Desk Tidy

Web-based portfolios created in SynthaSite.

Desk Tidy is the perfect example of building a website quickly and for free. It is a obviously website... but as it contains images, text, attached files, links and even videos - it is organised with a structure that could quite easily look like a project portfolio. The naviagtion headings (down the left side) could be replaced by portfolio headings.

Have a look here... for an example.

Web-based portfolio created in Apple's iWeb

Another great, non-technical tool for building websites is Apple's iWeb. It is already installed on every Apple computer, but not available on PCs unfortunately. This piece of software is actually easier to use than SynthaSite. It has simple drag and drop functions that work seamlessly with other iLife applications such as iPhoto and iTunes. The main drawback is that a site made in iWeb isn't free to publish on the internet. However, you can keep still make a website, saved to your computer, and viewed in any web browser.

Some similarities between iWeb and SynthaSite

Very easy to build websites
Template driven - good-looking designs
Free (if you have the right computer)
Sites are ideal for building digital portfolios
YouTube videos can play directly on the site
Both completed sites can be viewed on any computer

Some differences between iWeb and SynthaSite

iWeb sites must usually be published to the internet through a paid-for service. Apple have a subscription service called MobileMe, but you can use others.
iWeb is software whereas SynthaSite is all browser-based (no software)
Quicktime movies and mp3s can be embedded directly in iWeb, but not in SythaSite
Images can be played in a slideshow in iWeb
There is more flexability to change layouts, buttons, headings and graphics in iWeb

Some screen shots of a design and technology project turned into a digital portfolio in iWeb.

Home Page / Design Brief

Design Ideas page

Project Contents

Finished Model page