Colours and textures

Community site break-down

After breaking down which site would need/ could do with and without. I came to the decision that a redesign for AVT: Gaming would be a little more interesting for me to do, as well as having a bit more substance to the actual site. Although that may increase my workload a bit I think the final product will ultimately be better than, the Scottish community.

CSS

Week 2, using CSS in conjunction with HTML

Cumunity sites

Some more ideas for my community site.

A  New Zealand Scottish community, for people who have Scottish heritage. Or even just people interested in the culture of Scotland. The site will feature things like, a forum. For people to discuss interests, their families clan, organize events etc. For this site in particular I was thinking for it to have a strong charitable aspect, similarly to that of/ or work in conjunction with the Scottish Athletics club located in Wellington. Which track and celebrate Scottish events, and Scottish athletes.

Another idea I quite liked the idea of was a redesign of Adversity gaming, a New Zealand gaming community  site focused on the more competitive aspect of games. The site would need to continue its forum, with the same or similar divisions based on subject. The general aesthetic of gaming or game related sites is typically comprised of black, greys and/ or dark colours often with metal or carbon fibre textures. Often with a futuristic, technological look to them with buttons sometimes looking like little metallic objects.

Cyborg gaming, uses a sleek metallic look 

MLG (Major league Gaming) Using a dark interface with a texture

IGN, Mostly black interface (which changes with new game releases)

Machinima, Dark textured interface

Razor, Dark textured interface

Steam, dark textured interface

For a redesign I would try to avoid using a dark interface, however may retain some of the textures. To maintain a common link to other gaming sites, while trying to make the Adversity gaming somewhat more unique than it currently is.

Community site ideas

Some initial ideas about my community site

I have also thought, and quite liked the idea of a New Zealand based computer guide/ advice site. The site will be mostly user submitted with things like Hardware and software reviews and recommendations. troubleshooting will be user answered with a system that works like Yahoo answers or Firefalls Athena system, both systems work with users posting questions which will be organised into categories. Also with separate tabs for people who have proven themselves helpful and knowledgeable. 

Screen Caps of Website excercises

Website research

CNTRL+Paint, is a free online digital painting resource. The site was made, and is maintained by digital artist Matt Kohr. The site also contains Kohrs’ online portfolio as well as information regarding hiring him and suggestions for the site. CNTRL+Paint has small very loyal community interested in the techniques used in digital art works, accomplished with videos, made by Kohr, explaining techniques and theories behind art and design. The site has a number of free educational videos along with in-depth premium (must be purchased) videos. Most of the videos featured on the site have been requested by the users on the blog, forum and Deviant-art group.

Adversity gaming is a New Zealand based gaming site aimed at more serious gamers. The site offers a forum where users organise LANs, discuss games and competitive strategy. The site was originally intended as just a New Zealand based gaming forum, however it has somewhat evolved into competition organising as well. Currently there are one or two competitions every year, one in Auckland and one in Wellington. Most of the sites content forums, news and media are all user supplied from events they have attended.

Lit Pub is literature based site focused on recommending and promoting books. What separated this smaller more community driven site, than larger similar site like The Book Depository. Are the kinds of books recommended and sold in the store, there appeared to be less of the best sellers’ list books and more under the radar books. This is likely due to the fact that they offer a publishing service to less well known authors and promoting their books.