DECO7140 | Semester 2, 2023
Assessment Task Sheet Website Design
School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Key Information
Due date: 15 September 2023 | 4.00pm
Weighting: 2
Learning Objectives: 1, 2, 5, 7, 9
Submission: Turnitin via a link in the course Blackboard site Expected word count: 1800 - 2000 words
In industry, completing work such as is envisioned by this task, will often involve a tender process. Tender requirements often impose word limits on the documentation that is submitted. Therefore, the word limit for this assessment will be enforced. Words over the 2000 word limit will not be taken into consideration when the assessment is marked.
Task Description
For this assessment, students will create a design report for a client's website project. They will be provided with a client brief that outlines the project requirements, along with user stories. The objective is to propose a website design that meets the client's needs and aligns with the user stories.
The task involves the following steps:
1. Client Brief and User Interviews: Students will review the client brief, which will provide details about the client's business, target audience, goals, and any specific requirements. The brief will also include extracts of user interviews that highlight the needs and expectations of the website's users.
2. Design Proposal: Based on the client brief and user stories, students will develop a design proposal for the website. The proposal should include a site map and a mock-up of three pages from the website using design software such as Figma or Adobe XD. The mock-up should visually depict the layout, navigation, content sections, and key design elements of the proposed website.
3. Design Decisions and Rationale: In the design report, students should provide a thorough explanation of the design decisions they have made. They should rationalize how their design choices address the client's requirements and align with the user stories plus
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feedback they have obtained from their peers. The report should clearly articulate the reasoning behind aspects such as colour schemes, typography, layout, imagery, and interaction elements.
4. Client Brief and User Needs Alignment: The design report should demonstrate how the proposed design fulfills the client's objectives and accommodates the needs of the user based on the information provided in the user interview extracts. Students should explicitly reference specific elements of the client brief and user stories to showcase the alignment between their design decisions and the stated requirements.
Generative AI is permitted with boundaries
This assessment requires you to demonstrate your understanding of the following key areas:
1. Fundamental principles of User Experience (UX) Design
2. Core tenets of User Interface (UI) Design
3. The ethical duties of web designers and developers, particularly emphasizing the importance of prioritizing human needs and values, promoting inclusivity, and demonstrating respect for diversity.
To demonstrate your understanding, you are required to apply these concepts to a specified design challenge. Your creativity should be showcased through proposing an innovative solution (the website design) to this challenge.
How you may use generative AI in this assessment
Generative AI technologies may be used in the completion of this task within certain boundaries:
• You may utilize generative AI to produce text and images that will form the website's content, intended for visitor consumption.
• Generative AI may also be used to generate supplementary information to enhance the provided Client Brief in the following ways:
o GenerationofextraUserStoriestoadddepthandcontexttotheproposeddesign.
o Generationofdetailsspecifictothecontextofthewebsite.Forinstance,ifyou choose the brief related to a game review website, generative AI can be used to generating more information about prevailing trends and issues within the game review sector.
o Generatinginformationabouttheclientandtheclient'sbusinessfordisplayonthe website. For example, the generative AI can be used to draft content for the 'About Us' page.
Remember, the goal here is not to have the AI do your job, but to use AI as a tool to expand your creative and technical capabilities while adhering to the principles of ethical web design.
Where you cannot use generative AI in this assessment
You must demonstrate that you have considered your design decisions in relation to the provided Client Brief and User Stories to support the desired user experience. Therefore you cannot use generative AI to:
1. Interpret the Client Brief and User Stories to identify user needs and design considerations.
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2. Generate wireframes or mock-ups of your website design.
3. Generate the content of your submitted assessment other than what has been detailed in
the How you may use generative AI in this assessment section above.
Coversheet
When submitting your report, you will need to include a cover sheet. A template for the cover sheet will be available in Blackboard.
The coversheet asks you to affirm the following:
• I have included at the end of my assessment submission an appendix with all text generated by generative AI technologies and any prompts used.
• I recognise that the onus is on me to demonstrate my own creativity as well as my understanding and mastery of the fundamental principles of UX, UI, and the ethical responsibilities of web designers and developers.
• I recognise that generative AI technologies have limitations and that the onus is on me to critically evaluate any output before I use that output.
Your Website Design proposal
The lectures will include information that is relevant to the completion of the sections of your design report. Further, the activities conducted in tutorials have been designed to provide you with greater understanding, particularly how to apply the information contained in lectures.
Your starting point
You need to:
1. Choose one of the interest areas that the client has identified for your website context; and,
2. Select one of the provided user descriptions that the client has provided you.
This information will be the starting point for design process and design report. Your Website Design proposal will have 4 sections.
Section 1: User Needs and Design Considerations (approx. 550 words)
The primary focus of this section is to analyse and integrate all the user-related data you've obtained from:
• the Client Brief
• the user description that you selected from the client brief
• information you have generated or acquired in Contact sessions
• any other information you have acquired or generated to supplement the provided data
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Your aim is to identify User Stories that encapsulate the user's needs and desires. After creating these User Stories, you will synthesize them to highlight the principal design considerations for your proposed website design. You will also generate design considerations from the other information you generated or acquired in Contact session.
When discussing these design considerations, think about functionality, usability, accessibility, cultural considerations, and aesthetics, all from the user's perspective. Tie these elements to specific User Stories where possible, clearly illustrating how your design will meet the user's needs and contribute to the desired user experience.
Section 2: Site Map (approx. 550 words)
This section starts with a comprehensive list of key features and functions of your proposed website design. You should detail your rationale behind including these features and functions, linking them back to the User Stories and design considerations identified in the previous section.
Following your explanation, include a visual site map. This diagram should offer a clear representation of your website's structural hierarchy and the organization of the key features and functions. This will help visualise the user's journey and navigation through the site.
Section 3: Page Mock-ups with Annotations (approx. 550 words)
In this section, you will need to create and present mock-ups or prototypes of three pages from your website. These prototypes aim to exemplify your proposed user interface design.
Include screenshots of these prototyped pages in the report, accompanied by detailed annotations that highlight the critical elements of your design. These explanations should connect back to the design considerations identified in Section 1 and the features and functions outlined in Section 2.
The annotations should not merely describe the elements but also explain why you've made specific design choices explicitly expanding on key principles of user interface design and how these decisions support the user's needs and enrich the overall user experience.
Section 4: Alignment with the Brief (approx. 350 words)
In this final section, you will explain how your proposed website design aligns with and supports the Client's needs and aims as outlined in the brief. This should be a holistic view, tying together the User Stories, design considerations, and key features and functions you've discussed in previous sections.
Discuss how your design fulfills the specific needs and goals of the client, how it addresses any challenges identified in the brief, and how it contributes to the overall aims of the client's project. Remember, the final design isn't just about creating a visually appealing website; it should serve as an effective tool to meet both the client's and the user’s objectives.
References
Any resources or research you use to back up your claims should be properly cited. You may choose a citation style but should ensure that it is used consistently throughout the report.
Communication – Writing Style
Your proposal should be written in a professional, formal tone. Use clear, concise language that is free of jargon, unless it is necessary and explained. Your role in this scenario is that of a web
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designer consulting with a client, so maintain a language style that would be expected in such a business setting.
Your proposal should be easy to understand, even by non-technical readers. Avoid overly complex sentences and always explain your reasoning.
Check your proposal for any grammatical or spelling errors. Use tools like Grammarly or have a peer review your work. A proposal with errors can detract from its professionalism and credibility.
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Criteria and standards
DECO7140 Introduction to Web Design (Semester 2, 2023)
Assessment Task: Design Report
Criteria Item
User needs and design considerations (Weighting 5)
• Exemplaryintegration of user-related data, providing a sophisticated and insightful analysis.
• Exemplary development of user stories, demonstrating deep insight into realistic user needs and desires.
• Exemplaryand insightful
considerations given to functionality, usability, accessibility, cultural elements, and aesthetics, demonstrating deep understanding.
• Exemplaryand insightful connections from design considerations to user stories, with an excellent explanation of how the design will meet these needs.
• Comprehensive integration of user- related data with a thorough and detailed analysis.
• Comprehensive development of user stories that are realistic and effectively encapsulate user needs and desires.
• Comprehensiveand thoughtful
considerations given to functionality, usability, accessibility, cultural elements, and aesthetics.
• Comprehensiveand thoughtful connections from design considerations to user stories, providing a detailed explanation of how the design will meet these needs.
• Proficientintegrationof user-related data with well-thought-out analysis.
• Proficientdevelopment of user stories that are fairly realistic, and mostly encapsulate user needs and desires.
• Proficient considerations given to functionality, usability, accessibility, cultural elements, and aesthetics, with minor areas for improvement.
• Proficientconnections from design considerations to user stories, with a clear explanation of how the design will meet these needs.
• Adequateintegration of user-related data, accompanied by a satisfactory analysis.
• Adequate development of user stories that are somewhat realistic, capturing most key user needs and desires.
• Adequate considerations given to functionality, usability, accessibility, cultural elements, and aesthetics, though some areas lack depth.
• Adequateconnections from design considerations to user stories, with a reasonable explanation of how the design will meet these needs.
• Partialintegrationof user-related data, with some gaps in analysis.
• Partialdevelopmentof user stories that may lack realism, and inconsistently encapsulate user needs and desires.
• Partialconsiderations given to functionality, usability, accessibility, cultural elements, and aesthetics, with noticeable gaps.
• Partialconnections from design considerations to user stories, with an explanation of how the design will meet these needs that could use more detail or clarity.
• Minimalintegrationof user-related data, with a simplistic or incomplete analysis.
• Minimaldevelopment of user stories that are lacking realism, and missing significant aspects of user needs and desires.
• Minimalconsiderations given to functionality, usability, accessibility, cultural elements, and aesthetics, with significant gaps.
• Minimalconnections from design considerations to user stories, and the explanation of how the design will meet these needs is incomplete or lacks clarity.
• Absentorineffective integration of user- related data, with insufficient or missing analysis.
• Absentorineffective development of user stories that are undeveloped, unrealistic, or fail to capture user needs and desires.
• Absentorineffective consideration given to functionality, usability, accessibility, cultural elements, and aesthetics.
• Absentorineffective connections from design considerations to user stories, with little to no explanation of how the design will meet these needs.
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Criteria Item
Site Map (Weighting 5)
• Anexemplaryand insightful list of features and functions is provided, indicating a deep understanding of the proposed website's needs.
• Anexemplaryand insightful linking of features/functions back to user stories and design considerations, demonstrating a deep understanding of the relationship between these elements.
• Anexemplaryand insightful visual presentation of the site map, exceptionally organised and effectively illustrating the proposed website's structural hierarchy.
• Acomprehensiveand thoughtful list of features and functions is provided, displaying a detailed understanding of the proposed website's requirements.
• Acomprehensiveand thoughtful linking of features/functions back to user stories and design considerations, demonstrating a detailed understanding of the relationship between these elements.
• Acomprehensiveand thoughtful visual presentation of the site map, well-organised, and accurately illustrating the proposed website's structural hierarchy.
• Aproficientlistof features and functions is provided, demonstrating a clear understanding of the proposed website's necessities.
• Aproficientlinkingof features/functions back to user stories and design considerations,
• demonstratingaclear comprehension of the relationship between these elements.
• Aproficientvisual presentation of the site map, appropriately organised, and generally illustrating the proposed website's structural hierarchy.
• Anadequatelistof features and functions is provided, showing a reasonable understanding of the proposed website's requirements.
• Anadequatelinkingof features/functions back to user stories and design considerations, demonstrating a reasonable understanding of the relationship between these elements.
• Anadequatevisual presentation of the site map, satisfactorily organised, and somewhat illustrating the proposed website's structural hierarchy.
• Anadequatelistof features and functions is provided, showing a reasonable understanding of the proposed website's requirements.
• Apartiallinkingof features/functions back to user stories and design considerations, with some gaps in understanding the relationship between these elements.
• Apartialvisual presentation of the site map, that lacks some organisation and illustration of the proposed website's structural hierarchy.
• Aminimallistof features and functions is provided, missing key elements of the proposed website's needs.
• Minimallinkingof features/functions back to user stories and design considerations, with significant gaps in understanding the relationship between these elements.
• Aminimalvisual presentation of the site map, with poor organisation and limited illustration of the proposed website's structural hierarchy.
• Absentorineffective list of features and functions, failing to identify the necessary elements of the proposed website.
• Absentorineffective linking of
features/functions back to user stories and design considerations, showing a lack of understanding of the relationship between these elements.
• Absentorineffective visual presentation of the site map, with little to no organisation or illustration of the proposed website's structural hierarchy.
Page Mock-ups with Annotations (Weighting 5)
• Themock-upsprovide an exemplary and insightful representation of the proposed design, clearly showcasing the planned features and layout.
• Annotationsare exemplary and insightful, providing detailed, clear explanations and effectively highlighting critical design elements.
• Theannotations provide exemplary and insightful connections back to design considerations and user stories, and compellingly justify design decisions in terms of user needs.
• Themock-upsprovide a comprehensive and thoughtful representation of the proposed design, effectively demonstrating the intended features and layout.
• Annotationsare comprehensive and thoughtful, providing clear explanations and proficiently highlighting critical design elements.
• Theannotations provide comprehensive and thoughtful connections back to design considerations and user stories, and effectively justify design decisions in terms of user needs.
• Themock-upsprovide a proficient representation of the proposed design, suitably demonstrating the intended features and layout.
• Annotationsare proficient, generally clear, and effectively highlight and explain most of the critical design elements.
• Theannotations provide proficient connections back to design considerations and user stories, and adequately justify design decisions in terms of user needs.
• Themock-upsprovide an adequate representation of the proposed design, generally demonstrating the intended features and layout.
• Annotationsare adequate, somewhat clear, and highlight and explain some of the critical design elements.
• Theannotations provide adequate connections back to design considerations and user stories, but may lack some justification of design decisions in terms of user needs.
• Themock-upsprovide a partial representation of the proposed design, with some elements of the planned features and layout unclear or missing.
• Annotationsare partially clear, may lack detail, and only highlight and explain a few critical design elements.
• Theannotations provide partial connections back to design considerations and user stories, and offer limited justification of design decisions in terms of user needs.
• Themock-upsprovide a minimal
representation of the proposed design, with key elements of the planned features and layout unclear or missing.
• Annotationsare minimally clear, lack detail, and inadequately highlight and explain the critical design elements.
• Theannotations provide minimal connections back to design considerations and user stories, and inadequately justify design decisions in terms of user needs.
• Themock-upsare absent or provide an ineffective representation of the proposed design, failing to demonstrate the intended features and layout.
• Annotationsare absent or ineffective, unclear, and fail to highlight or explain the critical design elements.
• Theannotationsare absent or ineffective, failing to connect back to design considerations and user stories, and not justifying design decisions in terms of user needs.
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Criteria Item
Alignment with the Brief (Weighting 3)
• Providesanexemplary and insightful explanation of how the design aligns with the client's needs and aims, demonstrating a deep understanding of the brief.
• Providesanexemplary and insightful explanation of how the design addresses any challenges identified in the brief, demonstrating innovative and effective solutions.
• Providesa comprehensive and thoughtful explanation of how the design aligns with the client's needs and aims, showing a detailed understanding of the client's goals.
• Providesa comprehensive and thoughtful explanation of how the design addresses any challenges identified in the brief, showing well- considered and appropriate solutions.
• Providesaproficient explanation of how the design aligns with the client's needs and aims, showing clear comprehension of the client's objectives.
• Providesaproficient explanation of how the design addresses any challenges identified in the brief, offering suitable solutions.
• Providesanadequate explanation of how the design aligns with the client's needs and aims, demonstrating some understanding of the client's goals.
• Providesanadequate explanation of how the design addresses any challenges identified in the brief, showing some resolution of identified challenges.
• Providesapartial explanation of how the design aligns with the client's needs and aims, with some gaps in understanding the client's objectives.
• Providesapartial explanation of how the design addresses any challenges identified in the brief, but solutions may be vague or incomplete.
• Providesaminimal explanation of how the design aligns with the client's needs and aims, indicating significant gaps in understanding the client's goals.
• Providesaminimal explanation of how the design addresses any challenges identified in the brief, indicating significant gaps in addressing identified challenges.
• Theexplanationof how the design aligns with the client's needs and aims is absent or ineffective, indicating a lack of understanding of the client's objectives.
• Theexplanationof how the design addresses any challenges identified in the brief is absent or ineffective, indicating a lack of resolution of identified challenges.
Communication (Weighting 2)
The report exemplifies professionalism with a consistently formal tone, is easy to understand even for non-technical readers, cites resources appropriately, and has no grammatical errors with no spelling errors.
The report exhibits comprehensive and thoughtful professionalism with a generally formal tone, is mostly clear and comprehensible even for non-technical readers, mostly cites resources correctly, and has very few grammar or spelling errors.
The report maintains a proficient professional and formal tone, is clear and understandable for the most part, cites resources properly most of the time, and has minor grammar or spelling errors.
The report demonstrates adequate professionalism and formality in tone, is fairly understandable, generally cites resources correctly, but may have some grammar or spelling errors.
The report displays partial professionalism and formality in tone, may be hard to understand in some parts, inconsistently cites resources, and has noticeable grammar and spelling errors.
The report exhibits minimal professionalism and formality in tone, is often difficult to understand, rarely cites resources correctly, and has significant grammar and spelling errors.
• Thereportlacks professionalism and formality in tone, is difficult to understand, fails to cite resources correctly, and is replete with grammar and spelling errors.
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Client Brief
My Background
I’m an entrepreneur and I own many businesses. At the moment, they are all store-front so they are face- to-face business. But I know that the internet is used by so many people across the world so I want to step into online business.
My Plan
My plan is to start up a website and use the ‘freemium’ business model. So that means that the website will provide some basic services and information free of charge but then people can choose to pay for some more advanced services and features. My plan is to first get a website up and running with free services and information. Then in the future I will add in the ‘premium’ services and features that people can choose to pay for.
I have done a bit of market research and identified 6 interest areas for the website: 1. Wellness
2. Movies 3. Gaming 4. Music 5. Arts
6. Fashion
At the end of this brief I have provided you with my thoughts about these areas (Appendix 1). I realise that the information I have provided you is quite brief and probably missing detail. I’m happy for you to extend this brief with information that you are able to gather and from your own knowledge and experience.
Who the website is for and what my aims
I’ve done quite a bit of market research and collected a series of extracts from user interviews from people who I think would be potential users of these websites (Appendix 2). Each of interview extracts provides some information about people who these websites could be designed for. You will need to supplement this information.
In the future, I will have business goals for the website. But for the moment I am mainly focused on getting people to engage with the website. So in that respect, I am really focused on ensuring that the people who use the website have a good experience. In particular, that it is giving people what they need from the website and that it is both easy to use and enjoyable.
What I want from you
I would like you to propose a website design for one of the business areas and just for the free website. So I want you to:
1. Choose a business area.
2. Select a particular user interview extract related to that business area.
3. Propose a website design for that business area focused on a person’s needs that you identify from the user story you have selected.
4. Create a Website Design Report that explains your proposed design.
Thanks and I look forward to receiving your report!
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Client Brief Appendix 1: Interest Areas
Wellness
Wellness is becoming increasingly important to many individuals who seek ways to manage their stress and maintain a balanced lifestyle. From 'tai chi in the park' to walking groups, book clubs, and yoga sessions, numerous community activities can support this pursuit. These activities, often offered free of charge, provide vital connection points for individuals to engage with each other while also nurturing their physical and mental health. However, there is a common problem that these opportunities, despite their abundance, are sometimes hidden in plain sight, challenging for people to find, especially in their local area.
An entrepreneurial opportunity presents itself here for a comprehensive, user-friendly website that collates all these community activities under one digital roof. However, the challenge extends beyond merely listing these activities. The real challenge lies in categorizing these activities in a manner that makes it easy for users to find exactly what they're looking for based on various filters like their location, interest, time, and even the intensity of the activity.
Moreover, another critical challenge is to design the website in a way that it not only draws users in but also keeps them engaged, and eventually converts them into a loyal user base. To do this, the website must offer value beyond the listings, maybe through blogs on wellness, user reviews of the activities, personalized suggestions, and a vibrant community forum.
The website will thus serve as a conduit for local communities to come together in their shared pursuit of wellness, acting as a virtual community centre where people can discover, review, and discuss local wellness activities. However, this endeavour requires a thoughtful blend of user-centric design, comprehensive listing features, engaging content, and clever integration of community-building elements.
Cinema
In today's fast-paced world, people value efficiency and convenience more than ever, and movie-goers are no exception. They want to choose a movie, decide on a cinema, and pick a suitable time slot without having to shuffle between different cinema websites and movie review platforms like Rotten Tomatoes or IMDB. The current approach is rather fragmented and time-consuming, and there's certainly room for improvement.
Here lies a golden opportunity to create a one-stop platform that simplifies this process by providing comprehensive information about current movie screenings, cinema locations, session times, and aggregated user and critic reviews. This platform would serve as a centralized movie hub, significantly enhancing the user experience by saving them time and effort.
However, it's not without challenges. The website must effectively collate data from various cinemas and review sites and present it in a way that's easily digestible for the user. Additionally, the interface must be intuitive and visually appealing, keeping users engaged and willing to return.
Beyond merely listing movie showtimes and reviews, the platform could also offer personalized recommendations based on user preferences and viewing history, integrate a ticket booking feature, and perhaps even include a social component where users can discuss movies and share recommendations.
The key challenge, therefore, lies in the design and development of a holistic, user-friendly platform that not only consolidates relevant information but also adds value through personalized features and social DECO7140 Semester 2, 2023 | Assessment Task Sheet | Website Design
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interaction. This will require strategic planning, innovative design, and a keen understanding of the movie- goer's needs and desires.
Gaming
Indeed, the gaming world extends far beyond the games themselves, reaching into realms of art, music, indie development, podcasts, meet-ups, and a variety of other aspects that make up the rich tapestry of gaming culture. These elements are, at present, scattered across different platforms, lacking a unified space where they can all come together. Thus, the opportunity arises to create a comprehensive hub that serves the broad interests of this thriving community.
The envisaged website would be akin to newgrounds.com, but with a distinct focus on fostering and promoting independent (‘indie’) game development. It would provide indie developers a space to showcase their games, gain exposure, and receive constructive feedback from the gaming community. It would also serve as a platform for artists and musicians to share their game-related creations, extending the collaborative spirit of the gaming world.
Moreover, the website could host gaming-related podcasts, offering another avenue for gamers to stay updated and engaged with the latest trends, reviews, and discussions within the community. Additionally, a dedicated section for sharing information about gaming meet-ups, both online and offline, could help create a sense of unity and foster real-world connections among members.
The challenges, however, are multifaceted. The website will need to be engaging, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, and it will also need to cater to the diverse needs of its users. It must be structured in a way that allows users to easily find content relevant to their interests, while also encouraging cross- pollination of ideas across different sectors of the community.
Moreover, the website would need to ensure a safe and respectful environment for its users, moderating content and discussions to prevent any form of harassment or negativity. This task may require careful thought into user management and moderation systems.
In summary, the objective for you would be to design and propose a website that not only unifies the multi- faceted world of gaming culture but also provides a nurturing, engaging, and positive environment for its community members. This endeavour requires a keen understanding of the needs and dynamics of the gaming community, paired with creative design and thoughtful planning.
Music
In the vibrant world of music, independent artists continually seek new avenues to share their talents and connect with fans outside of mainstream channels. Major music platforms, while powerful, often drown out independent voices amid the clamour of millions of tracks.
There is significant potential for a website dedicated to promoting and supporting the independent music scene. This digital platform would serve as a hub where independent musicians could showcase their work, build their brand, and interact directly with their fanbase.
Artists would be able to create personalized profiles, upload their tracks, and share updates on their latest projects, tours, or album releases. For fans, the platform would be a place to discover fresh, unconventional music and engage with their favourite artists through features such as community discussions or direct messages.
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However, there are distinct challenges associated with creating such a platform. The website's design must appeal to musicians and music fans, encompassing an engaging visual aesthetic, user-friendly navigation, and high-quality audio streaming. It should also include robust search and recommendation systems, helping users discover new music based on their tastes and preferences.
Additionally, the challenge lies in ensuring equal representation of all artists. The platform should provide lesser-known musicians with as many opportunities to reach listeners as their more well-known counterparts.
Therefore, you are tasked with designing a website that caters to the unique needs of the independent music scene. They need to consider the artists' aspirations, the listeners' desires for fresh sounds, and the overall user experience of such a platform. This task requires a deep understanding of the independent music industry's dynamics and the application of strategic web design skills.
Art
Art, in its many forms, has been a critical part of human culture and expression for millennia. However, in the digital age, artists, galleries, and art enthusiasts often struggle to create meaningful online interactions. Furthermore, the global pandemic has acutely highlighted the need for the arts sector to engage audiences in the digital sphere effectively.
Traditional art galleries and museums are physical spaces that allow visitors to immerse themselves in artistic works and exhibits. The challenge lies in replicating this tactile and immersive experience digitally. Moreover, it's not just about recreating the offline experience online; it's about leveraging the unique capabilities of digital platforms to offer users experiences that transcend the physical limitations of a gallery or museum.
There is also the question of accessibility. Art, traditionally, has been confined to physical spaces that may not be accessible to everyone due to geographical, financial, or other limitations. A website could democratize access to art by making it available to anyone with an internet connection, regardless of their location.
Another challenge faced by the arts community is the lack of visibility and support for emerging artists. These artists often struggle to find platforms where they can showcase their work, connect with potential patrons, and receive critical feedback to further their craft.
You are thus presented with a multifaceted challenge - to design a website that not only digitizes the art experience but also broadens its reach. The proposed design should offer a platform for artists, particularly emerging ones, to showcase their work, and provide art enthusiasts a space to explore, appreciate, and engage with various forms of art. This requires a deep understanding of the art world, careful consideration of user needs, and innovative thinking about how best to utilize the web to enrich the art experience and expand its accessibility.
Fashion
Sustainability and ethical considerations have become increasingly important in today's consumer choices, and the fashion industry is no exception. However, it can be challenging for consumers to navigate the world of sustainable fashion and find designers who align with their ethical beliefs.
At the same time, many small, independent designers who are committed to sustainable and ethical fashion practices struggle to reach a wider audience. The dominant narrative in the fashion industry is still DECO7140 Semester 2, 2023 | Assessment Task Sheet | Website Design
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largely driven by the 'fast fashion' paradigm, which prioritizes high turnover and low costs, often at the expense of the environment and workers' rights.
The challenge for you here is to propose a website design that serves as a platform for these ethical and sustainable fashion designers. The site should not only showcase their designs but also tell the story behind their clothes – where they source their materials, how they ensure fair labour practices, and how they minimize their environmental impact.
The website should also serve as an educational resource, providing information about sustainable and ethical fashion, debunking myths, and offering tips on how consumers can make more informed choices. In other words, it's not just about promoting products; it's about promoting a different way of thinking about and engaging with fashion.
This task requires you to navigate a complex issue, understanding the nuances of sustainable and ethical fashion, the needs and challenges of independent designers, and the interests and concerns of consumers. The proposed design should reflect this understanding, offering a platform that is not just visually appealing and user-friendly, but also informative, inspiring, and impactful.
The interest areas and initial descriptions were created by a human. ChatGPT+ was used to expand on these descriptions. Corrections and adjustments were made to the generated descriptions.
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Client Brief Appendix 2: User Descriptions
Alice
Alice, a 28-year-old middle school teacher living in Seattle.
Alice is a passionate educator, who deeply cares about her students' holistic growth. She believes in the power of community activities and wellness practices in fostering personal development. She is a strong advocate for sustainability and ethical practices, often engaging in community initiatives to promote these values.
Alice expresses her concerns about the fast-paced lifestyle that society often demands, "There's this constant rush in our lives. It's like we're always chasing after something, and that can be so draining, you know?". Alice finds solace in wellness activities, like yoga classes and reading clubs, and believes in their power to mitigate life's stresses, "There's something about these activities that helps you slow down, connect with yourself and others in a deeper way."
Alice is aware of her privileged position in society and is deeply committed to making a difference, "I know I can't change the world overnight. But I believe in doing my part, no matter how small." She feels particularly connected to issues around education, sustainability, and mental health, and often uses her influence as a teacher to raise awareness among her students about these topics.
However, she feels that there's a disconnect when it comes to finding affordable or free wellness activities in her local area, "It's a struggle, you know, finding these events or activities. They're not always widely advertised, and it's such a shame because I know so many people who would benefit from them."
In terms of accessibility needs, Alice suffers from mild vision impairment and thus, prefers websites with a clean design, larger font sizes, and good contrast. She has a moderate income, but with her commitment to living sustainably and ethically, she often seeks free or low-cost activities and resources, "I don't believe that wellness should be a luxury. Everyone should have access to these resources, regardless of their financial situation."
Her interests include reading, gardening, yoga, hiking, and cooking. She's a part of a local book club and often volunteers at a community garden during the weekends, "I love these experiences because they allow me to connect with people who share the same values. Plus, there's a sense of fulfillment that comes with giving back to the community.
Hassan
Hassan, a 35-year-old tech entrepreneur of Bangladeshi origin, living in New York City.
Hassan is a self-made man who emigrated from Bangladesh 10 years ago and has since established himself in the tech industry. He is very connected to his cultural roots and loves to share the rich cultural traditions of his homeland with his friends in New York, "Culture is like a bridge that connects people. It's about sharing, understanding, and appreciating our differences."
Being an advocate for diversity and inclusion, Hassan feels strongly about the lack of representation in many areas of life, "Everyone's voice matters. I feel we should all have platforms where we can express ourselves, share our experiences and learn from one another."
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Hassan follows the teachings of Islam and values compassion, community service, and social justice. He feels deeply connected to global issues affecting marginalized communities, "I believe in an interconnected world. If one of us suffers, it affects us all."
Hassan is financially stable but points out the importance of affordability and inclusivity in any services he uses, "Just because I can afford something, doesn't mean everyone can. Inclusivity means making things accessible for everyone."
His interests span technology, entrepreneurship, literature, travel, and arts. Despite his busy work schedule, he finds time to pursue his interests, "My interests keep me grounded, they remind me of who I am."
Hassan also believes in giving back to the community and often volunteers at local events. He cherishes the interactions he has with people from diverse backgrounds, "These interactions are a reminder of our shared humanity. We may be different, but we're all part of this beautiful mosaic of life.
Richard
Richard, a 42-year-old investment banker based in London.
Richard has been in the finance sector for nearly two decades and has developed a knack for understanding financial markets. He believes in the power of wealth to create opportunities and facilitate personal freedom, "Money isn't everything, but it's a tool. It allows me to shape my life the way I want."
He lives a fast-paced lifestyle and highly values efficiency and convenience, "Time is money. If something can save me time and effort, it's worth investing in." His interests include luxury cars, yachting, and high- end technology.
Richard appreciates finer things in life and doesn't shy away from indulging himself, "I've worked hard to get where I am. Enjoying the fruits of my labour is part of the reward." However, he also recognizes the significance of financial literacy, "Understanding money - how to make it, manage it, and grow it - is a skill everyone should have."
On societal issues, Richard doesn't show much concern for matters that don't directly affect him. However, he strongly supports entrepreneurship, "Creating wealth isn't just about personal gain. Successful businesses drive economies, create jobs, and bring innovation."
He lives in an upscale neighbourhood and leads an affluent lifestyle. While he doesn't have any particular accessibility needs, he values high-quality customer service and exclusive experiences, "I appreciate exclusivity. It's not just about the product or service, it's about how it makes you feel."
As for his connection to society, Richard sees himself more as an individual making his way through life, "We're all on our individual journeys. I focus on my path, my goals. The rest takes care of itself."
Riley
Riley, a 28-year-old non-binary individual living in San Francisco.
Riley identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. They are a social butterfly and believe in the importance of human connection, "Life's about experiences and connections. The people you meet, the relationships you cultivate—that's what enriches you."
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They are passionate about LGBTQ+ rights, mental health awareness, and fostering inclusivity, "We need to celebrate diversity and make sure everyone feels seen and heard. We've come a long way, but there's still work to do."
Riley loves attending social events, from music festivals to book clubs, and enjoys various forms of artistic expression, "Art is a beautiful way of telling stories. It helps us understand ourselves and each other better."
Being social doesn't mean they shy away from their individuality, "I'm not afraid to stand out. I'd rather be true to myself than fit into a box. That's where the beauty lies, in our uniqueness."
On societal issues, Riley is passionate about equality, "No one should be judged or discriminated against because of who they are or who they love." They are also concerned about mental health issues, especially among young people, "Mental health is just as important as physical health. We need to talk about it, normalize it."
Riley lives in a vibrant community, with a strong presence of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. While they don't have any financial constraints, they do struggle with anxiety from time to time. This affects their ability to handle crowded spaces or high-stress environments, "Sometimes, it gets overwhelming. Having options to manage such situations makes a big difference."
As for their connection to society, Riley cherishes their community but also believes in the importance of outreach, "It's about breaking barriers, bridging gaps. We're all interconnected. Understanding that is the key to a more inclusive society."
Ava
Ava, a 21-year-old woman from Adelaide, Australia.
Ava is a mining engineering student and a keen athlete, participating in competitive soccer on weekends, "Soccer is my life; the competition, the teamwork, it's something that gives me energy, the same kind of energy I get from solving complex problems."
She values determination, discipline, and fairness, "Whether it's in the classroom or on the field, I believe in giving my best and treating everyone equally. You've got to earn your success; it doesn't just come to you."
Ava has strong concerns about environmental sustainability and is particularly interested in clean energy sources, "Being in the mining industry doesn't mean I don't care about the environment. I see it as an opportunity to make changes from the inside."
She enjoys an active social life and is also passionate about promoting women in STEM fields, "It's important to show young girls that they can be successful in any field they choose. I want to inspire them, show them what's possible."
Living in a student residence, Ava doesn't have much disposable income, "Budgeting is a crucial skill. It's about making the most of what you've got, but it doesn't mean I don't enjoy life. I just make smart choices."
Ava was born with partial deafness in one ear and uses a hearing aid, "I've learned to adapt, but accessibility is definitely something I pay attention to. Whether it's subtitles on videos or well-structured text, little things can make a big difference."
When talking about her connection to society, Ava feels she's part of a change, "We're the new generation. We have the power to create a future we're proud of. It's not just about making a name for myself but making a difference.
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Sami
Sami, a 32-year-old man who recently migrated to Manchester, UK from Aleppo, Syria.
Sami is a trained mechanic and passionate about cars, "In Syria, I had my own garage. Cars are more than machines to me; they tell stories." He currently works in a convenience store, but dreams of opening his own mechanic shop one day, "This job is okay, but I don't want to just get by. I want to rebuild my life, do what I love."
Learning English is a top priority for Sami, "Language is a key. It opens doors. I'm improving every day, but sometimes it's still hard, especially with technical terms or slang."
He deeply values hard work, resilience, and community, "Where I come from, we take care of each other. We share what we have. Here, it's different. I'm still looking for that sense of community."
Sami is concerned about the societal issues of displacement and immigration, "People need to understand, we didn't choose to leave our homes. We had no choice. We all deserve a chance to live in peace and safety."
He feels somewhat disconnected from society, struggling to form new connections due to the language barrier, "It's hard to make friends when you struggle to express yourself. But I keep trying. I want to belong, to contribute."
Despite being financially constrained, Sami always tries to stay positive, "Money is tight, but life isn't about things. It's about experiences, about people. I just need the basics."
Having no physical disabilities, Sami doesn't require any specific accessibility options, but appreciates clear, simple language and translations, "I like websites that are easy to understand, with clear language and maybe an option for Arabic translation. It helps me learn."
When asked about his feelings in his new environment, Sami responded, "This is my home now. It's different, but I'm learning to navigate. I'm here to build a better future, to contribute. I believe in dreams. It's just going to take time.
Matilda
Matilda, a 19-year-old woman living in a rural town in New South Wales, Australia.
Matilda lives on a working cattle farm, "My family has been in the cattle business for three generations. It's tough work, but I love it." Her lifestyle is centred around nature, outdoor activities, and the farming community.
She highly values sustainability, "We need to look after the land. If we treat her right, she'll take care of us." Matilda also feels strongly about social equality and fair trade, "Just because we're out in the sticks, doesn't mean we should be left behind."
Her biggest concerns are rural isolation, mental health, and climate change, "It's hard being so far from everything, and sometimes the loneliness can get you. Plus, you can't ignore the climate – it's changing, and it affects everything we do."
Matilda enjoys a strong connection with her local community but feels a sense of disconnection from the urban world, "We've got a good community here, but city folks don't really get us. We're more than just 'the bush'."
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Matilda is studying online part-time, aiming to get a degree in Environmental Science, "I'd love to combine my passion for the land with science – make a real difference."
Financially, she's supported by her family and part-time farm work, "We're not rich, but we manage. The farm provides."
She has no specific accessibility needs, but she does appreciate simplicity and clarity in website design, "Out here, the internet can be slow. I like websites that are straightforward and load fast. No fuss."
Matilda is a true country girl at heart, "I wouldn't trade this life for anything. It's got its challenges, sure, but it's also got its beauty. You just have to look."
Jun
Jun, a 34-year-old man living in Tokyo, Japan.
Jun works as an IT professional in a bustling city district, "I work long hours but I enjoy my work. Technology is constantly evolving and it keeps me excited." His life is embedded in the urban environment, with an interest in technology, gaming, and the arts.
He is an advocate for digital privacy and cybersecurity, "In this digital age, privacy is more important than ever. And we can't let our guard down when it comes to cybersecurity."
Jun is troubled by societal pressures and mental health issues, "In our society, the pressure to succeed is intense. It's causing a lot of stress and other mental health problems."
Despite being surrounded by people, Jun sometimes feels isolated, "It's ironic that in such a crowded city, you can still feel lonely. Connection isn't just about proximity."
He has strong networks within his professional circle but wishes to expand his social connections, "I have colleagues who are friends, but I also want to connect with people outside my work."
Financially stable due to his job, Jun expresses concern for economic disparity, "I am lucky, but there are many who struggle in this city. The gap between the wealthy and the poor is growing."
In terms of accessibility, Jun doesn't have any physical needs but appreciates websites that are user- friendly and intuitive, "I appreciate a well-designed interface. It's a sign of respect for the user."
Jun sums up his thoughts on life, "Living in a big city is a challenge. It's fast, it's relentless, but it also opens up opportunities that you won't find elsewhere. The key is balance, and I'm still searching for it."
Sofia
Sofia, a 22-year-old woman from Bogotá, Colombia.
Sofia is a hardworking nursing student with a love for grassroots social events, "I enjoy studying health sciences and am looking forward to working in healthcare. When I'm not studying, I love spending time at local gatherings, community events, and volunteering for health campaigns."
She is deeply passionate about public health issues and is committed to working in underserved communities, "In Colombia, access to quality healthcare is a significant problem. I want to make a difference and provide quality care to those in need."
She voices concern about the growing disconnect between people and nature, "Urban living has taken us away from our natural surroundings. I believe in finding balance and staying connected to nature." DECO7140 Semester 2, 2023 | Assessment Task Sheet | Website Design
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Although Sofia enjoys her small group of friends, she often feels socially disconnected, "I have close friends, but sometimes I feel out of place in large social gatherings. I prefer meaningful interactions over superficial connections."
Financially, Sofia is in a constrained situation due to her student status and expensive education costs, "Financially, it's tough being a student. Education should be affordable and accessible to all."
In terms of accessibility needs, Sofia doesn't have any physical disabilities, but appreciates websites that offer information in clear, simple language, "Not everyone is tech-savvy or fluent in multiple languages. Websites should be easy to understand and navigate."
Summarizing her perspective on life, Sofia shares, "Life is not about the race to the top, but about creating meaningful impact. I want to create a healthier world for future generations."
Daniel
Daniel, a 30-year-old man residing in Berlin, Germany.
Daniel is an exuberant software developer who faces communication challenges due to a speech impairment, "Having a speech impairment doesn't limit my cognition, but people often make this mistake. I enjoy coding and solving complex problems."
His optimism towards life is infectious, "I don't let my communication struggles define me. Life's challenges shape us, but we write our own stories. I believe in embracing challenges and turning them into opportunities."
Passionate about technology, Daniel finds joy in coding and creating new applications, "Coding allows me to express myself in a way that words sometimes can't. It's about solving problems and creating something meaningful."
Societal issues that bother Daniel include discrimination and the underestimation of individuals with impairments, "The world often overlooks the potential in people with impairments. We are just as capable and talented as anyone else."
Although Daniel experiences occasional feelings of isolation, he remains steadfast and maintains a strong support network, "Connecting with others can be challenging, but I've found communities who understand me. These connections make me feel valued."
Financially, Daniel is independent and values this independence highly, "Financial independence is essential to me. It affords me control over my life and decisions."
With regard to accessibility needs, Daniel values websites that offer transcription services and alternative communication means, "Not everyone communicates in the same way. Websites should be inclusive and consider different communication needs."
Daniel's outlook on life is encapsulated in his personal philosophy, "Life is about resilience and perseverance. Each day brings new challenges, but also new victories. I choose to focus on the victories."
These user descriptions were generated by ChatGPT+. The prompts included providing background of how the user descriptions were to be used and then detailing what information needed to be included in the generated output. For some generated descriptions, prompts included specific factors to be included. Generated outputs were reviewed and refined by a human.
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