Copyright..

Throughout my work I have used various sources to include different forms of research; so I have to credit the following as none of the images used in my work our mine. I used the following websites for these purposes:

- http://www.google.co.uk/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi 

- http://www.maxdesign.com.au/articles/css-layouts/

- http://www.csszengarden.com/

- http://www.lanikaiproperties.com/

- http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/category/galleries/ AND     

- http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/galleries/website-headers/
- UNITE Student Accomodation

..flash banners

- these sketches are my designs for the web banner that will appear on either page on my final website. The first design was a mixture of typography and animation which I would hopefully created in Adobe Flash. The second design is just an animation banner with a roll across effect revealling a series of houses to advertise what United is about. I am currently working on a third design which happens to be the chosen idea for my website. Instead of drawing it out first; I was messing around in Flash and quickly created it and successfully worked so it is now published to the homepage. The final banner is mainly animation which shows an image of the area my agency is based in. Check it out on the live website!

Practice Mock Up!

As a continuation of my work for the website; I am aiming to complete my designs in the next couple of weeks. I have drawn up ideas for the website and here I am trying to mock-up what designs I have at the moment, using Dreamweaver!

>>> this is a rough photoshop mock up of how i would like my the layout of my website to look; for each page the background will change for an individual style. The text will be more as the main body of the page and to display images/graphics on the opposite side.
Recently I decided to change the navigation; instead of the stacked boxes I will be keeping it simple and to the right-hand side. For more insite to how this website will look; check out the Page Layout option on the right <<<

..starting point!

http://www.purplefrogproperty.com

To begin my research; I typed into google; Top Student estate agents and was presented with a list. I randomly chose a selection to look at and Purple Frog caught my attention. As a starting point I thought that it was very simplistic and aimed straight to the point. The website is very easy to navigate and search for place to live. I particularly like the theme and colours chosen; it was plain and not too 'in your face'. The font was easy to read and for all purposes the site was really informative allowing both students and their parents to be involved. I would like to base the foundations of my website on a similar layout in terms of simplisity and straight to the point.

In my sketchbook I have evidence of the website buy using screenprints; with my analysis of what I thought worked and did not.

Idea Three

 

Next, I decided to use the header as part of the navigation bar, where the imagery would seperate each element. The colour scheme would be earthy colours again but with the addition of a different background as the layout for this page is more of a 'T' shape; having the header across the top but the main body of the webpage would be all centered. The logo this time is placed in the same position (top-left) but on the corner of the main container rather than in the header. There isn't much graphics decided for this page with the exception of how to find us etc. The footer is slightly changed in that it doesn't exist as a single element but the copywrite details will blend in with the colour scheme and appear in the bottom right corner.

Idea Two

For my second idea; I came up with this idea..Both the header&footer I want to keep very simple by just using a block colour in the background like, Stone Grey. The colour scheme for this website will be more neutral/earthy for the comfort of a nice home, its less harsh and more viewer friendly. The visual layout will look like a room by putting the background as a wooden floor preferably a beach texture, the graphics available will again be a 'Find Us' map and this time I was thinking of using an interaction graphic; where a slideshow would appear in the form of polaroids and allows viewers to see what is on the market.

For a change I decided to place the navigation bar to the right, however rather than it being simple I came up with the idea of the visual being stacked boxes and each will be labelled to the other pages; like the following image >>>>>>                                                         I havent yet drawn a logo but I was thinking of keeping it in the top-left corner on the webpage, the below posts will allow viewers to choose their preferences eg. Buy or Sell similarly to my first idea.

Idea One

After looking at various Real Estate websites; I came up with this idea.. I wanted to keep the header basic and simple, the colour scheme was bright/vibrant which would give direct impact. Rather than designing a seperate navigation bar I thought to keep it in clear view at the top of the page, I am not sure as to whether it would work and be easy to use. The side bar was designed for the purpose of extra graphic components eg. 'Find Us' map, the footer would also include another form of navigation which would allow viewers to select certain preferences (buy, sell, rent). The imagery was focusing on attributes to the real estate business and what people would associate with this profession.