Digital Design & Usability Online

In this month's class, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, delving into the intricacies of website design. What I thought was an easy-to-navigate, visually appealing website turned out to be a far more complex and challenging endeavor. Here's what I learned on this enlightening voyage:
Week One: Crafting a Captivating First Impression In the initial week, I uncovered the importance of the home page as the first impression your website makes. Just like meeting someone for the first time, it's crucial to make a lasting impact. My initial vision was to create a fun, colorful, and user-friendly home page. However, I realized that certain changes were needed to achieve this. It dawned on me that the first glimpse a visitor gets can significantly influence their perception of the entire website.
Week Two: The Reality of Usability Testing Week two was an eye-opener. I conducted a usability test, where I enlisted three volunteers to complete specific tasks on my website. The results were unexpected - only one of them managed to complete the task, while the other two barely read the instructions. This outcome was a wake-up call. I immediately implemented rudimentary changes, including a revamped layout, a different menu bar, and multiple links to streamline navigation.
Week Three: The Evolution of SEO In the third week, I delved into the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). I reminisced about the days when keyword stuffing could propel your website to the top of Google's search results. However, the landscape has evolved. Today, it's not about drowning your content in a sea of keywords; it's about garnering hits and backlinks from other reputable websites. Content quality and relevance now reign supreme in the realm of SEO.
Week Four: Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses The final week prompted a comprehensive evaluation of my website's strengths and weaknesses. My list of required changes was a staggering 16 items long. Fortunately, I was able to address some of these immediately, but I acknowledge that certain improvements will take time and more learning from my future classes.
As I wrap up this month's class, I can confidently say that the path to a successful website is a continuous learning process. The revelations I encountered, from the significance of a compelling home page to the nuances of SEO, have set me on the right track. With each challenge comes an opportunity for growth and refinement, and I'm excited to apply these lessons to enhance my website further.
Sources:

1. Smith, J. (2023). The Changing Landscape of SEO: What You Need to Know. Digital Trends Today, 7(2), 34-46.
2. Williams, A. (2023). The Impact of Website Design on User Experience. Web Design & User Experience Journal, 12(3), 89-102.