benwilliamsdeco1800-blog

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DECO1800 Week 15

At times DECO1800 was stressful and frustrating, but ultimately it was quite rewarding and even fun at times. At the start of the semester I listed a number of expectations for the course and nearly all of them were met. I stated that I hoped to create an interesting website and be challenged in it's construction, this was the case. Due to the amount of self-learning and intuitive thinking required throughout the course, I have definitely furthered my web development skills which was my main goal of the course. Additionally, there was no lack of problems within my group. In my first blog I worried about communication within my group and this worry was definitely met. As a result of this and the fact that I was group leader, I certainly furthered my experience about managing and working effectively in a group.

I enjoyed the amount of contact each group had with one another in the contact sessions. I expected to work far more individually within my group, while I learnt a lot from interacting with other group projects. While I enjoyed the main assignment, the group work was quite difficult. Although I worked well with Ellen, this was mainly due to struggling to communicate with the other group members (one of which dropped out during the last few weeks of the course).  I liked the idea of the assignment and the freedom that it offered. As a result the assignment felt much more personal and was therefore a more joyful and rewarding experience. Something that I didn't like about the course was the amount of reflection required. Personally I don't believe that I gain much from reflection, instead I find it tedious and boring. Despite this, I liked the portfolio assessment, as again it is a very personal project and will probably be used in the future.

[benwilliamsdeco1800-blog]

DECO1800 Week 14

In designing my portfolio I understood that the website itself should display my ability to create a stylish and well functioning website.The process to designing my portfolio started with a task flow diagram. This helped me understand how my website would function and the pages I needed to construct. 

The website follows a simple, yet cohesive and functional web design that clearly presents all information. The website beings with a welcome page where the user will then enter the main website. From there the user is presented with the about page which acts as the home page.

The task flow diagram provided me with a clear understanding of how the website would function and the navigation techniques that would be necessary and useful for the user to navigate throughout the website. I decided that one of these techniques would be to implement a universal nav bar, allowing the user way finding from all areas of the website. Furthermore I decided to implement a drop down menu on the 'Work' tab since there are so many paths off of this link. As a way for the user to further orientate themselves inside the website, I styled the tab with a bright orange accordingly to where the user was. With these navigation and orientation tools in use, the website is very easy to use.

Aesthetically, I wanted my website to have a clean and stylish look. For this aesthetic I used sharp edges with a flat look (No gradients and shadows etc.). Furthermore, I came up with a colour palette of dark greys and white text, highlighted by a dark orange. I chose Trebuchet MS as my font of choice as it brings a stylish and warm, while very legible aesthetic to the website. By styling this font in white against a dark grey background, the website content is easy to read  and therefore is accessible to a wider audience.

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DECO1800 Week 13

Despite feeling well prepared and on track for the final due date deliverables, the week leading up to the deadline was quite stressful. In finalising the website there were a few instances where some website functions were more difficult to implement then I had anticipated. I guess this just comes down to poor organisation. For example getting the website’s ‘course’ to work was never properly finished. Originally the plan was to have the levels/markers/mines coloured when the user was currently on one or had completed them, and the future levels to be greyed out. I couldn’t figure out how to do this mainly due to having trouble understanding the code required to customise google markers. So this website function was simplified by simply hiding and showing the markers, however I still never got this to properly work so in the final product the user was able to see and access all levels. Despite this, I managed to complete all of the other finalising tasks for the website, this included: the historical information API (SLQ dataset), pop up functions, the google map API and the question randomiser. Ultimately I was quite satisfied with the final product, taking into consideration that one of our group members dropped out and another didn’t contribute much.

The tradeshow was a rewarding way to wrap up the assignment. Although the final product was not as developed as we had planned, the website still functioned properly and held a profession aesthetic. Users were able to independently navigate around the website and complete the course. Additionally, our flyers and powerpoint accompanied the website professionally and effectively. While users enjoyed our website experience, I think our website was a bit in the shadow of another group who had a similar idea. Their website also had a mining course, except utilised far more of the dataset and implemented a more challenging course. 

The presentation went well and according to plan. The tutor had no trouble understanding and navigating the website. Furthermore we all spoke confidently and delivered our points effectively. The tutor seemed satisfied with our final product and he seemed to enjoy the course. yay.

Presentation setup: Website, powerpoint and flyers

flyer:

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DECO1800  WEEK12

Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to this weeks contact session, however it was one of the most productive to date. In the workshop I worked with the tutor to sort out some bugs and improve the overall quality of the code. However, we’ve come to the final week of work before the website and report are due and there is still quite a lot to do. Actually the report is looking good, with most parts completed apart from the reflection which is waiting on the website. And so finishing the website is my job over the next couple of days.

Tobi didn’t show up for a couple of weeks and so unfortunately he has failed the course. This puts further stress on our deliverables as Tobi’s work now needs to be distributed between the remaining three members.

We plan to finish the website before the weekend so that we can grind out the reflection sections of the report and complete part C before Monday.

[benwilliamsdeco1800-blog]

DECO1800 Week 11

Sup family,

This week we made good progress towards the Part C deliverables. In the website I got all of the basic javascript functions working. All that is left to do on the website is to finish the questions and the randomiser for the questions. Since the question API is functioning properly this should be a simple task as the API only needs to be updated to contain all of the questions. However each mine (level) will need its own API which is not a big deal. Furthermore, there is some further styling to the website. 

Regarding the report, Ellen and Tom have contributed most to this part. I am still yet to do my section of the report which is part of the reflection, and thus the website needs to be finished before I can do this.

Tobi on the other hand didn’t come to the last contact session and we haven’t been able to contact him since. This is a little concerning as his main role is to write the safety questions and source the corresponding information from the dataset. This is very important to the website and so if he doesn’t respond soon I’ll probably have to do his part as we need to finish the website this week.

In conclusion all is well and we are on track for a good trade show.

chao

[benwilliamsdeco1800-blog]

DECO1800 Week 10

Over the holidays I worked on coding the website however didn’t get much done. On the other hand, we had some discussion within the group chat as to our strategy for part 3. 

Despite not getting as much done on the holidays as I planned, I now have a more solid understanding of what needs to be done. This week and on the weekend I plan to code most of the website so that in the final few weeks we can work to edit and perfect the final product.

[benwilliamsdeco1800-blog]

DECO1800 Week 9

Reflection of presentation: 

Everyone in the group spoke well and expressed their points effectively. Ellen discussed the progression of our idea, Tom explained the changes to our wireframes and storyboards etc, I detailed the new features of the website and Tobi addressed the audience with our three questions: 

The first question asked for advice on the clarity of navigational features on the website. Our feedback was that we should abandon the use of a navigation bar as the audience agreed that all areas of the website could be accessed without one. Furthermore it made the website look neater.

Secondly, we addressed our websites use of the SLQ dataset. Currently the website uses information about mining accidents from the SLQ dataset as an accompanying historic example to each question about modern mining safety procedure. The audience (including tutor) agreed that this was a useful way to utilise the dataset. However it would have been good if the the tutor gave some more feedback during the presentation.

The final question detailed the websites complexity and if it was necessary to add additional features as a means of adding more depth. The response to this was that this would be unnecessary as the goal of the website could be achieved without additional features.

Part C:

My job for part C is to finish coding the website. There is still a lot to do but it is definitely achievable in the time left and with the help of other team members. The main features left to complete are the quiz questions, map features and certificate of achievement.

To complete the quiz, the questions need to written and accompanying data from the dataset identified (Tobi’s job). Subsequently I’ll need to code each question into the website. Furthermore, using python we’ll need to write a program to randomise the questions.

The map needs to have a system whereby the course has a clear course and progression through the mines of each state. Thus I’ll need to customise the map to look like a course.

Regarding work from other team members, it’s really only Ellen and I that have done much work. I have coded the whole website so far and will probably end up doing all of it, while Ellen has basically written most of the reports. Tom has done parts of the report but needs to put some more effort in, while Tobi really hasn’t done much at all - I don’t think he did anything on Part B. As team leader it is partly my responsibility to ensure they do work but ultimately they need to take the initiative to do the work I have assigned to them. For part C I will need to be more pressing as a means of ensuring that they contribute more. 

[benwilliamsdeco1800-blog]

DECO 1800 WEEK 8

Hi ya’ll. 

So this week our group continued to work towards the Part B project deliverables. 

As the leader of the group, I made a point of solidifying everyone’s roles in the group to make sure we could achieve our deadlines. Everyone was on track with their part and so we had already made some good progress in our web design. Being the main web designer in the group, I made a start on the website. I focused on constructing the MVP first and for most, however this did not take long and so I also implemented the website with a google maps API. By doing so I could construct the home page of the website (refer to image below).

Additionally I worked with Ellen to construct some basic HTML for the quiz layout, thus working towards our MVP. As a result of this progress we had essentially achieved the MVP by the contact session and so I still have the weekend to touch up on the website in preparation for next weeks presentation. 

In the contact session the other members of the group worked on the progress report 

In summary this week was very productive. All members of the group are familiar with their roles and project deliverables and so I am confident that we will be ready for the presentation and Part B deliverables next week.

[benwilliamsdeco1800-blog]

DECO1800 WEEK 7

After consultation with the team and a tutor, our group came to a solid conclusion about the most important aspects of the website. As a means of upholding the basic purpose of the website, we decided that the MVP should be the basic mining safety course. This aspect of the website would just be basic HTML. There was some query as to whether the map API aspect was more important, since it is technically harder to produce. However, the purpose of the interactive map is really only for aesthetic navigational purposes, hence not majorly contributing to the sole purpose of the website. 

My role within the group for the final project was assigned to be web design. I was happy with this decision as I am more confident in my web design abilities rather than web APIs. Furthermore I was assigned group leader and as a result I will have to organise each members deliverables necessary to produce the Part B deliverable.

[benwilliamsdeco1800-blog]

DECO1800 WEEK 6

The paper prototype provided our group with useful user information about how to improve our website design. We made an effort to produce a solid and accurate paper prototype of our website. This way the feedback we received would be helpful and in reflection, this was the case. For each test one member of the group would record via paper or laptop how the test ran in regard to any problems the user ran into, hence providing us with ways to improve the navigation and overall functionality of the website. 

Every user test effectively outlined the common errors throughout the web design as well as the more obscure ones that offered optional changes. Every user offered improvements to the design. A common improvement mentioned by most users regarded the use of the footer, hence identifying a necessary design change. Other possible improvements to the design were mentioned such as variations to how the game runs. In summary a wide range of useful feedback was received from the tests.

After testing a few other group’s prototypes, I was pleased with the quality of their designs. It was entertaining and enlightening to learn about how other websites could function. A common problem of other website designs was the ease of navigation, hence most of the feedback I offered regarded improvements to user orientation.

[benwilliamsdeco1800-blog]

DECO Week 5

Due to the first major project assessment being due, this week was quite eventful. It was also very productive and I got to know my team members far better. I was happy with how our concept document turned out based off the fact that we only had three team members and we only started research in week 4.  Our pitch went pretty well. We presented confidently and covered everything we needed to, thus the audience seemed like they were interested in our presentation. However the tutors had some issues properly understanding our concept idea which was sorted out in the post speech questions. Subsequently they were happy with our idea. 

After hearing other concepts I was very satisfied that our idea was interesting and unique. The most common trend that I noticed about the other concepts was that most websites targeted young audiences. Hence, I am very happy that we decided to stick with the mining safety course rather target primary school kids which featured as our target audience in a few other of our ideas. 

Additionally I feel that our idea is complicated enough to achieve a good mark. I found two presentations of other concepts especially interesting. The first being the idea whereby the website generates a photo of the user using old military portraits. I was impressed with how unique this idea was, although I will be especially impressed if they manage to pull it off as it didn’t seem like they really knew how to create a website of this type. However, their presentation was very well spoken and I hope they do well.

The second presentation that interested me was done by a group who spoke very confidently. Although they were even more confident that they would be able to pull off their idea. Their concept detailed a website whereby a story is told about WW1 soldiers using 4 different games. This seems a very ambitious idea to achieve in the next 7 weeks. They said that they would be using python to program the games which sounded quite confident. Furthermore each game is meant to be completely different. Very impressive if they pull it off.

In conclusion, after listening to other concept ideas, I am confident that if we manage to successfully create our website that it will be good.

Keen for prototyping!

[benwilliamsdeco1800-blog]

DECO1800 WEEK 4

Due to the Ekka holiday on Wednesday, this week’s contact was moved to a late Friday session. Not only was this annoying due to my long day on Friday, it meant that Ellen could not participate as she left for China on Thursday. The problem with this was that there were still some ambiguities in our idea that needed discussing with the whole group. Nonetheless, Friday’s session allowed us to properly solidify our final idea and diminish any grey areas in the concept. Since it took so long for us to do this, we made a late start to our concept document which was a hassle due to the fact that Ellen didn’t have a chance to really contribute to the document. Furthermore she will have to record herself presenting part of the speech as she will not be present on Wednesday for the launch. 

Despite the complications we faced, week 4 turned out to be quite productive. Upon finalising our idea, we made quick work of planning the concept document and distributing the workload over the three of us. I was assigned the first third of the document. This outlined the scope, research, refinement of ideas and discussion of the final idea. The downside was that we only had the weekend to essentially start and finish the concept document. Nevertheless, we completed our assigned tasks and the document was finished.

Regarding our final idea, we decided that we would stick with the mining data and present it with a game. However, instead of designing the website for primary school students, we thought it would be more appropriate to aim it at actual miners who would use the website for education about mining safety. This way the game would essentially test miners on safety precautions and the risks involved. For example the user is given a scenario that caused a mining accident and they have to decide through a multiple choice game as to how it could have been avoided and the correct procedure that should have been used. The incentive for miners to use the website is that they would receive a certificate of completion.

The following is my contribution to the concept document. I was tasked with the first third, entailing the scope, research and final idea. I have not yet finished but this is my progress thus far. 

See ya next week. Get keen for presentations!

[benwilliamsdeco1800-blog]

DECO1800 Week 3

This week I was placed in a group with other students that had been absent the previous week. This was helpful as we were all on the same page regarding our understanding of the assignment. Our first idea was to utilise the data on Queensland real estate in a website that displays the change of house prices of Queensland properties from then to now. However this idea was disregarded for a couple of reasons, firstly due to the fact that it would be difficult to find current data about the house prices of the properties in the SLQ data and secondly that SLQ data only discussed the location of these properties. Our second idea targeted the data set about Queensland mining accidents. This data had a range of information about each incident such as the type of injury, how it happened, details of the mine and more. With this data we thought of creating a website that targets a younger audience by presenting information about mines and the injuries that occurred in an educational context. By presenting this information on a map, the user could select a mine and be offered information regarding injuries in the form of statistics or other more in depth formats. Additionally, we had the idea to implement a game whereby the user is given an injury and a multiple choice question to how the miner injured themselves. Although we are sceptical about this game as it seems a bit unethical...

Overall our group discussion was effective in brainstorming ideas. We briefly tried the 6 hats brainstorming method, however we found it to be less effective than a simple group discussion. The method became too confusing and just caused us to focus more on following the procedure rather than actually thinking of ideas. Nonetheless, in the lesson we made good progress as we finalised an idea and have now started making progress on the concept document.

[benwilliamsdeco1800-blog]

Week 1 Idea Boards

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DECO1800 Week 2

This week of university was not so great as most of the time I was bedridden with the flu. This meant that I couldn’t participate in any of the sessions or lectures, I could only brainstorm ideas at home and get information from friends in the course. Consequently my ideas are not that developed as I could only use the brainstorming session in week 1.

In visualising my ideas so far, they are ‘sorted’ by how they would be presented on the website. For example maps, games, timeline etc. I have a few ideas for a type of website that functions through a map, an example of one would be for a map to display change in an area. Change or progression could apply to data about pollution, house prices or population (as long as the data exists). In the first session my group was focused on brainstorming a type of game that could give information to the user. We came up with a type of trivial guessing game, whereby the user guesses the name of a war or soldier based on material they are given. Additionally we thought of a game

Since I didn’t take part in the brainstorming activities in the week 2 session, I can only reflect on the activity at the end of the first session. I found this activity useful due to how collaborative it was between the groups. The whiteboards were effectively filled with ideas from different sources as people moved from table to table. I found it interesting and influencing to hear the ideas of other people.

I am not yet sure if I have actually been placed in a group yet, although I did email my tutors asking that they do (I haven’t heard back). I am hopeful that I get a cooperative group that can communicate effectively as this would be very beneficial to how the semester runs. Finalising an idea is the biggest challenge that I believe I face over the next week or two, however I am excited to keep brainstorming to come up with a unique design idea. At the moment I am still working on my JS skills in preparation for the assignment, I definitely have a lot of work to do there. Overall I am excited to get the assignment started and underway.

[benwilliamsdeco1800-blog]

DECO1800 Week 1

Based on what I learnt from the first DECO1800 lecture and the information on blackboard, this course looks like it will be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. I expect that I will be challenged due to the nature of the assignment - not only will it require me to develop my coding skills, but also a large degree of creativity and design thinking. I am keen to build on my web development skills and the assignment for this course offers a great way to do so. My only worry is that I have trouble communicating and working effectively with my assignment group. I hope that I can design and develop a great website, as the process to building an interesting website rather than a bland one will make the course a more enjoyable experience.