Information Design

"DON'T MAKE THEM THINK, ENGAGE THEM" (from 'Don't Make Me Think' book cover remixed by Robin Good )is quotes for this post. I would like to share the implicit meaning of this quotes which is, firstly, 'them' refer to 'online user', don't make the user to think so much, dig out their brain out, but engage with them in very simple, yet attractive and adventurous way. The level of information received by online user is decided by the information design, how you deliver the content at the same time involved of user interaction in very effective way. that the vital goals of every site, to deliver contents to user. If u fail to deliver, its consider useless site then. Robin Good state that :-
"It is in this direction that information designers could look next: moving beyond the basic visual organization of content elements and into the realm of social simplicity where the elements information reading, contributing and exchanging are coreographed in ways to make them mutually supprtive and synergistic"

To get a shape like a body-builder, a man need to go to gym consistently, need some extra supplement, such us protein, raw eggs, in order to get desire shape. Go to gym, exercise, extra support is a strategy, doing nothing gives nothing back. To the deliver the information, we need strategy. A strategy will help you define where you are going and the most efficient, effective and economical way to get there. This is when instructional learning theories being adapt into web-based learning to deliver the information of site in very effective way. Following is example of site using learning strategy into web based learning from http://webquest.org/index-create.php (given in Dr Jamalludin slide);
http://questgarden.com/51/22/4/070608090111/index.htm
http://questgarden.com/52/36/4/070612201403/index.htm
http://questgarden.com/52/41/5/070613164641/index.htm
http://questgarden.com/52/16/0/070606152240/index.htm

There are many type of learning theories with certain category, for example;
Behaviorisme:
�� Drill Practice
�� Tutorial
�� Simulation
�� Games
�� Problem solving
Cognitive & Constructivisme
�� Problem based learning
�� Project based learning
�� Cooperative learning
�� Situated/Scenario based learning
�� Case based learning
�� Inquiry based learning
Simplify all will comes up as shown in the map, to see more map you can refer to this site http://www.ed.uiuc.edu/courses/edpsy317/sp03/learning-maps/index.html;


As for our group, we choose problem based learning, therefore, i will share more about problem based learning aka PBL. First of all, before applied the theory, knowing the characteristic is essential to avoid from you out the way. How to make a call from public phone? first, pick up the phone, puts the coins, enter the number then push call button! if u miss of the step, you are not making a call. Same goes in applying the theories, but its not compulsory to do the step in order, at least one of the step is being apply, or else, it wont be PBL strategy! So the characteristic of PBL are;
1. Use of real world problems - problems are relevant and contextual. It is in the process of struggling with actual problems that students learn content and critical thinking skills.
2. Reliance on problems to drive the curriculum - the problems do not test skills; they assist in development of the skills themselves.
3. The problems are truly ill-structured - there is not meant to be one solution, and as new information is gathered in a reiterative process, perception of the problem, and thus the solution, changes.
4. PBL is learner-centered - learners are progressively given more responsibility for their education and become increasingly independent of the teacher for their education.
5. PBL produces independent, life-long learners - students continue to learn on their own in life and in their careers.
By referring the characteristic and other factor of PBL theory, we construct the web based learning using this strategy to deliver the content in supreme way!



Suggested Reading of learning theories;
http://www.infed.org/biblio/b-learn.htm
http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/802papers/mergel/brenda.htm
http://ldt.stanford.edu/~jeepark/jeepark+portfolio/PBL/whatis1.htm

Basic Web Design

First and foremost, lets consider this situation;
When i want to shop a dress for Christmas dinner, first come to my mind is the design. Do i want long dress, or short dress, with or without sleeve. If its so short won't be suitable for family gathering(i need to consider the audience&value). What fashion, girly, vouge, vintage or lady-like? Then i will choose the color. Any theme color for the night? I will never never choose bright orange, why? because we hate each other. All this, only from my opinion. How about you? How you choose your outfits for any event you attend? Everyone have varies interest, yet in the last everyone will wear suitable outfits for the event. This is very closed to web design context. the design which include the color, the navigation, the presentation, the contents, the usability and so on, will decide how long you spend to surf on the site. We need to present the site that meets the goals and meaning of the site. One quick question, Which you prefer Facebook or Friendster? I will say Facebook! who agree with me raise you hand up to the air! i believe you do. Why? we have our own reason. Both have same function, but both have own strength and weakness. According to Dr. Jamalludin(2011), four primary aspects influence web design is
1)Content
2)Technology
3)Visuals
4)Economics
more info? read here --> http://www.webdesignref.com/chapters/01/ch1-02.htm
And there are three parts of web design (details will discuss in further post):
􀂃 Information Design
􀂃 Interaction Design
􀂃 Interface Design (Visual or Presentation Design)
In other words, we make a fascinating first impression. Good Web design is the same as good design. If you understand the elements that make up good design, you'll have a Web page that works well!

Some interesting website Design!








Suggested Reading on basic web design
http://www.cqwen.com/most-important-five-basic-elements-of-web-design/

Project Management Process & Management Team

When developing a website for educational program, web development is one thing that should be paramount. If you wish to publish a successful website, you need to lay the web development process before you even code your first page. With a right planning and foresight you will in a much better position to power your site to the top once it is built. Web development process happens in 3 phases which is(Dr. Jamalludin, 2011);-
1)Pre-production(Planning)- the analysis,planning and design,the interactive, navigation, usability, look, etc. The Who, What, Where, When, Why and By Whom of the design process and creating the blueprint or structure for the web project
2)Production (constructing)-content research, interface design,Audio&video recording, etc
3)Post-Production (Testing)- testing&evaluation, feedback from client,product revision, documentation/packaging


When we related it to ADDIE model as discussed in previous post, pre-production is described the analysis and design part; production involved of development and implement phase; lastly post-production is the evaluation phase. The contents for each phase is very similar for both. By applying this step can make the difference between a so-so site and one that rocks your socks off!

Ok, next is about web development team. Everyperson have their own skill and specific expertise field. Dividing the task based on team member expertise, will promotes higher achievement and performance on the area as teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success. The team roles and responsibilities is depends on the size of the web project. Normally, the essential role in web project is project manager, content area specialist, instructional designer, web developer/programmer, and media specialist. Following will explain more about the responsibilities of each role;

1)project manager- The project manager is the team member ultimately responsible for keeping the overall team activities focused on the site strategic objectives and agreed deliverables, and he or she continually monitors the scope of the project activities to ensure that the team stays “on time and on budget.” he is the Boss!
2)Content Area specialist - A content manager deploys reports, manages report models and data source connections, and makes decisions about how reports are used. All item-level tasks are selected by default for the Content Manager role definition. Also known as System Administrator.
3)Instructional Designer - Instructional Designers work much like architects, drawing up specifications and blueprints for a course before actual construction begins. Sometimes Instructional Designers also build what they design; in this instance, they are also the Course Developer.
4)Web Developer/Programmer - Also known as web master and should be the liaison to the team.Someone who can implement programs that integrate media elements.A successful Web master must also be familiar with the operating system, and the internet server applications that run on the server.
5)Media specialist - supplying material and resource to enrich the content of the website. they have the information power.

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."~Henry Ford

When a Teamwork Works!


Suggested Reading on website development team:
http://webstyleguide.com/wsg3/1-process/2-development-team.html
http://instructionaldesign.gordoncomputer.com/IDRoles.html
http://www.flyingcowdesign.com/web-job-types.htm