Lab3. 30SEP

Part 1 (Page Layout/Tables)

1. Tags for tables
<table> Codes for the table itself.
<tr> Codes a table row.
<td> Codes a cell, and provides a way to insert text into the cell.
<caption> Gives the table a title.

2. 
colspan: Allows a cell to span a specified number of columns, so you can get a cell that's longer than the default for the table you're working in (i.e., within a grid where cells will have been specified to a given length and height).
rowspan: Like above except specifies "how many down", again, within a table with default and/or pre-specified cell properties and overriding these defaults.

4. I found coding tables absolutely fine and would have no aversion to using them in my webpages, though I accept that aesthetic or convenience concerns may become evident down the line as I develop more experience in coding pages. Tables seem very convenient in terms of coding for content that is to be laid out side by side.

Part 1 (Cognition)

5. Differences between Irish and Arabic web design.

1. RTL reading:
A lot of the difficulties in Arabic web design in general, of course, arise when switching a site from English (e.g.) to Arabic version. RTL vs. LTR is an obvious consideration in this regard. This is an issue even for images, which need to be chosen keeping RTL in mind (before and after photos come to mind).

2. Language:
Unfortunately, Arabic fonts still aren't supported overly widely in web media.

3. Cultural perception:
Interestingly, according to some Arabic designers, the internet is widely viewed as a sort of interactive tv in the Arabic world, which can cause difficulties in terms of scope for producing usable sites (Flash being seen as the default development medium was cited, with the obvious difficulties this causes in conjunction with slow internet speeds).

4. Cultural differences in terms of the profession:
Freelancing is reportedly rare in Arabic web development, with little communication in terms of freelance organisations and events being the case. Clients will often go to "Western" developers, while the ideal would clearly be having experienced and trusted Arabic developers availed of for Arabic web design.

6. Metaphors.

Metaphors relate to symbolism, basically. They denote things in a non-literal, symbolic manner. A very basic and common linguistic example coming to mind is the use of terms such as "dazzling", "brilliant", or "sparkling" to describe particularly impressive performances in something. Think Messi. The player or performance isn't literally luminous, but the metaphor helps relay a concept in an evocative and  readily relatable manner.

In web design, visual metaphors can be used to get ideas across quickly. The following graphic symbols, for instance:
1. Chains to denote links, often in blogging sites.
2. Colours, such as red denoting "danger" or importance. Something expiring, potential viruses, etc.
3. Again often in blogging, thumb-tacks denoting posts.
4. Exclamation marks in road sign-like triangles relating that an error has occurred.
5. Thumbs-up icons on YT to show you where/how to like a vid.

One can of course also use whatever visual imagery might relay a feel for what a brand is about.

7. Skeuomorphism vs. Flat Design.

a. Skeuomorphism is a graphic UI design genre that involves making graphic features (pictures on webpages or icons on a system desktop, e.g.) look realistic, by using textured design (such as "stitching" to give the inpression of gradients). As well as there being an aesthetic rationale for its use, some feel that it makes things clearer to the user, for example by making it more obvious what's clickable by "raising" an icon from the background.

b. Flat design is often seen as being more typography-friendly, as well as conferring a cleaner, more modern feel to UI's. One argument for the use of FD vs. SM is that people are now familiar enough with computer interfaces that icons etc. <i>are</i> now realistic everyday objects, and that they don't need contrived realism.

c. In terms of possible disadvantages of FD, it has been cited as having less personality and being less user-engaging, and that it may also make it less clear what's clickable. FD has become more popular in recent times, with a significant change towards this genre being particularly notable in Apple's most recent iOS, so perhaps usability will further increase with increasing familiarity.