Who is the Target Audience
The NWTC student showcase provides a venue where graduating students are able to show of their creative work. Since it is held on campus, faculty members and students are invited to stop by and see what students in the various programs have applied with the knowledge and skills gained in their studies. However, this is also open to the public so it is hoped that interested members of the community will also stop by and get a feel for what NWTC can offer. In the past, prospective employers have also used this opportunity to see if they may find a candidate for employment. It also gives students experience in presenting a portfolio of their work as they apply for positions in the workforce.
What is the Message
The showcase is an opportunity for the college to show the many different programs available for study. A number of students in the same program show their work, yet each will be presenting their own unique end product. I think this underscores that the faculty encourages students to explore and express their creative side while building a strong technical base.
What is the Goal
The aim of the website first of all is to get the word out about the event. So the site should provide an idea of what the event is and what an attendee may expect to see and experience. The information should be presented in a way which garners a person's interest and encourages a feeling of wanting to see and learn more. The where and when of the event should be prominent also so attendees do not have to hunt for this vital information. Although the main goal is to encourage people to come to the campus and attend in person, it can also be a way to provide a resource for those who do not wish to or cannot attend to find out further information on the programs.
What are the CTAs
- 🔷Navigation links to other pages
- 🔷Providing event time and location
- 🔷Links to additional information on the various programs
- 🔷Responsive form for directions to the event
- 🔷Responsive contact form
- 🔷Links to past events
- 🔷Video clip to watch
- 🔷Ability to add site to one's RSS feed
Design Summary
🔷Layout
The layout on this site is fairly simple. The goal was to present the information clearly and provide enough information without overwhelming the viewer. At the same time providing resources to obtain more detailed information if desired. Having various pages and sub-pages will hopefully clearly define what subject is being highlighted.
🔷Colors
Since this event is being held in December, my first thought was to choose a wintery palette, hence using cool blues and icy whites. However, I also felt that that didn't really express what the event is about, just when it is. That is why I brought in the light bulb motif with the warm yellows and oranges. I thought that better expressed the concept that the event will showcase all the bright ideas that the students brought to life with the skills they have learned at their time at NWTC. Using the warmer colors on the elements meant to be CTA will help draw the eye to them also.
🔷Typography
For the most part the typography is pretty basic. I choose to make the main heading big, bold and bright using a styled typography to grab a site visitors attention right away. I choose the font for the other headings based on wanting to separate them from the rest of the text to indicate that these should be paid attention to but still be fairly classic. The other font choice I made was for the anchor links. I choose a sans-serif font with a bolder weight to make them easier to read and draw a little more attention to them as those are the CTA elements.
Additional Comment
When I first did the assignment on the 403 and 404 error pages, I was very excited to do custom pages utilizing fun cartoons and cute sayings. However when I read the grading rubic for the final I realized that would not be what you were looking for. That provided an additional lesson. It reminded me that out in the real world when working with a client, the client may have a different vision for the site than the developer. As developers, we have many tools at our disposal which although may be cute or clever, may not be best for the client. That was food for thought. It brought to mind that when starting to work with a client it would be good to know at the start how the client envisions the site, their goals and expections. It also brought to mind that besides having the technical skills and the creativity, in the workplace communication skills are also very important. Being able to listen to one's clients and/or co-developers on a project and knowing how to compromise for the best outcome on a project can be key for a good experience for all involved.