Unit 13 – Website Development

Introduction to Website Development

The web development unit covers the uses and features of websites and how to design, and develop a website to fulfill a predetermined list of specifications. This unit teaches students how to create a website, by looking closely at the development process for popular websites, in the current market. In this unit we explored the different types of websites and their use of interactive features to acquire a greater level of understanding when developing our own applications.

How Was This Unit Assessed?

This unit was an coursework assessed unit, through a series of four internally marked tasks, which demonstrate my knowledge and understanding of the website design, and development process. I was asked to submit four tasks to demonstrate my understanding of the subject, which were marked against the assessment criteria for the website development unit.

What I Have learnt

The unit was split in four tasks to cover the learning aims for the assessment criteria, which for this unit were learning aims A, B, C and D. There were different grading levels for each task, with pass, merit or distinction being the awarded grades for the completion of each of the criteria levels. To complete these tasks, we were given a scenario with a set list of criteria to develop a website for a client.

In learning aim A, I demonstrated my knowledge of the uses and features of a website by creating a PowerPoint presentation, explaining the key features of two different websites for the pass grade. Then reviewing how the features affect the usability and purpose of the website for the merit grade, and finally, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the websites for the distinction grade.

In learning aim B, I used the predetermined requirements for the given scenario to design a website for the client, The Jake Barnell British Values Foundation. I identified the purpose and user requirements for the website as specified in the client’s briefing. I then produced a proposed design solution using a range of tools to develop a prototype for the client, listing any assets and any interactive components included in my design. Then I produced an alternative design prototype, and justified my design decisions as to which design fulfilled the client’s requirements, as stated in the brief.

In learning aim C, I created the the proposed website using HTML and CSS code to program the website. I developed a website containing 8 inter-linked pages, which I then tested for functionality, gathered feedback to improve usability and refined the website based on the feedback I received.

In learning aim D, I reviewed the final website product against the client’s requirements, and evaluated the extent to which the website was suitable for the client’s needs while considering the feedback, changes and any constraints during the development of the app.

Reflection of How I Worked

I enjoyed producing this website, I did find it challenging to manipulate the code at times, such as the hand written code I developed for my drop-down menu which was done from scratch using W3 schools website as a guide. Developing this website was time consuming, but on the whole the experience was positive because it turned out so well.

If I could do it again, I would have asked for more support from my tutor, because in hindsight, I feel I put a huge amount of unnecessary pressure and strain on myself to get this website absolutely perfect, and it would’ve been a much easier process if I had asked for guidance and help.

What I need to further develop

I feel I need to further develop my knowledge of how to code using HTML and CSS or possibly looking into how to incorporate JavaScript code into a website, as before this task I had only created two other websites, and they weren’t created for a client, they were created for my own personal understanding of how to manipulate HTML and CSS code. I think it would be highly beneficial to keep expanding my knowledge of web development techniques.