Added Forum Topics? - Page 2

**John Scott** · 10-16-2003, 07:40 AM

Jazzee's decision.

Jazzee · 10-16-2003, 07:45 AM

Oh great.

On one hand, it could be good to seperate that out as it's own forum. On the other hand, I don't think we want to end up with so many forums here that some are mostly empty.

Too many sections might scare some people away. (possible new members)

Maybe keep those discussions in the Web Design Lobby at first and if there gets to be a lot of topics on the subject, move it to its own forum?

raciviusdawn · 10-16-2003, 08:09 AM

You're clear for take-off then....will you simply adjust the Web Design Lobby description?

GEWbert · 10-16-2003, 11:18 AM

hmmm, how about an official "Hail the Admins" Forum?

Cibok · 10-16-2003, 11:31 AM

Make a forum for registered members only!
That way i can post some stuff that aren't for public eyes $

Brian · 10-16-2003, 11:35 AM

I think we need a forum dedicated to me.

Bubo · 10-16-2003, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian

I think we need a forum dedicated to me.

Nah, I think a forum dedicated to Braada's monkey would attract a wider audience.

PhilC · 10-16-2003, 11:46 AM

and another one dedicated to me - for the purpose of heaping praise upon me.

Bubo · 10-16-2003, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilC

and another one dedicated to me - for the purpose of heaping praise upon me.

Nah, the monkey is cuter than you. I mean, look at him! Who can resist that besceptacled face?

PhilC · 10-16-2003, 11:56 AM

LOL - I'm persuaded

I like pie · 10-16-2003, 02:16 PM

Just a thought, but perhaps a forum faq / rule / technical info board?

I'm not sure how important rules are here, I'm sure most of us are mature enough to avoid common sense rule breaks, but I can see the use of an announcements forum on the top, where you could also place a nice faq, and technical info such as what version of phpBB you're running and what hacks/mods you have installed.

Coffeee™ · 10-17-2003, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian

I think we need a forum dedicated to me.

Nah, I think a forum dedicated to Braada's monkey would attract a wider audience.

Wait! Isn't that monkey Brian himself?

-Strychnine

**LazyJim** · 10-17-2003, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzee

Too many sections might scare some people away. (possible new members)

Definately agreed.

**LazyJim** · 10-17-2003, 02:59 AM

I'm a (wannabe) usability expert! I understand the importance of it, and am on a never-ending journey to understanding it completely and putting it to good use with ease.

I was very dissapointed to see the Web Design forum demoted to a Lobby.

All the other forums under the Web Development heading are to do with building or hosting web sites, with the exception of graphic design - which covers only a small part of design.

This is a classic case of misunderstanding the term design.
See my topic Real Design where I touch on the subject.

Design is:
1. to plan the route from problem to solution.
2. to conceive in the mind - invent.
3. a decorative or artistic work.

The fact is Web Development is no exception to the basic design principles.
The development life-scycle starts with a problem, which must be analysed, and the goals defined. Ideas are then generated and evaluated until one is chosen to be the best. The chosen solution is implimented (built and installed). Followup is also part of the development cycle - evaluating and testing and the problem may not be solved or new problems uncovered, so the cycle goes round again.
Carrying out the whole development process is designing.

I will probably put these views into a web site, as they are a bit too specialised for this forum/site.

However I do suggest you provide the means for discussing all the stages of the Development Cycle.

A lot of self-proclaimed web designers don't know the first thing about design, but don't realise what they lack. One reason for this is very good sites such as this don't provide any clues whatsoever that there is more to web design than just graphics and coding.

**John Scott** · 10-17-2003, 03:30 AM

Jim,

Here's my thing. I'm totally confused by "usability". Is it a function of web design? Then shouldn't it go in the web design forum? Or is its purpose to serve the marketing objectives? then put it in the marketing forum.

See, I'm confused. What is one principle of usability that does not fall under another category? (That is NOT a rhetorical question.)

Usability - help me out here. What purpose does it serve (besides itself).

**LazyJim** · 10-17-2003, 03:44 AM

OK
First read my answer in the design lobby, although it is not directly an answer to your question: http://www.internet-marketing-resear...php?t=389#5160

Quote:

What is one principle of usability that does not fall under another category?

Not sure that's the right question to be asking - there is no one principle of usability that does not apply to more than one category.

You have to remember that web sites are built for a reason, sometimes usability is more important than other times. For example, when the site must sell a product it is important the site users find it easy to do so. Whereas for an entertainment site, the emphasis is on the experience of the site, rather than completing a task, (but it still has to be usable otherwise the experience will be tarnished or even worse, inaccessible).

Marketing objectives should be defined in the same stage of development as usability objectives.
If you define no marketing objectives and design no marketing plan or methods, you risk zero visitors.
If you define no usability objectives and design an un-usable site, you risk your visitors being blocked from your content, and they leave.

- Simple as.

**John Scott** · 10-17-2003, 03:51 AM

Congrats. You are now moderator of the new Usability forum.

Brian · 10-17-2003, 03:52 AM

Congrats LJ!

**LazyJim** · 10-17-2003, 03:59 AM

I think the main goal of usability is to help users use your site without realising it.
If they have to think about how to use your site on the consious level then it's extra effort, and may cause them to reject your site.

Usability is about taking away bad things about your interface, it can't really add good things, because it is a good thing in itself.
Creating a fun interface or attractive ones, scores you extra points, but they are useless if points are lost due to inadequate usability.
Create an invisible interface between your visitors and your site, and they will have no negative thoughts or feelings about your site's usability.

**LazyJim** · 10-17-2003, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnScott

Congrats. You are now moderator of the new Usability forum.

LOL thanks

This addition of topics is a good thing, although you might find there are MORE, usability is only one aspect of design/development, and while important, I think if/when I/we eventually think of a better category we should change the Usability forum to a more general one aimed at the parts of design not otherwise covered, - but not as general as the web design lobby.