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Evolution Of Web Design

Wikipedia • January 14, 2016

HISTORY (1988—2000)

Although web design has a fairly recent history, it can be linked to other areas such as graphic design. However web design is also seen as a technological standpoint. It has become a large part of people’s everyday lives. It is hard to imagine the Internet without animated graphics, different styles of typography, background and music.


EVOLUTION OF WEB DESIGN

In 1996, Microsoft released its first competitive browser, which was complete with its own features and tags. It was also the first browser to support style sheets, which at the time was seen as an obscure authoring technique.[6] CSS was introduced in December 1996 by the W3C to improve web accessibility and to make HTML code semantic rather than presentational. Table-based layouts became very popular as they gave web designers more options for creating websites. The HTML markup for tables was originally for displaying tabular data. However designers quickly realised the potential of what structural elements they could add to their designs. They soon created more complicated, multi-column layouts than HTML was originally capable of. However this time did see little attention been shown towards to the semantics and web accessibility. As design and good aesthetics seemed to take precedence over good mark-up structure. This period also saw spacer .GIFs become very popular for controlling the dimensions of web layouts. HTML sites were limited in their design options, even more so with earlier versions of HTML. To create complex designs, many web designers had to use complicated table structures or even use blank images for spacing.[7] However in 1996 Flash (originally known as FutureSplash) was developed. At the time it was of a very simple layout basic tools and a timeline but it enabled web designers to go beyond the point of HTML at the time. It has now progressed to be very powerful, enabling it to develop entire sites.


End of the first browser wars

During 1998 Netscape released Netscape Communicator code under an open source licence, enabling thousands of developers to participate in improving the software. However they decided to stop and start from the beginning, which guided the development of the open source browser and soon expanded to a complete application platform. [6] 2000 was a big year for Microsoft. Internet Explorer had been released for Mac, this was significant as it was the first browser that fully supported HTML 4.01 and CSS 1, raising the bar in terms of standards compliance. It was also the first browser to fully support the PNG image format.[6] During this time Netscape was sold to AOL and this was seen as Netscape’s official loss to Microsoft in the browser wars.


Tools and technologies

Web designers use a variety of different tools depending on what part of the production process they are involved in. These tools are updated over time by newer standards and software but the principles behind them remain the same. Web graphic designers use vector and raster graphics packages for creating web formatted imagery or design prototypes. Technologies used for creating websites include standardised mark up which could be hand coded or generated by WYSIWYG editing software. There is also proprietary software based on plug-ins that bypasses the client’s browsers version, these are often WYSIWYG but with the option of using the software’s scripting language.Search engine optimisation tools may be used to check search engine ranking and suggest improvements.

Other tools web designers might use include mark up validators[8] and other testing tools for usability and accessibility to ensure their web sites meet web accessibility guidelines.


Skills and techniques

Typography

Usually a successful website has only a few typefaces which are of a similar style, instead of using a range of typefaces. Preferably a website should use sans serif or serif typefaces, not a combination of the two. Typography in websites should also be careful the amount of typefaces used, good design will incorporate a few similar typefaces rather than a range of typefaces. Most browsers recognize a specific number of safe fonts, which designers mainly use in order to avoid complications. Most layouts on a site incorporate white spaces to break the text up into paragraphs and also avoid centre aligned text.


Page layout

Web pages should be well laid out to improve navigation for the user. Also for navigation purposes, the sites page layout should also remain consistent on different pages. When constructing sites its important to consider page width as this is vital for aligning objects and in layout design. The most popular websites generally have a width close to 1024 pixels. Most pages are also centre aligned, to make objects look more aesthetically pleasing on larger screens.


Quality of code

When creating a site it is good practice to conform to standards. This includes errors in code, better layout for code as well as making sure your IDs and classes are identified properly. This is usually done via a description specifying what the element is doing. Not conforming to standards may not make a website unusable or error prone, standards can relate to the correct layout of pages for readability as well making sure coded elements are closed appropriately. Validating via W3C can only be done when a correct DOCTYPE declaration is made, which is used to highlight errors in code. The system identifies the errors and areas that do not conform to web design standards. This information can then be corrected by the user.


Visual design

Good visual design on a website identifies and works for it’s target market. This can be an age group or particular strand of culture thus the designer should understand the trends of its audience. Designers should also understand the type of website they are designing, meaning a business website should not be designed the same as a social media site for example. Designers should also understand the owner or business the site is representing, to make sure they are portrayed favourably. The aesthetics or overall design of a site should not clash with the content, making it easier for the user to navigate and can find the desired information or products etc.

User experience design

For a user to understand a website they must be able to understand how the websites works, this affects their experience. User experience is related to layout, clear instructions and labelling on a website. The user must understand how they can interact on a site. In relation to continued use, a user must perceive the usefulness of that website if they are to continue using it. With users who are skilled and well versed with website use, this influence relates directly to how they perceive websites, which encourages further use. Therefore users with less experience are less likely to see the advantages or usefulness of websites. This in turn should focus, on design for a more universal use and ease of access to accommodate as many users as possible regardless of user skill. [15]

The capture of moving images

By Cannabis Carrie • February 6, 2020
... the process of capturing moving images on electronic media (e.g., video tape, direct to disk recording, or solid state storage like a tapeless camcorder) even streaming media. The term includes methods of production and post-production. It is the equivalent of filmmaking, but with images recorded electronically instead of film stock. It is the art and service of creating content, video editing and delivering a finished video product as is the case of distributing television programs for broadcast syndication. This can include production of television commercials, corporate videos, event videos, wedding videos and special-interest home videos. A video production can range in size from a family making home movies with a prosumer camcorder, a one solo camera operator with a professional video camera in a single-camera setup (aka a “one-man band”), a videographer with a sound person, to a multiple-camera setup shoot in a television studio to a production truck requiring a whole television crew for an electronic field production (EFP) with a production company with set construction on the backlot of a movie studio.

How Can a Company Compete Today Without a Professional Presence?

By Cannabis Carrie • February 6, 2020
Some owners will tell you, they just don’t have the time, resources or budget to invest in marketing materials and plan on continuing as they always have. But in today's economy and technology driven age, can your business really afford not to change with the times? Businesses using an outdated website and/or poorly designed marketing materials are giving their competition a marketing advantage. Let’s face it, word-of-mouth used to be the best form of marketing, but times have changed drastically. Technology has quickly reshaped the way we do business in the industry. Most consumers focus on vendors who offer website interaction, a social media presence and professional marketing materials. Dental professionals are forced to change or risk becoming extinct. In order to compete with dental labs that offer the same quality of products and services, it is imperative that a lab demonstrates a strong professional presence. Lack of a consistent design and company branding reflected across all platforms of media could be detrimental to the lab's success. WE CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS Everything you need all in one place, that’s the advantage of Ck2design We can create custom websites, company identity packages, direct mailers, logos, photography, videos presentations, product videos, instructional videos and motion graphics to match your company's' identity. We can take your Brand to the next level Our objective is to understand your company, and help others understand your abilities through your business offerings. We believe that each project is unique and should be approached differently and customized to match each client’s needs. Bridging the gap between the professional side of business and the digital age of marketing, Mary Janez Brand / Ck2design offers innovative creative media solutions from Concept to Completion. You Have the Choice to Take Charge of Your Destiny - We Can Help You Get There In Style! We have over 30 years experience in the graphic arts field, dedicated to designing for professionals like yourself. Our objective is to understand your business and help others understand your abilities through your business offerings. And we believe that each project is unique and should be approached differently and customized to match each client’s needs. Ck2design - Creative Media for All Industries We understands the needs of the most industry. Whether clinic or lab, our designs will benefit your business. Your website, company identity packages, direct mailers, logos, photography, videos presentations, product videos, instructional videos and motion graphics can be created to match your visual brand identity. Our specialty is helping professional put their best foot forward. Most business owners are extremely busy and have very little time or resources to dedicate towards the marketing of their business. We can help ease the transition from your current look and marketing materials to an exclusive design package just for you. Your marketing materials make a huge impact on how the world perceives your products, services and business.

Who Doesn't Judge a Book By It's Cover?

By Cannabis Carrie • February 6, 2020
Who Doesn't Judge a Book By It's Cover? Each and everyone of use judges companies, products and service provider on the way they appear online and offline. If a company has either a unappealing website or only listing on some random business directory, or worse yet -no website at all. You can beat they are losing many more possible customers then just myself. After all, if a company thinks it's not worth investing into their website and marketing materials, then why on earth would anyone else think it's worth doing business with them? Since most of use are internet savvy customers with instant access to research for any product, business and service provider. If we don't like something, get bad service or have any other reason for being a unhappy customer, we all have the internet for placing reviews, comments or complaint and spread the word via social media around the world. So why on earth won't a business take the time to create a user friendly, professional website that offers customers the information they want or access to online help. Ck2design online business websites make it so easy for companies to interact and work with customers, keeping everyone happy. Seems like common sense to have a professional presence both online and traditional marketing materials. Yet, there are still many companies out there that hang on to the thought that they are better then their competitors. And that they have always done things this way and don't need to change in order to keep up with the times. FOR THOSE BUSINESS OWNERS WHO STILL FEEL THEY DON'T NEED TO KEEP WITH WITH OUR CHANGING TIMES, GOOD LUCK!

Dental Labs Must Avoid Becoming Extinct

By Carrie Kuehn • February 6, 2020
The Importance of Branding and Online Presence for the Dental Industry is often overlooked. In order for dental labs to compete in the market a professional company branding along with a strong online presence is a must. My catch phrase, "Either you're visible or you're invisible!" is the honest truth. Please watch my presentation below on the importance of standing out among your competitors. The last half of this short video demonstrates how an online business website can help small business owners operate a modern online system that is quick, easy to use and efficient. This is a must have for any serious dental lab, clinic or dental related company to compete in today's market. Nowadays you need more than a basic business card and a plain old website. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to Avoid Becoming Extinct.

Dental Labs Need to Read This!

By Carrie Kuehn • February 6, 2020
It’s no surprise that we have become a visual society that demands instant access to information. Some owners will tell you, they just don’t have the time, resources or budget to invest in marketing materials and plan on continuing as they always have. But in today's economy and technology driven age, can your business really afford not to change with the times? Dental labs using an outdated website and/or poorly designed marketing materials are giving their competition a marketing advantage. Let’s face it, word-of-mouth used to be the best form of marketing, but times have changed drastically. Technology has quickly reshaped the way we do business in the industry. Most consumers focus on vendors who offer website interaction, a social media presence and professional marketing materials. Dental professionals are forced to change or risk becoming extinct. In order to compete with dental labs that offer the same quality of products and services, it is imperative that a lab demonstrates a strong professional presence. Lack of a consistent design and company branding reflected across all platforms of media could be detrimental to the lab's success. WE CAN HELP YOUR DENTAL LAB Everything you need all in one place, that’s the advantage of Ck2design Ck2design can create custom websites, company identity packages, direct mailers, logos, photography, videos presentations, product videos, instructional videos and motion graphics to match your companies' identity. Let's take your dental lab's image to the next level! Our objective is to understand your company, and help others understand your abilities through your business offerings. We believe that each project is unique and should be approached differently and customized to match each client’s needs. Bridging the gap between the professional side of dentistry and the digital age of marketing, Ck2design offers innovative creative media solutions from Concept to Completion. YOU HAVE THE CHOICE TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR DESTINY - WE CAN HELP YOU GET THERE IN STYLE Ck2design has over 30 years experience in the graphic arts field and 20 of those years have been dedicated to designing for dental professionals like yourself. Our specialty is helping professional dental labs put their best foot forward. Ck2design knows that most dental labs are extremely busy and have very little time or resources to dedicate towards the marketing of their business. We can help ease the transition from your current look and marketing materials to an exclusive design package just for your dental lab. Your marketing materials make a huge impact on how the world perceives your dental lab, you need a strong positive image for your lab, contact us today.

Knowledge Is Power

By Carrie Kuehn • February 6, 2020
Each project is unique and should be approached differently and customized to match each client’s needs. Our objective is to understand your company, and help others understand your abilities through your business offerings. Ck2design's extensive website services and hosting capabilities allow you to focus more on the important things in your business. Adaptability, able handle any task from graphic design, logos, web, motion graphics, video, trade show booth designs, displays, large format graphics, corporate branding to direct marketing mailers and etc., makes Ck2design an excellent choice for all your creative media needs. How Did Ck2design Get Started? Most companies are started by one hardworking person. And for Ck2design, that one person was Carrie Kuehn. Back by in the late 80s, before computers were used in the graphic industry and marker comps, typesetting, paste-up and clip art were used, Carrie began working as a part-time freelancer. Through the years as the graphic arts field changed and morphed with technology, so did Carrie's creative abilities and career choices. After working for well know corporations as a full time marketing department in-house designer, while also working as a part-time freelancer, it was time for a change. As the economy seem to be rapidly deteriorating in 2009, Carrie made a leap of faith and expanded Ck2design's freelancing into a full time creative media studio. Focusing on helping dental related small business owners obtain quality creative services and resources in order to compete in today's challenging market. By offering only a few exclusively with a few clients at a time. Offering similar creative media services found at large exclusive design agency, video production companies, photography studios and many online business resources that they would not normally have access to. Can You Really Help My Business? Chances are if you are a business owner, then the answer is yes. But first we would need to go through a introduction phase to get a better understanding if we would be a good fit. Ck2design works exclusively with only a few clients at a time, this is to ensure the best possible service is provided. Once we have established specific strategies for your company we are off and running developing and creating custom designs that will give your business the edge in the market. Consider Ck2design a ambitious, highly motivated, self contained design studio that incorporates many innovative, diverse, artistic and technical abilities. With excellent knowledge of design and typography, thorough and meticulous. Fast and able to work under pressure, capable of doing a massive range of styles and has the ability to stick to the creative brief and other guidelines.

There is no limit to what Carrie Kuehn can create

By Cannabis Carrie • February 6, 2020
Carrie Kuehn of Mary Janez Brand and Ck2design is constantly learning the newest trends and opportunities to make our clients look their very best in every type of media. See for yourself by contacting us for your next project.

IMPORTANCE OF A LOGO

By Cannabis Carrie • January 23, 2020
A logo is a graphic mark or emblem commonly used by commercial enterprises, organizations and even individuals to aid and promote instant public recognition. Logos are either purely graphic (symbols/icons) or are composed of the name of the organization (a logotype or wordmark). In the days of hot metal typesetting, a logotype was a uniquely set and arranged typeface or colophon. At the level of mass communication and in common usage a company’s logo is today often synonymous with its trademark or brand.[1]

Seven Ways to Fix Your Biggest Management Mistake

By Carrie Kuehn • January 23, 2020
While surfing the net today, I came across an interesting article by Maureen Mackey from the Fiscal Times. I feel much of this information could be useful to many of us. Mainly on how to go about fixing some of our biggest management mistakes. The open-plan workspace may be the biggest boon to productivity in decades because it fosters collaboration, innovation and creativity among employees. But plenty of bosses stumble and even fall when it comes to managing effectively in today’s team-centered set-up. Many leaders want to excel at collaboration, but instead are stuck in the behavioral patterns that worked well for them in the hierarchical and authoritative org structures where they first cut their executive teeth.

Importance Of A Logo Design

By Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia • October 14, 2016
A logo is a graphic mark or emblem commonly used by commercial enterprises, organizations and even individuals to aid and promote instant public recognition. Logos are either purely graphic (symbols/icons) or are composed of the name of the organization (a logotype or wordmark). In the days of hot metal typesetting, a logotype was a uniquely set and arranged typeface or colophon. At the level of mass communication and in common usage a company’s logo is today often synonymous with its trademark or brand.
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