DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

Joddy Murray on Non-Discursive Rhetoric

  

 

 

Platforms as Design and Rhetoric by Ian Bogost and Nick Montfort

Platform Studies investigates the relationships between the hardware and software design of computing systems and the creative works produced on those systems. By choosing a platform, new media creators simplify development and delivery in many ways. Their work is supported and constrained by what this platform can do. Sometimes the influence is obvious: A monochrome platform can't display color, a video game console without a keyboard can't accept typed input. But there are more subtle ways that platforms interact with creative production, due to the idioms of programming that a language supports or due to transistor-level decisions made in video and audio hardware. In addition to allowing certain developments and precluding others, platforms also encourage and discourage different sorts of expressive new media work. Click here for another version.

 

"Top 10 Mistakes in Web Design" by Jakob Nielsen

There are mistakes you should avoid like:

1.Don't use a PDF as a webpage.  Design an actual page.  PDFs are for attachments and the like.

2.Do NOT write a wall of text.  This is NOT simple design.  This is just bad design.  Use subheadings, bulleted lists, short paragraphs, images, etc.

3.Make sure your font size is large enough for readers of varying abilities to read. Please be sure to read the entire article for other helpful issues. 

 

More Useful Readings and Advice

(click on titles below)

"The Art and Science of Influential Web Content: What Rhetoric Really Is" by Colleen Jones

For specific advice, go to page six.

"F-Shaped Pattern For Reading Web Content" by Jakob Nielsen
Pay attention here to how the author describes the way that people read ePages.

"The Five Second Test: Measuring Your Site's Content Pages"
We will use this test in how we assess our websites.

"Guiding Users with Persuasive Design: An Interview with Andrew Chak" by Christine Perfetti 
Remember that successful website are more than just easy to use and navigate. Successful websites also PERSUADE!

"How Long Do Users Stay on Web Pages?" by Jakob Nielsen
Pay attention here to how the author describes the way that people read and navigate ePages.

"Using Rhetoric and Style to Create a Web Identity" by Chris Ayala
This author helps us remember that every aspect of a website works to create an identity.

"Web Style Guide: Rhetoric and Web Design" by Patrick Lynch and Sarah Horton
The authors briefly review the basics of the persuasive appeals--- ethos, logos, and pathos--- and their applications to web design.

"Write Articles, Not Blog Posts" by Jakob Nielsen 
This author helps us to think more critically about website content.  We are not simply making trite posts or short updates.

DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.