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Week Six - Color and Backgrounds

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• Objective: To understand the basics of computer color and its variable nature in the Web environment; to express color values using a color name, hexidecimal value, or RGB value; to use the color property to specify the color of element content and link colors; to use the background properties to set background color, images, and background image position.
• Think: How can you use color to draw attention to different parts of your page? How do different colors work together to create effects? Does color accent text or reduce readability of the text? How much color is too much?
• Visit: CSS Color Chart will let you pick a color and see how other colors look with it. Also visit Sitepoint.com's CSS area. There are many easy to read articles with tips, tricks, styles, and code to use. I am sure you will find something worthwhile there!
• Read: Chapter 5 of the CSS text. It is to your advantage to work through as many of the examples as possible. Instead of re-inventing a lecture, I am going to direct you to the publisher website. 
• Homework: Search the Internet for at least one good CSS resource to share. Write up a review (at least 150-200 words) describing why this is such a good resource and what can be found there. Post to the class Student Union board.
• Discuss: Post any CSS related issues you might be having.
• Check: HTML 911 forum for the beginning HTML class. Jump in and help when you can.
• Project: Continue working on the Case Study (p. 175).

Color can add a wonderful dimension to your site design and CSS lets you do some pretty incredible things with it. However, be aware that not all web visitors can see color. Section 508 Accessibility checkpoints require that Web pages shall be designed so that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or markup. Visicheck can show you what your pages may look like to people with different types of color blindness. Good web designers try to take into consideration ALL of their potential audiences!

Last Updated: Saturday, 01-Mar-2003