Unit 311 – Website Software

Aim of this unit

This unit is about the ability to use website software applications designed for planning, designing, and building websites.

On completion of this unit, a candidate should be able to select and use a range of advanced website software tools and techniques to develop multiple-page websites with multimedia and interactive features.

Website software tools and techniques will be defined as ‘advanced’ because:

• the software tools and functions used will be complex and at times involve having the idea that there may be a tool or function to do something (eg improve efficiency or create an effect), exploring technical support, self-teaching and applying;
• the development techniques will be complex, and will involve research, identification and application;
• the user will take full responsibility for planning and developing the structure, inputting, manipulating, adding multimedia or interactive features, and uploading and publishing the information.

Examples of context: Shopping website linked to product information and stock control database.

Section One:

1. Create structures and styles and use them to produce websites

In order to produce websites, one must create structures and styles. By doing so, one can produce creative and innovative websites that are both visually appealing and easy to use. While it is important to be creative in this process, it is also necessary to be structured and organized. This will help ensure that the website is both efficient and effective.

There are a variety of ways to create structures and styles. One can use a text editor, such as the one in WordPress, to create the structure of the website. This is done by creating a document and then adding various elements, such as headings, subheadings, and lists. Once the structure is created, one can then add style by adding colours, fonts, and images.

Another way to create structures and styles is to use a web development tool, such as Figma. This tool allows one to create both the structure and style of a website in one place. In addition, it also provides a variety of features that make creating websites easier, such as templates and tutorials.

Once the structure and style of the website have been created, one can then begin to add content. Content can be in the form of text, images, videos, or anything else that will help to inform and engage the audience. Once the content is added, one can then publish the website and make it available to the world.

Creating structures and styles and using them to produce websites is a great way to create innovative and visually appealing websites. By doing so, one can ensure that the website is both efficient and effective.

1.1 Determine what website content and layout will be needed for each page and for the site

Most websites are designed with a specific purpose in mind. Whether it is to provide information, sell a product or service, or simply entertain, the layout and content of a website must be planned out carefully in order to achieve its goal.

One of the most important aspects of website design is determining what content will be needed for each page and for the site as a whole. This includes deciding on the overall structure of the website, as well as deciding what topics each page will cover and what type of information will be included.

The layout is also critical and should be designed in such a way that it is easy for users to find the information they are looking for. Navigation menus should be clearly labelled and easy to use, and all content should be presented in an organized and visually appealing manner.

Careful planning of website content and layout will ensure that your site is effective in achieving its purpose and providing a positive user experience. Useful tools to visualise this process can be achieved with tools such as Miro or PowerPoint.

This is a placeholder for the website content and layout section. Here, you will need to determine what content will be needed for each page of your website. This includes deciding on the overall structure of the website, as well as deciding what topics each page will cover and what type of information will be included.

1.2 Plan and create web page templates to layout content

Designers of web page templates must plan the layout of content to be displayed on the web page. The layout will affect how the user perceives and interacts with the content. Different types of content require different types of layouts in order to be the most effective.

For example, a template for a news article will have a different layout than a template for a product page.

The layout of a web page template is created using HTML and CSS. HTML is used to define the structure of the content on the page, while CSS is used to style the content. A good web page template should use semantic HTML to structure the content, making it easy for search engines and screen readers to understand the meaning of the content. The CSS should be well-organized and easy to maintain.

When creating a web page template, designers must consider the following:

• The purpose of the web page
• The target audience of the web page
• The type of content that will be displayed on the web page
• The layout of other web pages on the site

Creating a well-designed web page template takes time and effort, but it is worth it to create a professional and user-friendly website.

Don’t be afraid to just use a plain piece of paper and a pen. Jotting down a rough draft of how you want the page to look and how the reader should flow through the website or individual page is crucial. Once you have a template drafted then it becomes easier to realise it when sitting in front of the computer.

Likewise, using other forms of software or techniques that can help you achieve this much-needed blueprint. Some examples are listed below:

• Word – standard text editor but good enough to draw a hierarchical list of what is required per web page
• PowerPoint – allows for a bit more of a visual approach and with the ability to move slides around, you can get a sense of the scale of the website
• Miro – a great online intuitive tool which allows you to mindmap the process and tweak it to create a printout.
• Whiteboard – simply sketching your ideas out during a brainstorming session with your team can be highly productive.
• Post-It Notes – finding a wall or window and using this as your canvas can give you a quick and clear idea of the layout of a website and its components.
• Figma – acquired by Adobe this online tool is the perfect bridge between designers and web developers to deliver a clear vision.

1.3 Select and use website features and structures to enhance website navigation and functionality

Most websites are designed with a number of features and structures in mind that enhance navigation and functionality. Selecting the right ones to use can make all the difference for users visiting your website.

Some common features and structures include menus, breadcrumbs, search bars, and contact forms. In order to select the right ones for your website, you need to understand what each one does and how it can be used to improve user experience.

Menus are a common website feature that allows users to navigate to different pages on the site. They can be static, meaning they always appear in the same spot on the page, or they can be dynamic, appearing in different places based on user interactions.

Selecting the right type of menu for your website will depend on the number of pages and the level of nesting you have. If you have a small website with only a few pages, a static menu may be the best option. If you have a large website with many pages and sub-pages, a dynamic menu may be better so that users can quickly and easily find what they are looking for.

Breadcrumbs are another common website feature that helps users understand their location within the site. They typically appear as a list of links above the content on a page, with the current page being the last link in the list.

Breadcrumbs can be helpful for users who are trying to find their way back to a previous page, or for those who want to see what other pages are available at the same level.

Search bars are a great way to allow users to quickly and easily find what they are looking for on a website. They can be located in the header or sidebar of a page, or they can be their own separate page. Search bars typically use keywords to search through the content on a site and return results that match the user’s query.

Contact forms are another common website feature that allows users to get in touch with the owner or administrator of a site. They can be used for general inquiries, feedback, or to request more information about a product or service. Contact forms typically include fields for the user’s name, email address, and message.

Selecting the right website features and structures can make all the difference in terms of user experience. Take some time to consider what your users need and want from your site, and then choose the features and structures that will best meet those needs.

1.4 Create, select and use styles to enhance website consistency and readability

Most people don’t realize that the way they format their text can have a major impact on how readable and consistent their website appears. Selecting the right font, size, and colour can make your website more visually appealing to your visitors while using the same style throughout your site will help to create a unified look.

One way to ensure that your website has a consistent look is to use styles. Styles are simply pre-defined formatting options that you can apply to your text. For example, you might have a style for all of your headings, or for your subheadings, or your body text.

Applying styles to your text is easy. In most web editing software, you can simply select the text you want to format and then click on the style you want to apply. The selected text will then automatically be formatted according to the style’s specifications.

If you want to create your own styles, or if you want more control over how your styles are applied, most web editing software also allows you to do this. Simply create a new style and then specify the font, size, colour, and other formatting options you want to use. You can then apply this style to any text on your website.

Creating and using styles is an easy way to make your website more consistent and readable. By taking the time to format your text using styles, you can give your website a professional look that will make it more appealing to your visitors.

1.5 Provide guidance on laws, guidelines and constraints that affect the content and use of websites

Websites are constrained by a variety of laws, guidelines and constraints that affect their content and use. Some of these include copyright law, trademark law, right of publicity law, privacy law, tort law and contract law. In order to ensure that your website is in compliance with all applicable laws, it is important to understand the basics of each.

Copyright law protects original works of authorship, such as literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, from unauthorized use.

Trademark law protects logos, slogans and other branding elements from being used without permission in a way that would create confusion about the source of the goods or services.

Right of publicity law prevents the unauthorized use of an individual’s name, image or likeness for commercial purposes.

Privacy law protects the personal information of website users from being collected and used without their consent.

Tort law allows individuals to sue for damages caused by another person’s wrongful act.

Contract law governs the terms of agreements between website owners and users, as well as between website owners and service providers.

It is important to consult with an experienced solicitor to ensure that your website complies with all applicable laws. Failure to do so could result in costly legal penalties.

1.6 Explain what access issues may need to be taken into account

When it comes to creativity, there are a lot of things that need to be taken into account. One of the most important is access. That is, having access to the resources you need in order to be creative. This may mean having enough time, being in the right environment, or having the necessary tools at hand.

Another important factor is distraction. Too many distractions can prevent you from focusing on what you need to do in order to be creative. This may include things like noise pollution or people constantly interrupting you. It can also mean being inundated with too much information, which can make it difficult to focus on any one thing.

Finally, you need to be able to take risks. This means being willing to try new things, even if they might fail. It’s important to remember that not every idea will be a winner, but the only way to find out is to try. So don’t be afraid to experiment and explore.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can set yourself up for success when it comes to being creative.

1.7 Explain when and why to use different file types for saving content

There are a number of different file types you can save your documents in, depending on what you need. In general, there are three types of files: text files, binary files, and image files. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Text files are the simplest type of file. They store information as plain text, which can be read by any program that supports text files. This makes them very versatile because they can be used with almost any software. However, they don’t store images or other multimedia content, so they’re not ideal for saving documents that include graphics or videos.

Binary files are designed to store multimedia content such as images and videos. They use a special format that is specific to the software used to create them, which means they can only be read by programs that support binary files. This makes them less versatile than text files, but it also means they take up less disk space and load faster than text files.

Image files are used to store digital images. They use a special format that is specific to the software used to create them, which means they can only be read by programs that support image files. This makes them less versatile than text or binary files, but it also means they take up less disk space and load faster than text or binary files.

1.8 Store and retrieve files effectively, in line with local guidelines and conventions where available

Most people have a difficult time organizing their files effectively. This can lead to lost information, wasted time, and even decreased productivity. However, there are a few simple guidelines that can help you store and retrieve your files more effectively. By following these guidelines, you can improve your efficiency and keep your work organized.

First, it is important to store files in a way that makes sense to you. This means creating a system that is easy for you to understand and follow.

For example, you may want to create folders for each project you are working on or store files by type (e.g., documents, images, etc.). Whatever system you choose, be sure to label everything clearly so that you can find what you need quickly and easily.

Second, it is also important to keep your files up-to-date. This means regularly backing up your work and updating any information that has changed. By keeping your files current, you can avoid losing important data and save yourself time in the long run.

Finally, it is also helpful to share your files with others. This can be done by using a shared network drive or by sending files electronically. By sharing your work, you can get feedback from others and collaborate on projects more effectively.

By following these simple guidelines, you can store and retrieve your files more effectively. By doing so, you can improve your efficiency and keep your work organized.

2. Select and use website software tools and features to develop multiple-page websites with multimedia and interactive features

Creating a website used to be a daunting task. It involved learning complicated programming languages and mastering complex software tools. But thanks to the amazing tools and features available today, anyone can create a professional-quality website in minutes, without any prior experience or special skills.

All you need is a basic understanding of how websites work, and a little bit of time to explore the different options available to you. There are dozens of software tools and features available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. You simply need to find the ones that best suit your needs and your budget.

Once you have selected your tools, it’s simply a matter of following the step-by-step instructions to put together your website. Most tools include built-in video tutorials that walk you through the process, so there is no need to worry if you are new to this type of thing.

In no time at all, you will have a beautiful website that is exactly what you wanted. It’s really that easy!

Some of the most popular website software tools and features include:

WordPress: WordPress is by far the most popular website software tool available today. It is used by millions of people around the world, and for good reason. It is easy to use, yet still powerful enough to create just about any type of website you can imagine. Best of all, it is completely free to use.

Wix: Wix is another popular website builder that offers a wide range of features and tools. It is slightly more expensive than WordPress, but still very affordable.

Weebly: Weebly is a great option if you are looking for an easy-to-use website builder with a focus on creating beautiful, modern websites.

Squarespace: Squarespace is ideal if you are looking for a stylish, professionally designed website. It offers expertly crafted templates and a wide range of features.

Shopify: Shopify is the perfect tool for creating an online store. It is packed with features and tools specifically designed for eCommerce websites.

There are many other great website software options available, so be sure to explore all of your options before making a final decision. And remember, even if you are not happy with your first website, it is easy to make changes and try again until you get it just right. So don’t be afraid to experiment!

The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. Creating a website can be a great way to express yourself, share your interests with the world, or even make some extra money. So go ahead and get started today! You might be surprised at just how easy and rewarding it can be.

2.1 Prepare content for web pages so that it is ready for editing and formatting

Most people are not familiar with the term “content preparation.” This is because it is a process that is often overlooked but plays an important role in website design and development. In short, content preparation refers to the steps taken to ensure that all content for a web page is ready for editing and formatting.

By taking this extra step, designers and developers can avoid messy and time-consuming edits later on, which can ultimately lead to delays in launching a website.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when preparing content for a web page.

1. All content should be written in plain text. This means that no HTML tags or other code should be included.
2. All content should be spell-checked and proofread before it is added to the page.
3. All images and other media should be saved in the correct file format and size.
4. All content should be organized into a logical structure that is easy to follow.

While it may seem like extra work, taking the time to prepare content for a web page can save a lot of time and hassle in the long run. By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your content is ready for editing and formatting, and that your website will be launched on time.

2.2 Organise and combine information needed for web pages in line with any copyright constraints, including across different software

Most people know that when it comes to creating websites, you need to be organized and have a good understanding of copyright laws. What many people don’t know, however, is that these two things are also necessary when it comes to combining information from different software programs.

Whether you’re copying and pasting text from a word document into a website or importing images from another program, it’s important to make sure that everything is correctly formatted and attributed. Not doing so can lead to legal trouble for both you and the person or company who owns the copyrighted material.

There are a few different ways to go about organizing and combining information for web pages. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is to simply copy and paste the desired content into the web page editor. This can work well for small amounts of text, but it can get messy quickly if you’re trying to transfer a large amount of information.

Additionally, you’ll need to be mindful of any copyright restrictions that may apply to the material you’re copying. For example, if you’re copying an article from a news website, you’ll need to make sure that you don’t violate any fair use laws.

Another option is to use a program like Adobe Dreamweaver to transfer information from one software program to another. Dreamweaver has a built-in FTP client that makes it easy to transfer files between your computer and a web server.

Additionally, Dreamweaver can format HTML code so that it looks clean and consistent on a web page. If you’re not familiar with HTML, Dreamweaver can also be used to create entire websites without having to write any code.

Finally, if you’re working with a lot of images or other media files, you may want to consider using a program like Adobe Photoshop or Canva to transfer them to your web page. Photoshop and Canva have a number of tools that make it easy to crop, resize, and optimize images for the web. Additionally, both packages can be used to create custom graphics and logos for your website.

No matter which method you choose, it’s important to make sure that all of the information on your web page is correctly attributed and formatted. Taking the time to do this will help you avoid any legal trouble down the road.

2.3 Select and use appropriate editing and formatting techniques to aid meaning

As you develop your website, it is important to use appropriate editing and formatting techniques in order to help your readers understand the content. The use of bold text, italics, and headings can help break up the text and make it easier to read. Additionally, using images and multimedia can also help illustrate your points and keep your readers engaged.

When selecting which techniques to use, it is important to consider your audience and what will help them best understand your content. For example, if you are writing for a technical audience, using more technical terms and jargon may be appropriate. However, if you are writing for a general audience, it is important to use language that is easy to understand.

Additionally, it is also important to ensure that your website is accessible to all users. This means using techniques that will work for users with disabilities, such as adding alt text to images and providing transcripts for videos. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your website is accessible to everyone.

2.4 Select and use appropriate programming and development techniques to add features and enhance websites

Web development is the process of creating a website for the internet or an intranet. It can be done by a web developer, who is someone who specializes in web development, or by anyone who knows how to use HTML and CSS mainly to create a static website.

Web development usually starts with a client who has an idea for a website. The developer then works with the client to create a plan for the website, which includes the layout, design, and functionality. Once the plan is approved, the developer begins working on the website.

The first step in creating a website is to create the structure, or skeleton, of the site. This includes the layout of the pages and the navigational structure. The developer then adds content to the website, which can be in the form of text, images, videos, or anything else that is needed.

Once the content is added, the developer then adds functionality to the website, which can include search forms, contact forms, or anything else that is needed.

Once the website is completed, the developer then works with the client to test the site and make sure it is working properly. Once the site is launched, the developer may continue to work on it to add new features or fix any problems that arise.

All this is subject to the requirements of the client and what they wish the website to achieve.

2.5 Select and use file formats that make information easier to download

People are creatures of habit, and when it comes to file formats, many of us stick with the same ones over and over again. This can be a problem when different software or devices can’t read the same format, making it difficult or impossible to access the information we’ve saved.

Luckily, there are a number of different file formats available that make downloading information easier. Some formats are more common than others, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Knowing which format to use in any given situation can save you time and hassle.

For example, the Portable Document Format (PDF) is a great choice for documents that you want to be sure will look the same no matter where they’re viewed. PDFs can be read on just about any device or computer, and they preserve the original formatting of your document.

On the other hand, if you need to edit a document, a PDF is not the best choice. For that, you’ll want to use a file format that can be easily edited, such as a Microsoft Word document (.docx) or an OpenDocument Text document (.odt).

When it comes to images, the JPEG format is one of the most widely used. JPEGs are smaller in file size than other image formats, making them ideal for web use. They can be opened and edited in most image-editing software.

However, JPEGs are not the best choice for printing images. For that, you’ll want to use a format such as TIFF or EPS. These formats retain more detail and produce sharper images when printed.

Choosing the right file format can make a big difference in how easy it is to download and use information. Knowing which formats to use will save you time and frustration.

2.6 Check web pages meet needs, using IT tools and making corrections as necessary

When creating or editing a web page, it’s important to make sure that the content meets the needs of your clients and audience. There are a number of different tools and software available to help you do this, such as checkers which can help identify errors and make corrections.

One popular tool for checking web pages is the W3C Markup Validation Service. This free service allows you to enter a web page address or upload a file, and then check the markup for errors. It also provides information on how to fix any errors that are found.

Another useful tool is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Checklist. This checklist can help you ensure that your web content is accessible to people with disabilities. It includes a number of different guidelines, each of which has a corresponding checker tool.

Another popular tool used to assess web pages is Google’s PageSpeed Insights. This tool analyzes a web page and provides recommendations on how to improve its performance. This can be particularly helpful in ensuring that your web pages load quickly and efficiently.

Ultimately, there is no single perfect tool for checking all aspects of a web page. However, using a combination of different tools can help you create pages that are error-free and accessible to all audiences.

3. Publish and test multiple-page websites with multimedia and interactive features

Creating a website used to be a difficult task that required coding knowledge and specialized software. But thanks to the proliferation of content management systems (CMS), anyone can create and publish a website in minutes, without any prior experience or technical knowledge. In fact, there are now dozens of CMS options available, each with its own set of features and benefits.

One such CMS is WordPress, which is used by millions of people around the world. WordPress is popular because it’s easy to use, yet still offers a wide range of features and customization options. Plus, there are countless WordPress tutorials available online, so you can learn as you go.

Creating a Multiple-Page Website with WordPress

Creating a website with WordPress is easy. To get started, all you need is a domain name and hosting. Once you have those, you can install WordPress and start building your site.

If you want to create a multiple-page website, the first thing you need to do is create a new page. To do this, log into your WordPress dashboard and click on the “Pages” link in the left-hand sidebar. Then, click on the “Add New” button.

Give your page a title and then add your content in the main editor area. When you’re finished, click on the “Publish” button to make your page live.

Repeat this process for each additional page you want to add. Once you have all of your pages created, you can start linking them together. To do this, simply edit the page you want to link from and add a link to the other page in the editor area.

Adding Multimedia and Interactive Elements

In addition to text, you can also add multimedia elements to your WordPress pages. This could include images, videos, audio files, and more.

To add an image, click on the “Add Media” button in the editor area. This will bring up the WordPress media library, where you can upload or select an existing image. Once your image is added, you can insert it into your page by clicking on the “Insert into post” button.

To add a video, you can upload it to your WordPress media library in the same way as an image. Alternatively, you can embed a video from YouTube or another video-sharing site. To do this, simply copy and paste the embed code into the editor area.

You can also add audio files to your WordPress pages. To do this, click on the “Add Media” button and then select the “Upload Files” tab. From here, you can upload your audio files in the same way as images. Once they’re uploaded, you can insert them into your page by clicking on the “Insert into post” button.

If you want to add interactive elements to your pages, there are a few WordPress plugins you can use. For example, the WPForms plugin allows you to add forms, surveys, and polls to your pages. There are also plugins for adding social media buttons, maps, and more.

3.1 Select and use appropriate testing methods to check that all elements and features of complex websites are working as planned

Testing a website before it goes live is essential to ensure that all the features and elements are working as planned. In order to do this, you need to use appropriate testing methods. There are many different types of testing methods, and the one you choose will depend on the specific website and its features.

Some common types of testing include:

• manual testing
• automated testing
• exploratory testing

Manual testing is the process of testing a website manually, without using any automated tools. This can be done by running through all the features and elements of the site and checking that they work as expected.

Manual testing is a good option for small websites with a limited number of features. It’s also a good way to get started with testing, as it’s relatively simple and doesn’t require any special tools or knowledge. However, manual testing can be time-consuming and it’s not suitable for large websites with many features.

Automated testing is the process of using software to automate the testing process. This can be done by using a tool to record your actions as you test the website and then playback the recordings to check that everything works as expected.

Automated testing is a good option for large websites with many features, as it can save you a lot of time. However, it can be expensive to set up, and you need to have some knowledge of programming in order to use it effectively.

Exploratory testing is a type of testing where you explore the website, without following any specific plan or script. This can be done by trying out all the features and seeing what happens.

Exploratory testing is a good way to find unexpected bugs and issues. However, it’s not suitable for large websites with many features, as you might miss some important tests.

When choosing a testing method, it’s important to consider the specific website and its features. You also need to think about your own skills and knowledge, and how much time you have available. Once you’ve selected a testing method, you can start testing the website to make sure everything works as planned.

3.2 Identify any quality problems with websites and explain how to respond to them

When you browse the web, you may come across websites with quality problems. These problems can be anything from typos and incorrect information to broken links and distorted graphics. In most cases, these errors are easy to spot and correct. However, if left unchecked, they can damage a website’s reputation and cause customers to lose trust in the business.

Fortunately, there are several ways to address website quality problems. The most common approach is to use a spell checker to find and correct spelling mistakes, but there are also many other tools that can help.

For example, a grammar checker can identify incorrect usage of words or phrases, while a link checker can find broken links on a page. There are also tools that can test for browser compatibility and screen resolution issues.

If you encounter any quality problems on a website, the best thing to do is take corrective action as soon as possible. This will help ensure that the site remains trustworthy and error-free for visitors.

Some of the best tools to rectify these problems include:

• Grammarly
• Hemingway Editor
• Jetpack for WordPress
• Yoast SEO for WordPress
• Google Search Console
• MozBar
• W3C Markup Validation Service
• WebAIM Wave Accessibility Tool
• Google Lighthouse
• Sitebulb
• DeepCrawl

3.3 Select and use an appropriate programme to upload and publish the website and make sure that it will download efficiently

There are many different programmes that can be used to upload and publish a website. While some of these programmes are more popular than others, all of them have their own benefits and drawbacks. In order to make an informed decision about which programme is right for you, it is important to understand the differences between them.

One popular programme for uploading and publishing websites is WordPress. WordPress is free to use, and it comes with a wide variety of templates and plugins that allow you to personalize your website. However, WordPress can also be difficult to use for people who are not familiar with coding languages.

Another popular programme for uploading and publishing websites is Adobe Dreamweaver. Adobe Dreamweaver is a paid programme, but it comes with many features that are not available in other programmes. For example, Dreamweaver allows you to create responsive websites that will look good on any device. However, Dreamweaver can be expensive and difficult to learn for beginners.

The best programme for uploading and publishing your website will depend on your needs. If you are looking for a free and easy-to-use programme, WordPress may be the right choice for you. If you need more advanced features, Dreamweaver may be a better option. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try out different programmes and see which one works best for you.

Other appropriate CMS programmes include:

• Joomla
• Drupal
• Squarespace
• Wix
• Shopify
• Weebly

Each of these programmes has different features, so it is important to research each one before making a decision. You can find more information about each of these programmes by doing a simple Google search.

When you have selected a content management system, the next step is to choose a domain name and web hosting. Your domain name is the address of your website (for example, www.example.com). Web hosting is a service that allows your website to be accessible on the internet. Once you have chosen a domain name and web hosting, you can begin creating your website.

3.4 Respond appropriately to quality problems with websites to ensure outcomes are fit for the purpose

Bad website design can ruin the user experience, as well as the company’s reputation. In order to ensure that your website is up to par, it’s important to respond promptly and appropriately to any quality problems that may arise.

This includes checking for spelling and grammar mistakes, ensuring links are working properly, making sure buttons are easy to click, and more. By addressing these issues quickly and efficiently, you can help keep your website looking its best – and avoid losing customers in the process.

In order to ensure that the website is fit for its purpose, it’s important to be aware of these problems and know how to address them.

Some of the common issues can be the visual design of the site. If it’s not visually appealing, users may be less likely to stick around and explore what the site has to offer. Another issue is with functionality – if buttons or links don’t work properly, users will get frustrated and leave.

Navigation can also be a problem – if users can’t find what they’re looking for, they’ll go somewhere else. And finally, content must be well-written and relevant in order to keep users engaged.

If you’re noticing any of these problems with your website, there are a few steps you can take to fix them. First, take a look at the overall design and see if anything needs to be updated. If the site is difficult to navigate, consider reorganizing the layout or adding search functionality.

Be sure to check that all links and buttons are working properly. As for the content, make sure it’s well-written and relevant to your target audience. If necessary, add new content or revise existing content to make it more engaging. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your website is fit for its purpose.

Additional Reading Material

The following guidance is not a prescriptive list of activities; they are suggested areas that a learner could show competence in to achieve this unit. Centres may use some or all of these activities or some of their own devising to teach and help learners complete this unit successfully.

1. Create structures and styles and use them to produce websites

Content and layout:

Web page content and layout will vary according to the template, but may include:

• text (eg body text, headings, captions)
• images (eg still photographs, diagrams)
• numbers (eg tables, charts or graphs)
• background (eg colours, gradients, patterns, textures)
• structure (eg frames, sidebars)
• moving images (eg animation, video clips)
• sound (eg clips linked to navigation, background music, video soundtrack)
• interactive components (eg message boards, forms, e-mail links, registration log-ins)
• downloads (eg pdf files, podcasts)

Constraints affecting websites:

• Effect of copyright law (eg on music downloads or use of other people’s images)
• Acknowledgement of sources, avoiding plagiarism, provisions of the
• Data Protection Act; accessibility standards, IPR

Website features:

Web page features will vary, but may include:

• navigation (eg action buttons, links, hot spots, menus, hyperlinks, pop-ups)
• multimedia (eg animation, sound linked to actions, video clips, soundtrack)
• interactive (eg message boards, forms, downloads, podcasts, e-mail links, registration log-ins)
• e-commerce facilities

Website access issues:

• The difficulties different users may have in accessing the website
• Accessibility guidelines, ways to increase accessibility
• Effect of download speeds (eg from different browser software, connection type, size of web page contents), ways to improve download speeds
• Ways to improve search engine results

Web page templates:

Web page content and layout will vary according to the template, but may include:

• text (eg body text, headings, captions)
• images (eg still photographs, diagrams)
• numbers (eg tables, charts or graphs)
• background (eg colours, gradients, patterns, textures)
• structure (eg frames, sidebars)
• moving images (eg animation, video clips)
• sound (eg clips linked to navigation, background music, video soundtrack)
• interactive components (eg message boards, database fields, forms, e-mail links, registration log-ins)
• downloads (eg pdf files, podcasts)

Web page styles:

Styles will vary according to the different elements of the website design, but may include:

• typeface (eg font, colour, size and alignment of headings, captions or body text)
• lines (eg type, thickness and colour of borders, tables, and diagrams)
• structure (eg size of frames, number of tabs, format of menu)
• cascading style sheets

File types:

• Text (eg. RTF, doc, pdf), images (eg. jpeg, tiff, PSD), charts and graphs (eg. Xls), sound (eg. wav, MP3)

Store and retrieve:

• Files (eg create, name, open, save, save as, print, close, find, share)
• Version control; import/export
• File size; folders (eg create, name)

2. Select and use website software tools and features to develop multiple-page websites with multimedia and interactive features

Combine information:

Combine images with sound (eg dub or overlay soundtrack onto film sequence; integrate an audio or video sequence with another application):

• Techniques: copy and paste, insert, screen grabs/shots
• File download (eg connect USB lead, drag and drop), file transfer protocol (FTP)
• Forms of information: moving images, sound; pre-recorded, live, web-streaming

Editing techniques:

Editing techniques will vary in line with the type of information, for example:

• select, copy, cut, paste, undo, redo, drag and drop, find, replace, size, crop, position, change templates

Programming and development techniques:

• Creating links to bookmark text within a page, linking web pages together, adding a link to another website
• Altering simple code using programming language, creating code using an appropriate programming language
• Adding multimedia content to web pages
• Setting up a secure area, message board or e-mail link
• Adding meta tags

File formats:

• Change the format of documents to RTF or HTML

Check web pages:

Using help: Will vary depending on the content but may include, for example:

• Text: spell check; grammar check, typeface and size, hyphenation
• Layout: page layout, margins, line and page breaks, tables, sections
• Images: size, alignment and orientation, suitability of file format, appropriate choice of colour mode and use of filters, fitness for purpose of image resolution

3. Publish and test multiple-page websites with multimedia and interactive features

Testing methods:

Methods will vary but may include:

• viewing web pages using browser software
• testing navigation round pages within multiple page website
• testing external links
• testing multi-media and interactive elements

Quality problems with websites:

Problems may vary, but could include:

• content that is not appropriate for the template or missing
• text that is not readable or missing
• images that are oriented or sized wrongly
• navigation that does not work as planned
• multimedia features (eg sound levels, image resolution, synchronisation of sound and images)
• interactive features (eg response to posting a message or when key fields on forms are not completed, downloads are not active)

Upload and publish the website

• Upload content to a template
• Use a file exchange programme to upload and publish (eg FTP or HTTP)
• Improve the loading speed of a website
• Submit to search engines