Archived copy for reference only
 

 

Graphic Design / Interactive Design / Fine & Applied Arts / Parkland College

Interactive Design Exercises
Dreamweaver: Skeleton Grid

(Archived from 2019)

Objective

To explore media queries and the 12-column grid. To review responsive web development techniques by creating a page similar to this example.

Discussion

Most responsive web development frameworks make use of a 12-column grid structure. Once you understand how to control this structure, you will understand how responsive design works.

In this exercise, we will be using the Skeleton Responsive Framework, a lean alternative to Bootstrap. Skeleton's simplicity allows us to explore the 12-column grid structure easily (see Skeleton's default breakpoints).

Procedure

Overview: Merge existing HTML page with downloaded Skeleton Responsive Framework. Add additional CSS styles. Note: replace bold with personalized info.

Prepping for the exercise

  1. download starter files (location: faa999/class/html/exercises/x0_grid)
  2. download skeleton framework
  3. extract zip files, merge contents into "x0_grid" folder
  4. launch Dreamweaver
  5. site > new site: site name=class_x0_grid;
    local site folder=faa999/class/html/exercises/x0_grid); export STE file
  6. open "grid-example.html"
  7. view > code and design (note formatting)
  8. select <body>: copy to clipboard
  9. open "index.html"
  10. select <div.row>; DELETE
  11. paste clipboard contents into <div.container>

Exploring the grid

  1. select first <section>
  2. insert > div (wraparound): id="example"
  3. window > CSS designer: source=define in page, add selectors: 
    • #example: margin-top: 80px;
    • #example .column, #example .columns: height: 3rem; margin-bottom: 2rem; font-weight: 700; font-size: 1rem; line-height: 3rem; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase; background: #EEE;
  4. examine page in "live" view
  5. note the default 550px breakpoint
  6. alter the breakpoint to suit your needs
  7. file > preview in browser (opt+F12 and cmd+F12)

Grading

  1. publish your page (see separate instructions)
  2. make a link to this excercise from your Process Page

 

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Last updated: 5/7/21