading in this area. I also created a section with 3 images and a descriptor for each underneath. I fully anticipate that this page will need adjustments considering the focus and purpose of this page was vague to me.

    The final adjust to make was the footer. I changed the background to black to make seperate from the base color of the rest of the page, considering each page has a white background. Next I used bullet points to list each page on the site, and added a link to the corresponding page for easy navigation for users. 

    The site is pretty much complete at this juncture, what remains is for content to be filled into it. Filler text needs to be replaced, photos need to be personalized, the logo chosen, and the site name finalized. This was my first time using Google Sites to build a site, and at first I found it quite limiting, but after working with it I can see the many benefits. The website building tool can be used by anyone, regardless of technical ability, to build a site. It offers a wide range of templates, customization options, and integrates with other Google services very easily. Google Sites can be used to create a professional looking website for any multiple type of purpose, for instance, personal blogs, business site, online portfolio, or site to showcase a college's program.

    After working with Google Sites I would recommend some things to keep in mind and tips for those looking to use the service. First off, when choosing a template make sure to customize it to suit the needs of the site and choose styles that match your brand. Second, knowing what type of content you want on your site is an important aspect of creating a site that is organized and easy to navigate. Also, it is important to break up large blocks of texts with either images and videos, or using headings, subheadings, or bullet points. Trying to build a site that will capture the attention of users should be forefront. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Building a Site Pt. 3: Team feedback and tweaks

Image
       I presented my site to the team this week to get feedback on the site. We went over some general details, such as color scheme, layout, and site name, then moved onto discussing what features should be included on the site, additional pages to add, aim of the site, and items that still need work. The meeting was helpful in that we were able to define what the purpose of the site should be, which of course will effect what needs to be on the site (versus what we want on the site). I was also able to gain insight on the design details they liked and the details they did not. I enjoyed the critiques and suggestions because it mimics what I will face building sites for clients in the future. It highlighted the important balance between producing a site that a client is happy with, and, on my end, creating a site that serves the overarching goal of the site.       At the conclusion of the meeting I was able to make a list of the items I needed t...
Read more

Building a Site, Part 4: Adjusting the site

Image
       This week I shifted my focus back to the website. When I had a meeting with the some of the lab team there was discussion of creating a new logo and also modifying the site to better suit the lab's wants and needs. Having taken a stab on creating a logo last week and submitting my results, I can now move back to to the site. During the previous meeting with the lab team I was able to get a deeper understanding of what the site's purpose is. From my understanding the site is to be a sort-of biotechnology hub for GCC. Students can visit the site to learn more about what the biotechnology program at GCC can offer, what they can expect from the program, the curriculum for a degree in biotechnology and description of classes, and it will also allow students to see the projects their fellow peers are working on. The latter focus (i.e. student research projects) will serve a few purposes. For one it will let potential students see that biotechnology is not as far rea...
Read more

Creating a Webpage with Google Sites

Image
     I took a detour this week from my previous journey regarding creating desktop application. I was asked by the biology lab to attempt to create a webpage for the ongoings of the class. I was given the general idea of the site. The site was to provide information on the research being conducted in the lab, publications, posters, students (past and present). The chosen color palette was to be the classic GCC colors (red, black, and white). Further constraints of the project indicated that the site must be created using Google Sites.       I have never worked with Google Sites to create a website, so I completed some research prior to getting started in order to find out what were its capabilities as a web developer tool and possible limitations. From my research I found that Google Sites first emerged in 2008 and introduced a way for user to create a website that did not require the use or knowledge of CSS or HTML The web development tool offers an e...
Read more