Below are the gridded websites (apologies for the bad lighting):
Flow Diagram
We then produced flow diagrams to show the navigation of our websites. You can see below how my website will work. I may change the 'search' page, to just a search bar, as I feel it may not be needed as a clickable link.
Navigation Discussion
As a group / class, we discussed common navigation seen on a website, and also uncommon navigation.
Common
Scroll Bar
Hyperlinks - highlighted
Links in the top / right hand side of the page
'Read more'
>> Expressing last page
> Next group of pages
Page numbers
Thumbnails before opening images
Uncommon
No scroll bar
No links - everything on one page
Landing pages
Menu on the right / bottom
Just left to right scrolling
Pictures only / no text
Paralax scrolling / dynamic content
How to these structures help / hinder the design?
I think the use of grids in web layout (or in any layout) is hugely important. Grids can help separate hyperlinks on pages into sections which fit their function better. They can also help you navigate around the page. The use of common layout features in web also help with navigation, such as links in the top left. We also learnt to associate different layout with different types of websites. One example of this could be the use of tags in blogs always seem to be positioned on the right hand side.
Despite the use of grids that seem quite complex, the completed designs above all seem minimal and functional. Aesthetics & functionality seem to go hand in hand, which is essential in all areas of design, but especially a website. Functionality means navigation is made easy, guiding the viewer to their chosen pages. However, aesthetic choices are equally as important. It's just as easy to click off a website as it is to click onto one.
