Rough Website Sketch

Website Heat-Map

I have looked at website heat maps in order to have an idea what sections are most important to the audience. 

Plan

Logo: I've decided to keep the logo at the top left hand side as most websites tend to place their logos on this area. Looking at the website heat map this section is one of the most important and first looked at when users visit the webpage. The logos position is also a common one found in most website structures and will therefore be familiar to its users. 

Menu: The menu has been placed on the left side of the layout in order to avoid having many features of the website at the top of the page. 

Video: Video updates have been placed in the centre of the page as that is an important and interesting element to look at. The audience will much rather see images and videos instead of text. 

News/Updates: The new/updates are equally as important as the video updates therefore they have been placed in the centre of the homepage underneath the video. This allows users to watch the video then read the updates that are occurring. 

Facebook/Twitter: The Facebook and Twitter links will be placed at the top left hand side of the page, normally websites place them in areas where they are not in the way i.e. footer. I felt that it is important to have them visible at first glance in order for users to be able to click on it straight away. Placing both logos together will also give the user options as to which social netwroking website they would like to visit. The ability to access different websites from this main one will provide more traffic as users know they will not have to use a search engine to find the Facebook and Twitter page.  

Calendar: An events calendar will be implemented allowing the client to insert event dates for viewers to attend and be notified. 

Analysis

The plan I have made will be taken to consideration when designing the website interface although there will be changes as the client made several requests such has having the menu bar at the top just like in their current website. The next step is to research colour combinations and design the website interface itself. 

Sources

http://latonyarecommends.com. (N.D.). Heat Map. Available: http://latonyarecommends.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Heat-Map_image.jpg. Last accessed 22nd February 2013.