I came across this image in my scrapbook which gave me the idea to incorporate the rounded window. I think this makes it much easier on the eye, reducing the conflict between the modern font and traditional imagery.
In this screen shot of the new homepage design you can see I converted the map to a black a white image and changed the hue of the comment bubble to match the green in the header. I also repeated the grey in a footer although it is actually a slightly darker than the header, as against different colours you perceive colours differently. I kept the site blurb but positioned it to the right. Although in hind-sight it might be better on the left as we generally read from left to right and as it will be the first thing you see, will apply more importance. I also kept its background white so it isn't distracting for the user.
The login box appears on all pages but only when your logged out, its position distracts the eye as it appears 'out of place' and could encourage login and participation.
Make you Mark Screen shots
Php Login Tutorial
I found this tutorial very helpful it goes through step by step how to create a log in page that verifies with the database.
Why learn PHP??
I don't think I'm the only one feeling a little lost with PHP at the moment, so here are some points that might boost enthusiasm and justify the headaches!
1. PHP has very similar syntax rules to ActionScript. This will help you both in learning PHP, and in improving your knowledge in AS3.
2. Let’s face it, almost every website out there runs on PHP. We cannot change this, so we must change our knowledge to be a part of the many people who use PHP. Some examples of popular uses of PHP are:
- Content Manage Systems
- Browser-Based Games
- Online Applications
- Blogs
Most likely, one of these is going to applicable to what you’re going to do in flash.
3. Out of all the programming and scripting languages in the world, the best match for flash is PHP. They are meant to be together, like husband and wife. There are many ways that Flash and PHP can be used together. Here’s a list of ways they can be used:
- High Scores
- Account Systems
- Dynamic Flash Sites
- Image Galleries
Social site idea
I would have an interactive map of Nottingham City Centre. There would be hot spots on the map which when rolled over, would reveal speech bubbles. These speech bubbles would contain anicdotes left by previous users. This could be anything from, "It was here where I proposed to my wife" to "this is where me and a friend saw a pigeon with a cup on its head". I want this to be accessible to everyone without the hassle of log in's however, if they want to take part then details will be required. I will only ask for name (i will leave this broad so the user can choose whether to leave first name or full name) age and home town aswell as the comment field. This information will then follow the anicdote.
Each hotspot could only display the last comment made and areas that may attract more interest e.g.The Broadway or Market Square, could have their own profile to prevent over crowding and to allow the user to view all the comments.
If i get ahead of myself i could look into allowing people to upload images, although i would then have to create some way of screening these for inappropriate content.
A progression of this site could be to show the journeys the individuals have travelled. This would use the info they entered for 'home town' It could then be possible to create a map with coloured lines coming from all over Britain to Nottingham.
