Chapter 1 - Variables in the Web Design Environment

In this chapter, you explore the variable factors that affect Web design.You learn how Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), the language used to create documents on the World Wide Web, is constantly evolving, and preview the new markup languages that are changing how you design for the Web. You’ll see how Web browsers affect the way users view your content, and how variations in the user’s browser choice, screen resolution, and connection speed pose specific challenges to creating Web pages that are displayed properly in different computing platforms. Finally, you consider what type of software tool you should use to create your HTML code.

When you complete this chapter, you will be able to:

• Describe the current state of HTML
• Move from HTML to XHTML
• Understand variables in the Web design environment
• Describe browser compatibility issues
• Consider connection speed differences
• Code for multiple screen resolutions
• Address operating system issues

W3 Resource Links

World Wide Web Consortium (W3) - Main Page
W3 Accessibility (WAI) Page
W3 Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) Page
W3 HTML Page
HTML Element Quick Reference
HTML Attribute Quick Reference
W3 XHTML Page
W3 XML Page

Browser Downloads

Mozilla Firefox
Opera Browser
Netscape Browser
Internet Explorer Browser

Related Sites

Browser News

Case Project

To complete the ongoing Case Project for this book, you must create a complete standalone Web site.The site must contain between six and ten pages, displaying at least three levels of information.You can choose your own content. For example, you can do a workrelated topic, a personal interest site, or a site for your favorite nonprofit organization.The site will be evaluated for cohesiveness, accessibility, and design. At the end of each chapter, you will complete a different section of the project. For Chapter 1, get started by creating a project proposal, as in the following outline. As you progress through the chapters of the book, you will complete different facets of the Web site construction, resulting in a complete Web site.

Project Proposal

Create a one- or two-page HTML document stating the basic elements you will include in your Web site. Create this document using your favorite HTML editor or Notepad. At this stage your proposal is primarily a draft. At the end of the next chapter you will have a chance to modify the proposal and supplement the design details.

Include the following items, if applicable:

• Site title—Specify the working title for the site.
• Developer—Identify yourself and anyone else who will work on the site.
• Rationale or focus—Explain the content and goals of the site, such as billboard, customer support, catalog/e-commerce, informational, or resource. Refer to the “Planning the Site” chapter for help on content types.
• Main elements outline—Describe the main features of the site.

Top