This project will be done in two parts. First you will create a layout and graphics for a single nursery rhyme, which can be on the Gutenberg Project: http://www.gutenberg.org/. Use original imagery (photography or illustration) and typography to create a composition that visually brings your rhyme to life. This layout should fit into two to four 1000 pixel wide by 800 pixel high panels. You may use photoshop, illustrator and fireworks to create your graphics. Graphics will be animated using dreamweaver, valid HTML, CSS and jQuery plugins.
Second, once everyone has created a single nursery rhyme they will share their graphics and code with each other. Individually, you will then combine the work of your classmates into a one page site that includes everyone’s nursery rhymes. You must determine the order of the nursery rhymes and create a navigation system for users to easily move between each piece. Consider how scrolling can be used to your advantage, horizontal or vertical, or both, and how the movement will shape or inform the reader about each rhyme. Apply basic design principles and color theory to create an appropriate space for your collection of rhymes and be prepared to defined your design decisions.
Finally, Assume this is for a client, a non-profit starting from the ground up that is focused on creating web experiences for children aged 6 to 12, the site will have minimal traffic in the beginning but will need to grow in the coming months as they are promoting the site on Facebook and Twitter. Their audience is tech savvy parents with kids. Research and find an available domain name that suits the rhyme telling non-profit and would catch the attention of kids or their parents,* also find a web host that can provide email addresses for a growing staff, ample bandwidth and storage for hosting video in the future. Once the domain-name and host is found write a short brief of the costs involved, and features that will be important to your client (server space, bandwidth, email, etc). Further keep a time sheet to record your hours, note time spent researching folklore, finding a host and domain name, and creating your design comp in fireworks. Whether freelancing or working for a firm most jobs will billed by the hour.
*You do not need to buy the domain but it should be one that is available.
Be sure to give appropriate author credit.
- Track your time – each week you must submit what aspect of the project you worked on and for how long.
Examples of single page sites:
- http://lostworldsfairs.com/atlantis/
- http://www.dangersoffracking.com/ <using the wayback machine
- for lots more: http://onepagelove.com/
Project Schedule
- Completed by the start of Class 6 – A nursery rhyme must be researched and chosen. Ideas and sketches (these must be done in a sketchbook, not on the computer.)
- Class 7 – Working Comps laid out using Fireworks, Illustrator or Photoshop. Slicing and coding should begin during class.
- Class 8 – Working critique of nursery rhyme. Code should be nearing completion and part two should begin.
- Class 9 – Project due and ready for critique.