1. picking a topic
Some people start on this course with a very definite idea of what they want to write a site about. If this applies to you: great! You should write it on the handout in the appropriate space. However, do bear in mind that this and the next two slides might suggest modifications to you. It might be too large, too general or too vague a topic, for instance. Or it might be one where you'll struggle to be original. Write it down anyway... at the moment, no one is expecting this to be a fully-formed idea.
If you don't have such a definite idea, have a look at the handout. You will see there is a list of topics which you are allowed to do in the course work. Hopefully these will give you some inspiration. When you've thought of something, move on...
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2. analysing your topic
If you've picked a topic, and it falls within one of the allowed categories for the course work, this is a good start. However, not every topic is equal in usefulness. I would like you to spend a few minutes thinking about the questions given below. These questions should be asked of any web site idea at the start of the design process.
- Do I feel familiar with my subject or will I need to do some research? If you intend to write a web site about something you know very little about, don't underestimate the additional time it will take to become familiar with the topic. In fact, for your course work, I recommend you don't write tourist guides or educational sites about subjects you're unfamiliar with. It may be, though, that you've been asked to (or want to) write a site for a business or non-profit organisation which you didn't previously know much about. In this case it could be interesting to learn about the business from the point of view of an "outsider" - as this will familiarise you with what potential customers or members might be interested in knowing. Either way, you need to know whether you can do enough research in the time available to make it a good site.
- Is my topic too general? Your time is limited, and some topics are simply too large unless you are giving only the briefest of introductions - then there is the problem of sketchiness. Try and find a topic that is specific and of personal interest to you.
- Is my topic original? Tourist guides to the clubs of Ibiza or Leeds. Sites for Premiership football teams. These are examples of topics that, in themselves, are not original. If you really want to do a site about something like this, try and personalise it somehow. Online CVs, artistic "galleries" and (if about your home town) tourist guides are easier to personalise, but here the trick is to make the site reflect your personality and identity.
- Finally, who might visit my site and why? This question is important and we will think about it on the next slide.
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