Codes & Conventions of a Website

General Codes and conventions What are codes? Codes are systems of signs, which create meaning. Codes can be divided into two categories – technical and symbolic. Technical codes are all the ways in which equipment is used to tell the story in a media text, for example the camera work in a film. Symbolic codes show what is beneath the surface of what we see. For example, a character's actions show you how the character is feeling. Some codes fit both categories – music for example, is both technical and symbolic. What are conventions? Conventions are the generally accepted ways of doing something. There are general conventions in any medium, such as the use of interviewee quotes in a print article, but conventions are also genre specific. How codes and conventions apply in media studies Codes and conventions are used together in any study of genre – it is not enough to discuss a technical code used such as camera work, without saying how it is conventionally used in a genre. For example, the technical code of lighting is used in some way in all film genres. It is a convention of the horror genre that side and back lighting is used to create mystery and suspense – an integral part of any horror movie.

1. 2. 3. 4. Technical Codes Content Genre: Broadsheet Target Audience: This site looks like its designed to attract teenagers due to its image and layout. It can be surely said because it a music site and most of its audience in young aged groups. 5. Technical Codes Content Genre: Tabloids Target Audience: The Main Image on the website is the most important content in order to connect with and attract the potential Audience. If the image is attractive the client will be more interestedly want to read and know more about your business and site 6. Technical Codes Content Genre: Broad Sheet Target Audience: House Buyer or Renters.

Technical Codes Certain technical codes are now a common place on websites. Most websites have moving images or audio content and something for the audience to do on the website for interest or integration. This content are provided dependent on what the website is like: a music website would have downloadable music/ videos or downloadable content. Content Websites with factual information may look different compared to a site for entertainment. There are different titles on different sites as they would be focus on only one type of information. Genre Websites are based on existing genres (e.g. Broadsheets or Tabloid Newspapers) the web design uses recognizable codes and conventions to ensure that the audience recognize the genre. Target Audience Most audiences may find a certain layout and design appealing compared to others. A key issue with websites is the way they attempt to encourage audience activity and interactivity to attract audiences in and persuade them to return or pass on information important to the site.

Layout and Design Usability: Easy to use site with clear areas for navigation around the website. Grid System: Separate sections of a website to present information in small, easy to access segments. Centre of Page: Used for main content with navigation tools on the left and/or acrossthe top of the page and links to more information on the right. Background and Font color: Used to separate different types of information. Images: Used to illustrate as much as possible to add visual interest.

Technical Codes Content Genre: Broadsheet Target Audience: This site looks like its designed to attract teenagers due to its image and layout. It can be surely said because it a music site and most of its audience in young aged groups. ContentGenre: Tabloids Target Audience: The Main Image on the website is the most important content in order toc onnect with and attract the potential Audience. If the image is attractive the client will be more interestedly want to read and know more about your business and site Content Genre: Broad Sheet Target Audience: House Buyer or Renters.

Image Size Discussion Why is this important

Rule of 3 Discussion Why is this important.

Page Headers What this says about your website. Missing them out and what this says about your website.

Video Size ?????