MPI104- what we've done this term!

This term has been primarily focused on the aesthetics of our web page. We've learned what makes a web page work and what doesn't (see what is aesthetics?). I've learned a lot this term, and i hope that my site is aesthetically pleasing to all who visit. So how have i tried to make my site more functional?

For starters, i have played around with the positioning of my page elements and have rearranged them into an order that is more functional. I have placed links to my other sites at the top, such as links to recently added del.icio.us items, and a link to my VFX101 site with recent projects i have done in the subject. Under that is a list of all the blogs on this page. I feel that this would be used often by visitors navigating around my blog, so i wanted it towards the top of the page in order for it to be visible and easily accessed.

I have learned over the past term that font colour is an important factor in web page aesthetics, and how this interacts with your background is essential in readability and comfort for the viewer. As i have a black background for my blog, i decided against white text, as this would cause eye strain for the viewer. Instead i have used a grey text, which takes away the extreme contrast between the text and the background, reducing eye strain and making the page easier to read.

I wanted to keep the black background, despite the issue with the text as i think this works well for what i am using the page for. I want to show a lot of videos and images on my web page, and a black background causes the colours to be richer and exhibits the images i include much better. It also reduces the glare from the monitor, as opposed to a white background or light colour, and this allows the viewer to watch the videos i have included with more comfort.

The banner i have included at the top of the page is images of my own, and i think they add some interest and personality to the page. I used green text for the headings and links as i find the combination of green and black to be aesthetically pleasing (as these are two of my favourite colours) and again this adds some interest and contrast to the page giving it a bit of personality.

I hope all who visits this site finds it easy to use and interesting to read, as well as aesthetically pleasing. If you have any problems with the layout or look of this page or have any suggestions for improving its usability or look, please leave a comment by clicking on the green comments link at the bottom of this post.