This summer I have been working on getting my project started. I purchased my domain name through Dreamhost.com . The domain I purchased was Finding-Understanding.com . I then began creating the basic structure of my site. I have created all of the pages that I will need to flesh out throughout the semester. I have also created my navigation, link to a suicide hotline, and footer. I have started styling the basics of my site and started blocking out where certain features will be included.
I have also begun creating the identity for the site. Predominately I plan to keep the pages of the site muted in color (the header, navigation, footer… etc), except for the elements on the page. I have also created the logo for the website in adobe illustrator as a scalable vector graphic and included it on the site. The logo is comprised of two hands holding a peaceful entity. I have used color theory to choose purple and blue colors for the graphic in the logo, though there are no strict rules for color theory as color meaning is open to interpretation and often different in different cultures. Light blue is generally considered a low energy, peaceful, calming, and tranquil color. Blue can also be interpreted as a sad color, so this double meaning is recaptured and directed towards a tranquil interpretation. This color is used to represent the individual seeking help from the website, and the hoped for effect of their visit. The mid tone purple seen below was chosen for the hands to provide a feeling of comfort and sensitivity. Purple is often considered a feminine color and femininity is often considered nurturing. In the graphic the hands are meant to be comforting, sensitive, and nurturing.
Besides site identity, I have also been working on getting started on some of the basics of two of the features on the site. I have started connecting to the USDA Database API. I am utilizing jQuery to call a GET method to request data from the API. I am then processing that data and manipulating the DOM to show the results. I still need to add more options for different nutrients and streamline my method so that I can reuse the code for each different nutrient.
On the Positive Affirmations page I have begun implementing P5JS‘s WEBGL rendering technology in a canvas on the site. I wanted to start playing with the technology early to make sure that it had enough capability for the project. I can already tell that I will need to think creatively in order to get the effect I would like. I have started to paint “textures” onto the 3d shapes, but have found from my research that P5JS is unable to paint a different texture on different sides, so each shape will have to have one affirmation/quotation or I will create a randomly assign textures from an array over time or with interaction.
Movement Needed in September
I need to finish up my integration with the USDA Database API, continue exploring P5JS and writing the code for my Positive Affirmations page, begin creating the Nutritional game, and get cracking on creating all of the visual assets I need for the site.