There are two methods of website design used within the Scott’s Websites portfolio, scratch built, and CMS. These are dealt with separately below.
Scratch Built
Scratch built websites are those built from the ground up, to bespoke designs. These are made using a variety of computer code languages, including HTML, CSS, and PHP.
The websites currently using this method are Scott’s Transport Site and Radio In Malta. The bespoke design means that these websites can effectively display the information contained within, albeit at the expense of quickness of updates.
The other downside is that feature improvements also take longer, as each individual page often needs some additional programming to roll out a new feature. The more simple appearance may also not be to everyones tastes, although the uncluttered layout does help put function first.
CMS
CMS stands for content management system, and this involves utilising existing software to construct the website. This website, All About Tynedale, and All About Digital TV all use this method.
The key advantage is the removal of the requirement for computer coding each individual web page, as the software does the leg work. This means that updates can be pushed through much quicker.
The software used is WordPress. Although designed for blogs initially, WordPress is very effective at producing high quality, feature packed websites. The software is used by many smaller news based websites, as the software is ideal for managing news posts. Indeed, All About Digital TV makes use of this for the news posts sections.
WordPress is free, open source software, and receives regular updates. This reduces the costs of running the websites, meaning I’ve yet to need to resort to annoying page filling adverts to fund their operation. Regular updates mean bugs and glitches are corrected quickly, improving security.
Compatible Devices
All websites, regardless of construction method, are designed to be compatible with as many devices as possible, and can be accessed on most regular web browsers. All websites are also designed to automatically adapt to small screens, although there is no guarantee that all information will display correctly.
All websites are currently tested on the following operating systems and browsers:
- Android 11 using Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome
- Windows 7 using Mozilla Firefox and Opera browser
- Windows 10 on Microsoft Edge and Opera Browser
To date, the only issue uncovered is that the footer on Radio In Malta and Scott’s Transport Site doesn’t display correctly on small devices.
Cookies and HTTPS
Only cookies essential for website delivery are used (these in itself are rare, and usually controlled by other hosting provider or the software they use). This means there is no requirement for a cookie policy.
Although not essential for website operation, as the websites don’t collect personal information (unless you directly make contact via email or social media), all websites are either delivered via a HTTPS connection, or have this an option.
Although this does not guarantee security, the use of HTTPS is commonplace helps to keep data transfer over the internet more secure.