LO1: Define Technical Environment
This learning outcome focuses on understanding the technical components and principles needed
to build a successful website. Let's break down each sub-point:
1.1 Identifying Business Requirements, Hardware, and Software:
Business Requirements: This involves understanding the website's purpose, target audience,
functionalities, and desired outcomes.
Example: An e-commerce website needs secure payment processing, inventory management, and
user-friendly product browsing.
Hardware: This refers to the physical components needed to run the website, including:
Servers: Powerful computers that host the website's files and data.
Storage: Space to store website files, databases, and backups.
Network Infrastructure: Connections and equipment to ensure reliable internet access.
Software: This includes the programs and applications used to develop, manage, and run the
website:
Web Server Software: Processes requests from users and delivers website content (e.g., Apache,
Nginx).
Database Management System (DBMS): Stores and manages website data (e.g., MySQL,
PostgreSQL).
Programming Languages: Used to create the website's logic and functionality (e.g., HTML, CSS,
JavaScript, PHP, Python).
Content Management System (CMS): Provides tools for managing website content, user
accounts, and other features (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, Joomla).
1.2 Defining Software and Hardware Types to Meet Business Requirements:
Matching Requirements to Technology: This involves choosing the right hardware and software
based on the website's specific needs.
Example: A website with high traffic volume requires a powerful server and a scalable database
system.
Scalability and Performance: Consider how the website will handle future growth and increased
traffic.
Security: Choose software and hardware that offer robust security measures to protect data and
prevent attacks.
Budget and Cost: Balance the need for high-performance technology with budget constraints.
1.3 Identifying Appropriate Standards, Software, and Hardware Required to Develop the Site:
Web Standards: Follow established guidelines for web development, ensuring accessibility,
compatibility, and maintainability.
HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript: Modern web standards for structuring content, styling, and
interactivity.
W3C Validation: Use tools to verify that code adheres to web standards.
Software Tools: Select appropriate software for different development tasks:
Text Editors: For writing code (e.g., Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code).
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): Provide advanced features for code editing,
debugging, and project management (e.g., Eclipse, NetBeans).
Version Control Systems: Track changes to code and collaborate with other developers (e.g.,
Git).
Hardware Requirements: Ensure that the chosen hardware meets the demands of the
development process:
Computer Specifications: Sufficient RAM, storage, and processing power.
Development Environment Setup: Install necessary software and configure development tools.
1.4 Identifying Website Architecture Principles:
Website Architecture: The structure and organization of the website, including how different
pages and components are connected.
Key Principles:
User Experience (UX): Focus on making the website easy to navigate and use.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Design the website to rank well in search results.
Scalability: Ensure the website can handle future growth and traffic increases.
Security: Implement measures to protect user data and prevent attacks.
Maintainability: Build the website in a way that is easy to update and manage.
1.5 Identifying Website Development Tools, Equipment, and Standards:
Development Tools: Software used to create and manage the website:
Web Browsers: Used to view and test the website (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
Design Tools: For creating visual elements (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Figma).
Testing Tools: To identify and fix bugs and ensure website performance (e.g., Selenium,
JMeter).
Equipment: Hardware needed for development:
Computer: Powerful enough to handle development tasks.
Internet Connection: Reliable and fast connection for online resources and testing.
Standards: Guidelines and best practices to follow:
Accessibility Standards: Ensure the website is usable by people with disabilities.
Security Standards: Protect user data and prevent attacks## LO1: Define Technical Environment
This learning outcome focuses on understanding the technical components and principles needed
to build a successful website. Let's break down each sub-point:
1.1 Identifying Business Requirements, Hardware, and Software:
Business Requirements: This involves understanding the website's purpose, target audience,
functionalities, and desired outcomes.
Example: An e-commerce website needs secure payment processing, inventory management, and
user-friendly product browsing.
Hardware: This refers to the physical components needed to run the website, including:
Servers: Powerful computers that host the website's files and data.
Storage: Space to store website files, databases, and backups.
Network Infrastructure: Connections and equipment to ensure reliable internet access.
Software: This includes the programs and applications used to develop, manage, and run the
website:
Web Server Software: Processes requests from users and delivers website content (e.g., Apache,
Nginx).
Database Management System (DBMS): Stores and manages website data (e.g., MySQL,
PostgreSQL).
Programming Languages: Used to create the website's logic and functionality (e.g., HTML, CSS,
JavaScript, PHP, Python).
Content Management System (CMS): Provides tools for managing website content, user
accounts, and other features (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, Joomla).
1.2 Defining Software and Hardware Types to Meet Business Requirements:
Matching Requirements to Technology: This involves choosing the right hardware and software
based on the website's specific needs.
Example: A website with high traffic volume requires a powerful server and a scalable database
system.
Scalability and Performance: Consider how the website will handle future growth and increased
traffic.
Security: Choose software and hardware that offer robust security measures to protect data and
prevent attacks.
Budget and Cost: Balance the need for high-performance technology with budget constraints.
1.3 Identifying Appropriate Standards, Software, and Hardware Required to Develop the Site:
Web Standards: Follow established guidelines for web development, ensuring accessibility,
compatibility, and maintainability.
HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript: Modern web standards for structuring content, styling, and
interactivity.
W3C Validation: Use tools to verify that code adheres to web standards.
Software Tools: Select appropriate software for different development tasks:
Text Editors: For writing code (e.g., Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code).
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): Provide advanced features for code editing,
debugging, and project management (e.g., Eclipse, NetBeans).
Version Control Systems: Track changes to code and collaborate with other developers (e.g.,
Git).
Hardware Requirements: Ensure that the chosen hardware meets the demands of the
development process:
Computer Specifications: Sufficient RAM, storage, and processing power.
Development Environment Setup: Install necessary software and configure development tools.
1.4 Identifying Website Architecture Principles:
Website Architecture: The structure and organization of the website, including how different
pages and components are connected.
Key Principles:
User Experience (UX): Focus on making the website easy to navigate and use.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Design the website to rank well in search results.
Scalability: Ensure the website can handle future growth and traffic increases.
Security: Implement measures to protect user data and prevent attacks.
Maintainability: Build the website in a way that is easy to update and manage.
1.5 Identifying Website Development Tools, Equipment, and Standards:
Development Tools: Software used to create and manage the website:
Web Browsers: Used to view and test the website (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
Design Tools: For creating visual elements (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Figma).
Testing Tools: To identify and fix bugs and ensure website performance (e.g., Selenium,
JMeter).
Equipment: Hardware needed for development:
Computer: Powerful enough to handle development tasks.
Internet Connection: Reliable and fast connection for online resources and testing.
Standards: Guidelines and best practices to follow:
Accessibility Standards: Ensure the website is usable by people with disabilities.
Security Standards: Protect user data and prevent attacks
LO2: Define Human-Computer Interface (HCI)
This learning outcome focuses on designing a website that is user-friendly and meets the needs
of its target audience. Let's break down each sub-point:
2.1 Conducting User Analysis to Determine a User Profile and User Needs:
User Analysis: Understanding the characteristics, behaviors, and goals of the website's target
users.
User Profile: Creating a detailed representation of a typical user, including demographics,
interests, technical skills, and website usage patterns.
Example: For an e-commerce website, the user profile might include age, income level, shopping
habits, and preferred payment methods.
User Needs: Identifying the specific tasks, information, and functionalities that users require
from the website.
Example: A user might need to easily find products, compare prices, read reviews, and make
secure purchases.
2.2 Determining User Content and Requirements:
Content Analysis: Identifying the information and resources that the website needs to provide to
users.
Example: An e-commerce website needs product descriptions, images, pricing information,
customer reviews, and shipping details.
Content Requirements: Determining the format, style, and organization of content to meet user
needs.
Example: Content should be clear, concise, and visually appealing, with easy-to-understand
navigation.
User Interface (UI) Elements: Identifying the specific UI components needed to deliver content
and functionality.
Example: Buttons, menus, forms, search bars, and image galleries.
2.3 Determining Appropriate Design Principles for the Site:
Design Principles: Guidelines for creating a user-friendly and effective website.
Consistency: Use consistent design elements and navigation throughout the website.
Clarity: Make content and information easy to understand and find.
Accessibility: Ensure the website is accessible to users with disabilities.
Usability: Design the website to be easy to navigate and use.
Aesthetics: Create a visually appealing and engaging website.
Visual Hierarchy: Guide users' attention to important elements using visual cues like size, color,
and contrast.
Information Architecture: Organize content in a logical and intuitive way.
2.4 Identifying Appropriate Operating System:
Operating System (OS): The software that manages the computer's hardware and provides a
platform for running applications.
Website Compatibility: Ensure that the website is compatible with the most common operating
systems used by the target audience.
Example: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
Server Compatibility: Choose a server operating system that supports the website's software and
functionalities.
2.5 Determining Appropriate Search Engine:
Search Engine: A program that indexes and searches web pages to provide relevant results.
Target Audience: Consider the search engines most commonly used by the target audience.
Example: Google, Bing, Yahoo.
SEO Optimization: Design the website to be optimized for search engines to improve visibility
and traffic.
Example:
Let's say we're designing a website for a local bakery.
User Analysis: Our target audience is local residents who enjoy baked goods.
User Profile: A typical user might be a busy professional, a stay-at-home parent, or a student
looking for a quick and delicious treat.
User Needs: Users want to easily find the bakery's location, hours, menu, and ordering options.
They might also want to see photos of the baked goods and read customer reviews.
Design Principles: We'll focus on creating a clean, visually appealing website with clear
navigation and a user-friendly ordering system.
Operating System: We'll ensure the website is compatible with Windows, macOS, and mobile
devices.
Search Engine: We'll optimize the website for Google to attract local customers.
LO3: Determine Site Hierarchy
This learning objective focuses on creating a clear and logical structure for your website,
ensuring users can easily navigate and find the information they need. Let's break down each
part:
3.1 Identifying Hierarchy of Pages and Information Hierarchy
Page Hierarchy: This refers to the organization of your website's pages into a logical structure.
Imagine a tree, with the homepage as the trunk and sub-pages branching out like limbs.
Top-Level Pages: These are the main sections of your website, usually accessible from the
navigation menu. Examples include "About Us," "Products," "Services," "Blog," etc.
Sub-Pages: These pages provide more detailed information within a top-level category. For
example, "About Us" could have sub-pages for "Our Mission," "Our Team," and "Contact Us."
Information Hierarchy: This refers to the organization of content within each page. It ensures
users can quickly scan and understand the information presented.
Headings: Use clear and concise headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to structure content and break it
into logical sections.
Lists: Bullet points and numbered lists make information easy to digest.
Visual Cues: Use bold text, italics, and color to highlight important information.
3.2 Ensuring Logic and Accessibility of Content to User
Logical Flow: The content should flow naturally, leading users from one point to the next. Avoid
jumping between topics abruptly.
Accessibility: Consider users with disabilities. Ensure your website is usable for everyone by:
Using clear and concise language.
Providing alternative text for images.
Ensuring sufficient contrast between text and background.
Using proper heading structure.
Content Relevance: Ensure all content is relevant to the user's needs and interests. Don't include
unnecessary information or distractions.
3.3 Ensuring Consistency and Clarity of Navigation Between Pages in Line with Site Hierarchy
Consistent Navigation: Use the same navigation structure across all pages. This helps users
easily find their way around the site.
Clear Links: Use descriptive and informative link text. Avoid generic terms like "click here" or
"learn more."
Breadcrumb Navigation: Implement breadcrumb navigation to show users where they are in the
site hierarchy. This helps them understand their current location and navigate back to previous
pages.
Site Map: Provide a site map that outlines the entire website structure. This helps users quickly
find what they're looking for.
Tools and Resources:
Sitemap Generators: These tools can help you create a visual representation of your website's
structure.
Content Management Systems (CMS): Most CMS platforms have built-in features for organizing
pages and content.
Accessibility Testing Tools: These tools can help you identify accessibility issues on your
website.
Example:
Imagine a website for a bakery. The page hierarchy could be:
Homepage: Introduces the bakery and its offerings.
Products:
Cakes: Sub-pages for different cake types (wedding cakes, birthday cakes, etc.)
Pastries: Sub-pages for different pastry types (croissants, muffins, etc.)
Bread: Sub-pages for different bread types (sourdough, rye, etc.)
About Us: Information about the bakery's history, team, and values.
Contact Us: Provides contact information and a form for inquiries.
LO4: Gather Data Through Formal and Informal Processes
This learning objective focuses on collecting data from various sources to understand your
organization's current state, future direction, and key priorities. Let's break down each part:
4.1 Conducting Information Gathering Workshops and Interviews
Workshops: These are structured sessions involving multiple stakeholders to brainstorm, discuss,
and gather information on specific topics. They can be used to:
Identify problems and opportunities.
Generate ideas and solutions.
Gain consensus on key issues.
Interviews: These are one-on-one conversations with individuals to gather their perspectives,
insights, and experiences. They can be used to:
Understand individual needs and challenges.
Explore specific topics in detail.
Gain a deeper understanding of the organization's culture and processes.
4.2 Reviewing Reports and Other Data Sources for Relevant Business Information
Internal Reports: These include financial statements, sales reports, marketing reports, customer
surveys, and employee feedback.
External Reports: These include industry reports, competitor analysis, market research, and
economic forecasts.
Other Data Sources: This could include social media analytics, website traffic data, and customer
reviews.
4.3 Identifying Current and Future Directions of the Organization
Current State: Analyze the data collected to understand the organization's current performance,
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Future Directions: Use the insights gathered to identify potential growth areas, strategic
initiatives, and key priorities for the future.
4.4 Confirming Business-Critical Factors with Stakeholders
Stakeholders: These are individuals or groups who have an interest in the organization's success,
including employees, customers, investors, partners, and the community.
Confirmation: Validate the data and insights gathered with key stakeholders to ensure alignment
and buy-in.
4.5 Analyzing Group and Individual Responses to Clearly Define Business Priorities
Data Analysis: Use qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze the data collected from
workshops, interviews, and reports.
Prioritization: Identify the most important business priorities based on the data analysis.
Clear Definition: Articulate the business priorities in a clear and concise way, ensuring all
stakeholders understand them.
Tools and Resources:
Survey Software: Tools like SurveyMonkey and Google Forms can help you create and analyze
surveys.
Data Analysis Software: Tools like Excel, SPSS, and Tableau can help you analyze data and
create visualizations.
Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams can help you facilitate
workshops and share information.
Example:
Imagine a company wanting to improve its customer service. They can use LO4 to:
Conduct workshops: With customer service representatives to identify pain points and
opportunities.
Interview customers: To understand their needs and expectations.
Review customer feedback: From surveys and social media.
Analyze data: To identify trends and areas for improvement.
Confirm priorities: With management and customer service teams.
Define priorities: To focus on specific areas like response time, communication channels, or
training.
