Introduction
This project involved designing a Topspeed racing game series’ website layout. The projects’ report highlights the nature of the project, describing the tools used and difficulties faced during the design process. Some of the limiting factors include design languages and formats plethora. The main reason for such problems is that Photoshop color and image tools have been used in the image of the interfaces. Finally, the report talks about the lessons learnt, such as creating color schemes, layers and varying effects on images, rollovers, buttons and guides.
Re-iterate limiting factors on design
The greatest limiting factor on design is the interpretation of design languages. For example, HTML has different variable factors, making it difficult for browsers to interpret. In addition to this, format plethora is another crucial issue. Format plethora brings different interpretation of images between graphic designers and web designers. There are also many database languages to use, which makes it difficult for designers to choose a perfect one. The database driven languages such as CSS and XHTML allows more interactivity and dynamism, while other have different advantages, which vary from one to the other.
Topspeed is News regarding all racing games. The top games included in the website; Driver, Parallel Line, Need for speed, GRzD and Burnout Paradise. Driver; parallel lines seem outdated on a Personal Computer. The latter game’s and reviews prevent it from being recommendable. Need for speed on the other hand, allures players into an underground high racing world. Making it the most intriguing and high-speed game of all.
The latest installment in this series is GRzD, which takes racers all around the world in all race competitions. Finally, Burnout Paradise consists of hardworking and fast driving actions that players would expect from any racing game. The project included preparing a comprehensive interface for this racing game in a way that visitors would easily navigate to find its features or any other information they would need. Players can choose any game depending on their game types, complexity or level of races, and compatibility of the games on their Personal computers.
The major concepts in the website development included color, composition, texture, composition and topography. Speed is the theme of the website. Color, in addition to the use of white space, evokes varied moods from visitors and users. The paramount theme color in this website is red and black, with a mixture of yellow. To emphasize speed, I included a picture of a crashing car (Ads). The colors, pictures and texture in this site emphasize speed as the central theme.
Changes to the original design
Web visual design is a complex project that requires keenness, knowledge of applications and tools, as well as commitment. The difficulties faced included resolution and web page design limitations. Monitor resolution was a serious problem. This is because it was necessary to design the page for the least common denominator, which is 640×480. Other than that, 800×600 resolution would do, as it is most common. The best solution for a designer is to determine what resolution their customers browse. This is a complicated task because of the difficulty in determining web page visitors and their monitor resolutions. Additionally, customers are always reluctant to change their resolutions to comply with the designers’ setting, as it is a hustle.
The page was developed for 1024×768 as it is required to the assignment, and is compatible with a variety of computers.
The design theory used in this project is the classic theory, because it gives introductory information on design. This information is fundamental to people who are not well conversant with design. The theory offers information on the elements of design and how they convey messages, create moods, looks and style. Classic theory also concentrates on design’s decorative aspect, which was necessary for this layout. Other theories tend to be comprehensive, covering technical aspects of design such as usability and visual communication. However, they are most appropriate for people with adequate design knowledge.
Tools used
Before putting the prototype in its electronic version, the prototype I molded the idea from my previous sketches to an actual presentation of the idea. The final prototype is as a result of the modification of some features of new games, including coloring and theme. On the website of the new series, I included the new games together with new pictures, description of the games and other salient features. Once this was done, I prepared the prototype electronically.
To create varied fonts on the site, font doctor was used as it helps in handling multiple fonts and repairing damaged font files. The font doctor was also useful in organizing font cache and converting formats. Adobe kuler was also useful in creating color schemes as well as altering uploaded themes. The fireworks frames were useful to create animated image and save it in (animated gif), Rulers, Measure tool, Guides, & Grids in Photoshop was immensely useful to position images or elements precisely across the width or length of an image.
Difficulties encountered
Merging colors were a challenge; the color management in Photoshop is only applicable to a portion of its windows. The project has proven beneficial as it enables one to gain relevant knowledge in designing interfaces on Photoshop, illustrator, fireworks and flash. These include creating color schemes, creating an effect on the pictures, and using various tools to manage images. It also makes learners learn about design principles and developing a prototype. The creation of images has enabled me apply the concepts I have been taught, hence the skill is internalized. The experience also counts in the process of utilizing the Photoshop and illustrator.
Conclusion
Creating a web interface is fundamental to everyone, especially those owning online business or in the field of visual design. The paper emphasized on creating the interface for a racing game. However, this was not a simple endeavor, as using Adobe Creative Suite family, Photoshop or illustrator tools require sufficient knowledge on the two. It involves using various tools and principles to guide the project. The theory used in this project is the classic design theory as it offers basic knowledge that is useful for students and amateurs. The paper has covered the problems and stages covered in the process, and lastly, highlighted the lessons learnt.