Project: Implement your eMe

Where are we?

You’ve got the framework, chosen a design. Time to make your site.

This lesson’s goals

  • Finish your eMe.
  • Celebrate! Woohoo!!

Your directory tree

Make a directory tree. It’s best to make the tree reflect the information architecture of your site.

You might end up changing the tree later. When you create and use your templates – the next two steps – you might figure out better ways to arrange your files. That happens to me all the time.

Exercise: Your eMe directory tree

Create the directory tree for your site.

Put it on a Web page on your server. Enter the URL below.

(Log in to enter your solution to this exercise.)

Create template(s)

Create the template(s) you want to use for your site.

Remember to make a copy of your work now and then. If you get confused, you can always go back to the most recent copy.

Exercise: Make your eMe templates

Create the template(s) for your eMe. Be sure that you can understand the existing design before you start changing it.

Hint: If you have trouble with a special feature of the existing design (like advanced mouseover effects for the navbar), think about dropping the feature.

Upload the template(s) to your server. Enter the URL below.

(Log in to enter your solution to this exercise.)

Use template(s)

Make every page in your structure map. For each one, copy a template, then change it to make the new page.

You might have to change the templates as you go. That’s OK. I often find there are things I don’t think of until I’m actually working with the templates.

Exercise: Use your eMe templates

Create your site using the templates. Then upload the site to your server.

Don’t forget to put the URL below.

(Log in to enter your solution to this exercise.)

When you’re done, you have your entire site! W00f! W00f! W00fity w00f!! Celebrate!

Summary

Weehoo! You did it! You’ve finished your site!

Want to make a site for a business? You know how. Follow the same steps:

  • Set up a development site.
  • Set goals.
    • Goals for the owner.
    • Goals for the users.
  • Design a framework.
    • Create the information architecture.
    • Make one or more page layouts.
    • Describe the look and feel.
    • Choose an existing design to modify.
  • Implement the site.
    • Make a directory tree.
    • Create a template HTML file for each layout.
    • Use the templates to build the site.
  • Celebrate!

What now?

Exercises!