This module discussed the three layers of the Web Interaction Model.
Components such as Signs and Metaphors, Information Architecture, and navigation give organization and meaning to what the end user sees and interacts with. Software applications on both the client side and the server side make the experience possible. You will learn more about applying design principles and software evaluation in later courses.
For now, you should be able to:
- Describe how the terms Signs and Metaphors apply in the Web interaction context
- Explain how Information Architecture is used to organize design information
- Explain how Web navigation applies the principles of Information Architecture to access information on a Web page
- Explain the software layer and its components
- Describe server-side and client-side applications
- Describe how a database is used for storing other software files or components
- Describe the advantages of bundled software solutions
In this module, you were introduced to the following glossary terms:
- Browser: A web browser is a software application used to locate and display Web pages, and to offer other services related to the Internet.
- Icon: a graphic symbol on a computer display screen that represents an app, an object (such as a file), or a function (such as the command to save)
- Site mapsThere are three primary kinds of site map:
1) Site maps used during the planning of a website by its designers. 2) Human-visible listings of the pages on a website. 3) Structured listings intended for web crawlers such as search engines.
The next module will develop your knowledge of the remaining two layers that fit within the Web Interaction Model:
Networks and the Internet and hardware.