Epub491F02
eBook assignment

Recommended, but not required for eBook. Will count as extra credit.
1. List your top project goals in 1-2 sentences each. Make them measurable if possible.(Project Goals)
2. Select and describe your target users or user groups, the ones you need to reach in order to achieve your goals. (User Understanding – User Profiles)
3. Write out your key scenarios in a brief paragraph each – the description of your user and the goals he or she will be trying to accomplish when they use your eBook (Scenarios)
4. List the top task or tasks your users will need to perform with your eBook in order to achieve your goals and their scenarios. (User Tasks)
5. List the features, functionality and content that will be needed to support your project goals, your user’s goals and your user’s tasks. (Features, Functions and Content Matrix: 1-2 page table)
6. Estimate the level of effort for each major feature, chunk of content or piece of functionality. What will be acquired and what will you need to create? Do you have enough time to do it all? If not, re-scope appropriately. (Project Estimate - You can add this to your Features, Functions and Content matrix or do it as a project plan with your time and other resources included.)


Required for eBook
1. Write up a paragraph description of your eBook idea, post it on your blog and e-mail it to Doug for feedback and approval, if you haven’t done so already.


2. Describe your navigational system using a content (“site”) map based on your bookmarks and links. This document will be due with your eBook, however you are encouraged to get feedback from Doug on it before you start building your eBook.


3. Create an eBook using Adobe Acrobat that includes the following components:
3.1. Cover
3.2. Title Page
3.3. Interactive Table of Contents
3.4. Body Content
3.5. Index
3.6. Security – password protected access (and be sure to give me the password)


4. And one or more of each of the following items:
4.1. Link to a web site
4.2. Movie link and Movie
4.3. Still photos
4.4. SFx (Audio sound effect)
4.5. Music
4.6. Graphic element
4.7. Bookmarks that support your navigational system
4.8. Internal links that support your navigational system
4.9. Link with different magnification setting
4.10. Go to view links
4.11. Javascript with form
4.12. Notes
4.13. Highlight Tool Use
4.14. Use of the Pencil Tool
4.15. Page open action
4.16. Page close action


5. Please make a list of where each of these items occurs in your eBook and turn it in along with your final eBook. (So I can find each item and give you credit for it.)


6. Also – let me know the relative percentage weights of your eBook and your web site for grading purposes.


7. Length of your eBook is up to you. It will be due the last day of class, but you are encouraged to get it done and turn it in sooner so you can focus on your web site.


8. Extra credit – use the following items:
8.1. Use of the Square tool, line tool and circle tool
8.2. One or more articles
8.3. Digital Signature
8.4. File attachment tool
8.5. Open file link (be sure to include file)
8.6. Read article link
8.7. Show/Hide field link


Epub491F02
Web Site assignment


Required (This will sound familiar)
1. List your top project goals in 1-2 sentences each. Make them measurable if possible.(Project Goals)
2. Select and describe your target users or user groups, the ones you need to reach in order to achieve your goals. (User Understanding – User Profiles)
3. Write out in a brief paragraph your key scenarios – the description of your user and the goals he or she will be trying to accomplish when they use your web site. (Scenarios)
4. List the top task or tasks your users will need to perform on your site in order to achieve your goals and their goals.(User Tasks)
5. List the features, functionality and content on your site that will be needed to support your project goals, your user’s goals and your user’s tasks. (Features, Functions and Content Matrix: 1-2 page table)
6. Estimate the level of effort for each major feature, chunk of content or piece of functionality. What will be acquired and what will you need to create? Do you have enough time to do it all? If not, re-scope appropriately. (Project Estimate - You can add this to your Features, Functions and Content matrix or do it as a project plan with your time and other resources included.)
7. Describe your navigational system using a home page wireframe and a site map based on your bookmarks and links.
8. Create and launch a web site using Dreamweaver that includes the items covered in class.
9. Also – let me know the relative percentage weights of your eBook and your web site.
10. The size of your site is up to you. All of this is due the last day of class, however, you are encouraged to get feedback from me at any and all points in your development process.

Here is some communication from Carl regarding Dreamweaver:

Andy,
The tag for a second link style within a link is the following. For this
example suppose you have a class called endNavleft. to make the links in
endNavleft appear differently than the links you defined in a:link, define a
new link style called
a.endNavleft:link

For instance

a:link {
color: #ff3300;
text-decoration: none
}

becomes

a.endNavleft:link {
color: #ff3300;
text-decoration: none
}

Defining a second set of link styles in this way will make any links that
fall within a

, or

set of tags pick up the
new style of links you define.

(your content)

or
(your content)

or

(your content)

will show links in your new style

Hope this helps!

---Carl
www.gullbuy.com

News Flash

The eBook assignment has evolved. The focus is now on creating any eDocument using Adobe Acrobat. An eDoc can be either a PDF or an eBook. So your eDoc can be either an eBook that can only be read with Acrobat e-Book reader - or it can be a PDF that can be read with Acrobat Reader.

You do not have to change anything you have already done. If you want to convert what you have done so far to an eBook to turn in, you still have that option.This evolution merely gives you the option to stick with the PDF format and turn it in that way.

In our next class, I'll go over some of the options for creating PDF eDocs that you can consider adding to your eDoc if you want to turn it in as a PDF.

The list of features and functionality that was originally part of the eBook assignment will be the same for what is now your eDoc whether or not you create a PDF or an eBook as your final deliverable.

Doug

Remember - as far as the eBook assignment goes, if you can't find a way to do all the things on the list in the main part of your eBook, you can add them in an "appendix". For example, if linking to a movie just won't work for you as part of your eBook content (although you might want to think about a multimedia cover), then put the link to the movie in your "appendix". If it is in your appendix, it doesn't have to connect with the rest of your Ebook.

Here are some notes from Carl as to what we covered in class:

Setting Preferences:

In Dreamweaver,
edit > preferences> general> insert panel. choose 'icons and text' from the
drop down menu
edit > preferences> invisible elements. Check "line breaks"
edit > preferences> accessibility. check images, so you get prompted to put
in alt tags every time you insert an image
-----------------------
Defining a Site:

site>edit sites. Click "advanced" tab.

in Local Info category:
Name your site, use the folder icon browse button to browse to the folder
where you are starting your Web site on your hard drive.

in Remote Info category:
click Access tab and choose FTP
enter the following info (using your own name and passcode)

FTP Host: pages.emerson.edu
Host Directory: students/yourfirstname_lastname/
Login: yourfirstname_lastname
Password: enter your password here
Hit the Test button to test your FTP connection. If it does not work,
experiment with removing or adding slashes ( / ) at the end of the ftp host
and host directory

Constructing pages:

Write your name on a page. Select your name and experiment with formatting
it, using the Property Inspector at the bottom of Dreamweaver.
Insert a Table using the Insert Panel at the top of Dreamweaver. Select the
table and experiment with formatting it using the context sensitive Property
Inspector at the bottom of Dreamweaver.
Save your work to your website folder.

FTP your saved page to the remote server by selecting the page in the Site
manger on the right of Dreamweaver. click the "Up" icon button to upload
your file to the server. Disconnect from the server by clicking the button
in the Site Manager that looks like a set of plugs. the button should be
lit up with a glowing green indicator to show you are connected.

Experiment a lot. Have fun!

For those of you who miss class the during the next three weeks:

This week (10/20/02) we started our three-week Dreamweaver sequence with a certified Macromedia instructor teaching the ins and outs of using Dreamweaver for ePublishing via the web channel.

Each two-hour session builds on the skills of the previous session, so you need to be sure that you are caught up before the next class. We don’t have the time to go back and catch you up during the next class and I can’t recreate what we did in the lab outside of class. That will be up to you.

To catch up, my suggestion is that you buy a book on Dreamweaver and spend a few hours in an Emerson lab before next week’s class, unless you own a copy of Dreamweaver at home. There is a help section built into the Dreamweaver software and tutorials on the Dreamweaver site – you can give these a try instead of the book, but they are a hard way to learn the basics. You will also be able to use this book as a reference for the rest of the course (as you build your final projects).

In the session this week, we will familiarize ourselves with the layout and functionality of the Dreamweaver interface and explore all of the different tool bars and commands. We cover setting up your local and FTP site, basic page and text formatting, a basic definition of HTML and XHTML and setting links. We also compare the relationship and usefulness of the design and code views and use it to understand the HTML editing underlying Dreamweaver. We build a very simple text web page and view it in a browser. You will need to understand and master these topics before the next class.

There are a lot of books out there on Dreamweaver and most do a good job of covering the basics. Choose the one that best suits your learning style. One I recommend is the Visual Quickstart guide to Macromedia Dreamweaver MX. As of yesterday, I know that the Quantum bookstore near Kendall Square has several copies. (It is a short walk from the Kendall/MIT T-Stop on the Red Line.)

I will also put a copy on reserve in the Emerson library by Thursday. However, this will be of limited use to you. You really need to have the book with you near a computer so you can try things out.

Site Review Assignment:

A. Pick a site that will contribute to your competitive analysis for your web site project.

B. Consider the topics and questions posed above as they apply to the specifics from class and the readings. Make a list of things you want to analyze for in the site. You do not have to answer all the questions above. They are provided to help you come up with a list of specific characteristics to analyze.

C. Go through the site, reviewing and recording specific instances of problems and well-done areas related to your list.

D. Write up your review and analysis into a 2-3 page text document with a link to the site, e-mail this to Doug and post it on your Blog for comments.

E. Prepare a 15-20 minute presentation for class that spotlights the key points you want to make about the site related to your web site project as well as insights you think it would be helpful to share with the class.

F. Present to class.

EPubF02
Site Reviews

Based on what you have learned from class and the readings regarding usability, visual design, information architecture and eContent, what are the specific problems or well-done elements regarding the following:

Overall Consistency, Clarity and Appropriateness
Consistency is about making sure that like things behave in a like manner. Clarity is about keeping things simple and easy to understand without a lot of thinking. Appropriateness has to do with the people who use the site. Who will use this site? Is it appropriate for them? Does this site create a common framework for the different elements of the system and allow users to become familiar with underlying patterns? Do functions and features behave similarly throughout? With every interaction, can users see on the interface what they’re doing, what they can do, and what effect their action is having on the system?

Information Architecture
Does the information architecture organize information to make it accessible? Does it put information into context, so users can understand the deep structure and access the parts they need with ease? Does the system avoid presenting redundant information, repetitious tasks and confusing choices? Does the architecture have characteristics that reflect the brand? Does the system structure give users a sense of progressing from less information to more information? Do functions and features range from simple to more complex, depending on a user's ability?

Navigation
Navigation is about the information architecture of the site and the tools users are given for getting around the site. Is the interface structure and navigation organized in a logical, approachable way? Is navigation clearly labeled and structured? Are the most important features and functions grouped for easy access? Is it clear what functions and features are available to users, and how they work? Can you predict the result of using functions and features? Is the navigational system consistent throughout? Is it easy to learn and understand how to navigate? Does the navigation accommodate the user’s skill-level--and different levels of ability? Something is intuitive when it is easy to understand and learn because it relates to our understanding of the world. Does the navigation support users' interaction with the system and anticipate their needs?

Content
Is content clear, concise and correct? Succinct? Straightforward, and to the point? Is the content appropriate to the users? What are their preferences, their expectations, their abilities, their special needs? What environment will they be in when they use the interface? Is information organized to appeal to target audiences? Is a similar tone and style used throughout? Is the content easy to scan and read? Is the content intuitive? Does it support users' interaction with the system and anticipate their needs? Does the content have a style and tone that reflects and extends the brand personality? Does the content flow from summary to detail, simple to complex?

Visual Design and Brand
Do visuals have a purpose, or are they just decoration? Is there a consistent visual language? Are the visuals appropriate for the intended audience? Does the digital brand seem an appropriate extension of the traditional brand? Are branding elements incorporated into the interface without adding clutter or confusion? Does the visual design reflect and extend the brand personality? Does the visual design support a sense of movement deeper into the system? Is it clear who the interface belongs to, even if you cover the logo? Are visuals used to make content and actions more accessible? Does the visual identity evoke a sense of freedom and control for users?

Epub491F02
eBook assignment

Recommended, but not required for eBook. Will count as extra credit.
1. List your top project goals in 1-2 sentences each. Make them measurable if possible.(Project Goals)
2. Select and describe your target users or user groups, the ones you need to reach in order to achieve your goals. (User Understanding – User Profiles)
3. Write out your key scenarios in a brief paragraph each – the description of your user and the goals he or she will be trying to accomplish when they use your eBook (Scenarios)
4. List the top task or tasks your users will need to perform with your eBook in order to achieve your goals and their scenarios. (User Tasks)
5. List the features, functionality and content that will be needed to support your project goals, your user’s goals and your user’s tasks. (Features, Functions and Content Matrix: 1-2 page table)
6. Estimate the level of effort for each major feature, chunk of content or piece of functionality. What will be acquired and what will you need to create? Do you have enough time to do it all? If not, re-scope appropriately. (Project Estimate - You can add this to your Features, Functions and Content matrix or do it as a project plan with your time and other resources included.)

Required for eBook
1. Write up a paragraph description of your eBook idea, post it on your blog and e-mail it to Doug for feedback and approval, if you haven’t done so already.

2. Describe your navigational system using a content (“site”) map based on your bookmarks and links. This document will be due with your eBook, however you are encouraged to get feedback from Doug on it before you start building your eBook.

3. Create an eBook using Adobe Acrobat that includes the following components:
3.1. Cover
3.2. Title Page
3.3. Interactive Table of Contents
3.4. Body Content
3.5. Index
3.6. Security – password protected access (and be sure to give me the password)

4. And one or more of each of the following items:
4.1. Link to a web site
4.2. Movie link and Movie
4.3. Still photos
4.4. SFx (Audio sound effect)
4.5. Music
4.6. Graphic element
4.7. Bookmarks that support your navigational system
4.8. Internal links that support your navigational system
4.9. Link with different magnification setting
4.10. Go to view links
4.11. Javascript with form
4.12. Notes
4.13. Highlight Tool Use
4.14. Use of the Pencil Tool
4.15. Page open action
4.16. Page close action

5. Please make a list of where each of these items occurs in your eBook and turn it in along with your final eBook. (So I can find each item and give you credit for it.)

6. Also – let me know the relative percentage weights of your eBook and your web site for grading purposes.

7. Length of your eBook is up to you. It will be due the last day of class, but you are encouraged to get it done and turn it in sooner so you can focus on your web site.

8. Extra credit – use the following items:
8.1. Use of the Square tool, line tool and circle tool
8.2. One or more articles
8.3. Digital Signature
8.4. File attachment tool
8.5. Open file link (be sure to include file)
8.6. Read article link
8.7. Show/Hide field link

Epub491F02
Web Site assignment

Required (This will sound familiar)
1. List your top project goals in 1-2 sentences each. Make them measurable if possible.(Project Goals)
2. Select and describe your target users or user groups, the ones you need to reach in order to achieve your goals. (User Understanding – User Profiles)
3. Write out in a brief paragraph your key scenarios – the description of your user and the goals he or she will be trying to accomplish when they use your web site. (Scenarios)
4. List the top task or tasks your users will need to perform on your site in order to achieve your goals and their goals.(User Tasks)
5. List the features, functionality and content on your site that will be needed to support your project goals, your user’s goals and your user’s tasks. (Features, Functions and Content Matrix: 1-2 page table)
6. Estimate the level of effort for each major feature, chunk of content or piece of functionality. What will be acquired and what will you need to create? Do you have enough time to do it all? If not, re-scope appropriately. (Project Estimate - You can add this to your Features, Functions and Content matrix or do it as a project plan with your time and other resources included.)
7. Describe your navigational system using a home page wireframe and a site map based on your bookmarks and links.
8. Create and launch a web site using Dreamweaver that includes the items covered in class. (Specific list will be posted for third Dreamweaver lab)
9. Please make a list of where each of these items occurs in your web site and turn it in along with launching your final site and sending me the URL. (So I can find each element and give you credit for it.)
10. Also – let me know the relative percentage weights of your eBook and your web site.
11. The size of your site is up to you. All of this is due the last day of class, however, you are encouraged to get feedback from me at any and all points in your development process.

Read this article as the IA handout reading for 10/15-22/02
UseIt

Here is a free event on content management you might want to attend:
AIIM Content Management Solutions Seminar
Thursday, October 24, 2002
8:00am - 3:00pm
Boston Marriott Copley Place
110 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02116
617-236-5800
More Info

Check out the links to the left. I recommend subscribing to the useit.com and clickz free newsletters. Also lot's of valuable IA tools and information on Dreamweaver.

In case you are wondering about what to prepare for the coming week's class (Tuesday, 10/22/02). See if this helps.

1) You need to complete the scavenger hunt and have it posted to your Blog by 9:00 AM, Saturday, 10/19/02 (See posting below for details.)

2) Also, by 9:00 AM, Saturday, 10/19/02, you need to e-mail me your e-book idea. In order to stay on schedule, you should have your e-book idea fairly well defined - a good idea of what content you are planning to include and how you will be structuring that content (your information architecture). This class blog also has some more detail around thinking about your e-book idea (below this).You should also post your idea on your blog.

3) If you haven't done it already, make sure that you have added me to your team so I can comment directly on your Blog.

4) And, of course, you need to have done the two weeks worth of readings on the updated readings list.
Read this article as the IA handout reading for 10/15-22/02
UseIt
(And remember to always bring all your books to class if you want them to use during the open book quizzes.)

In class, there will be two big events. The first is that each of you will have time with your small group to brainstorm and critique your ideas for using the three e-publishing channels we are covering this term: blogs, e-books and web sites. You should definitely discuss your e-book idea with your group, and with me.

You may not have anything you want to discuss with your group regarding your blog - maybe you like it fine the way it is. Or, you might be thinking about how to soup it up given what we are learning about information architecture, navigation and usability. This is your chance to see how others react.

As far as the web site goes, you don't have to have your final idea defined yet. But you should be on the road to defining a goal, users, topics, content themes, style and tone and overall structure. You can use your small group time to help you refine your ideas if you want.

The second is that we will be starting our Dreamweaver workshops. These will take at least half of the next three class sections. These are classes you really won't want to miss - they will be difficult to make up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What will I be able to do with the web site I build for class?
You will be able to use dreamweaver to construct a basic content site that people can browse and navigate for all types of content, including multi-media. We will also be getting into cascading style sheets and interactive forms. You will not be able to do database driven dynamic content - or at least not much of it. You also won't be able to deliver much functionality beyond browsing and navigating.

Unfortunately, with this explanation, you may not know much more than you did before you asked the question. It is the kind of topic you need to see, not read about. One thing you can do is visit the Macromedia Dreamweaver site - it is full of demo's about what you can do with Dreamweaver. (We will be using version 4, not MX.)

Do you check your e-mail every day?
I try to, but not always. This weekend, for rexample, I had to tear apart my computer system at home and rebuild one of my three hard drives. Also, I usually only check it in the evenings. I encourage you to call my cell phone (617-877-9349) and leave a message if your question is urgent. Urgent means that it is holding up your classwork in some way or your understanding of the material we are covering. I have lots of minutes in my plan, so don't worry about calling. I want you to have the information you need to keep learning.

How did I do on my first quiz?
I will send you an e-mail before class on 10/22/02 with your quiz results as well as an overall progress report for how you are doing overall.

What exciting and world-changing e-publishing topics will be covering in the weeks to come?
Designing and publishing e-content for the most powerful and intelligent communication and publishing technology in the history of the human race - The World Wide Web. We start learning Dreamweaver on 10/22/02.