About Thinking Websites

Since 1995 I have been developing websites and using different web based technologies, in commerical environments, as well as a hobby. Thinking Websites is my home for sharing this knowledge.

I don't come from a typical "computer" background. My academic training is in psychology. All of my computer skills are self-taught. I want to pass on some of the "tricks" i have learnt - in a more grounded, practical way, solving real-life problems. In particular, I am focussed on "usability" and "performance".

Anyone can start building and developing websites or other applications. It is far easier than many of the things they do everyday. The difference is that they don't know how to do it yet. Most of the programming involved is similar to a 2 or three year old language vocabulary. The difference is, that the two or three your old speaks a language you don't know yet. But, you have language abilities far beyond a two or three your old. All you have to do is learn the new language.

Website development itself encompasses a broad spectrum of skills, that are not covered by those coming from a more pure "computer background":

•  There are the main programming skills required to make a site interactive - Javascript, server-side programming languages
• HTML and Cascading Style Sheets etc.
• Design skills so that everything look good.  Using layout as well as graphics programs.
• The ability to write flash movies - if you require more interaction.
• Video encoding and streaming of content.
•  Domain registration and domain name server knowledge.
• Server and webserver administration.
• Usability and usage analysis - being able to understand use logged access information and how people use the site in order to make it better.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) enabling your site to be easily found by people.
• Writing content for the web - or at least being able to tell people how to write for the web.  It requires a different writing style to standard hard-copy writing.

Best wishes,

Richard Orchard