Name: Laramy Wells

Note: This assignment uses the Visual Design Checklist from page 71 of Smaldino, Lowther, and Russell, Instructional Technology and Media for Learning, 9th ed. Copyright 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Visual Elements:

Exemplary Acceptable PoorArrangement xBalance xColor xLegibility x

Comments: I would like to bring more visual elements to my page. It is very colorful but is in need of texture. Everything is legible and balanced, although the text could stick out a bit more.

Text Elements:

Exemplary Acceptable PoorStyle xSize xSpacing xColor xUse of capitals x

Comments: There isn’t a whole range of variety in the style. Most of the text has the same font. The size is good…you can read it but it isn’t too large. Everything is spaced well and nothing appears to be too off that it is noticeable to the eye.

Appeal:

Exemplary Acceptable PoorSurprise xTexture xInteraction x

Comments: This is the weakest area. There are some interesting effects as the pages slide down but there isn’t much in terms of surprises. Having the standards appear after you roll your mouse over the title is pretty good though. The look is very simple and basic and could use some texture. The site does need more interaction.

Reflection:

Based on the results of your application of the Visual Design checklist (above) to your PBWorks portfolio, describe the changes you will make to your portfolio to improve its visual design.

Web design has not been something I have had much experience with in my career. I have worked on many flipcharts over the past five years but it took a good two years before I really felt comfortable in designing the slides for the ActivBoard. I feel the same will come with my portfolio. Hopefully with time I can make my portfolio very eye-catching and interesting to view.

Until then, I would like to play with some clipart that I could add to my page for more character. I also need to play around with the effects and transitions that are available to me on wix.com. Using the free account does come with limitation, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have a great looking site.