APGR72 Week 6 Lecture: Web Graphics (page 1 of 4)

This week we're going to focus on different techniques for making the graphics on your web pages interesting, original and integrated into your site design. The goal is to move beyond boxy, plunked-on-the-page graphics and explore more creative ideas such as collages, edge effects, coloring effects, intriguing backgrounds etc.

As you all already know: "a picture is worth a thousand words." Pictures (images, graphics) can really liven up a page and break up lengthy text content. They can also help you to create a powerful mood and enhance a message. It's also important to recognize their importance as a design tool... graphics can help you to apply a variety of design principles such as alignment, eyeflow, contrast, repetition, rhythm etc. to your pages.

So, are there any disadvantages to using images on your web pages? One that immediately comes to mind is download speed. Large graphics can take a painfully long time to download and most web surfers won't wait around for them. Another problem might be distraction. Poorly handled graphics scattered all over the page are likely to distract (or even repel) the viewer from the content. It's important to explore ways to prevent these two problems from happening.

Now let's start to explore the wonderful world of graphics and explore how they can help to make your web pages sizzle!