Web Design and Usability
Course Specifications
Course number: 085563
Software: Dreamweaver MX
Course length: 2.0 day(s)
Course Description
For many new or intermediate Web designers, it's difficult to know where to start when designing a site. It's easy to make the mistake of assuming that the functionality of a site will take shape over time, or the design will fall into place as you build the site. This course provides guidance in how to plan and design functional, successful Web sites. 
Course Objective: You will design sites that meet good design and usability guidelines, and market sites so that they can be easily found online. 

Target Student: Individuals who are getting started in Web design and development. They may be taking on additional job responsibilities to work on a company Web site. They know the basic steps to create a Web site, but do not know design or usability principles. 

Prerequisites: One of the following: HTML Level 1, Dreamweaver Level 1, FrontPage Level 1, GoLive Level 1. 

Delivery Method: Instructor led, group-paced, classroom-delivery learning model with structured hands-on activities.
Hardware Requirements
Platform Requirements
·	Windows 
Software Requirements
·	Any browser, such as Microsoft Explorer or Netscape Navigator. 
·	Macromedia Dreamweaver MX. 
·	Optional—an image editor such as Adobe Photoshop or Macromedia Fireworks. 
Performance-Based Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 
·	gather information to create a Web site.
·	create a mock-up for a site. 
·	develop content for the Web. 
·	perform usability testing on a Web site.
·	publicize a Web site. 
Course Content
Lesson 1: Planning a Web Site
Topic 1A: Determine the Site Mission
Topic 1B: Determine the Audience
Topic 1C: Choose a Domain Name
Topic 1D: Organize Content
Topic 1E: Determine Technologies for a Site

Lesson 2: Creating a Mock-up
Topic 2A: Choose Images
Topic 2B: Choose Colors
Topic 2C: Apply Design Principles
Topic 2D: Create a Mock-up

Lesson 3: Developing Readable Content for the Web
Topic 3A: Choose Fonts
Topic 3B: Improve Readability

Lesson 4: Site Testing
Topic 4A: Perform Usability Testing
Topic 4B: Validate a Site

Lesson 5: Publicize a Site
Topic 5A: Increase Search Engine Rankings
Topic 5B: Market a Site