lecture 1: using the WWW

The WWW is so large that in some ways it is an informational, or "virtual", mirror of the world. In other words, whatever exists can probably be found somewhere online.

As you embark on this course it is important that you realise that web design has to have a personal meaning for you. In other words, it is best to have some reason for wanting to write a web site. As we move towards the assessment you will be encouraged at various points to start thinking about exactly what sort of site you want to write and why. The answers to these questions will shape your finished work. For instance, some techniques are appropriate for some kinds of site but not others.

As a first stage in this I want you to think about two questions. Write down your answers in the spaces provided on the handout (marked "Slide D"). There is no need at the moment to think about why these things appeal to you particularly, although it will not do any harm if you want to give that question some thought as well.

1. Write down one thing for which you use the WWW on a regular basis (e.g. finding out about a specific thing).

2. Write down one site which you like to visit on a regular basis.

In the "real" lecture we would have spent a few minutes sharing answers. On this slide I have placed some past answers below. Scroll down to see them after you have written your own answers.

The aim of this exercise was to suggest to you - if you weren't already aware - of the incredible diversity of the WWW and therefore the range of possibilities for applying web design. In this regard its applications are almost limitless. This is invigorating, but can sometimes be scary as it seems as if the sheer scale of the WWW will overwhelm your small efforts. I hope this course will also show you that this is not true. The WWW is there for us all and we all have a role in producing and reproducing it. So let's head off into the world of web design and find out how best to use it.

SCROLL DOWN for SOME ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS GIVEN ABOVE.

The following answers have all been given by Web Design students in previous years. They are only a selection, but they do give you an idea of the possibilities.