WO2014031011A1

WO2014031011A1 - Website building tool

Info

Publication number: WO2014031011A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2013/000149
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chris HIRST
Original assignee: Hirst Chris
Priority date: 2012-08-22
Filing date: 2013-08-22
Publication date: 2014-02-27

Abstract

The invention provides a website building tool in the form of an application that is accessible on a client device, particularly a mobile communication device, using a compatible browser to allow a user to create, edit and/or publish a website using the communication device. The method of creating and/or editing a website comprises providing to a client device, for display on the client device, a website preview occupying substantially the width of the touch-sensitive display and one or more edit function icons or edit function menu icons in a region occupying no more than one quarter of the display; permitting objects to be located on the preview free of layout constraints; receiving instructions to create and/or edit objects in the preview, the instructions being generated as a result of inputs to the touch-sensitive display; and creating / editing the website in accordance with the instructions.

Description

WEBSITE BUILDING TOOL

Field of Invention

The invention relates to the field of website building tools. More particularly, the invention is directed to a method, system and computer program product for creating, editing and publishing a website using a communication device, which may comprise a touch-sensitive display, for example a smartphone.

Background to the Invention

Portable electronic devices on which users can access the internet are becoming increasingly prevalent and important to people's lives, both personally and professionally. This trend is exemplified by the fact that, in 2011 , sales of smartphones exceeded sales of PCs for the first time. Along with smartphones, other portable communication devices are becoming increasingly popular such as tablets, slates, booklets and the like. The modern internet or World Wide Web is a forum for information sharing, interoperability and collaboration. The concept of "Web 2.0" sees users of the internet interacting with each other by creating user generated content in, for example, social networking sites, blogs and wikis. Such sites also have mobile websites or apps that are suitable for use on a small screen mobile device. Sites exemplifying the Web 2.0 concept allow content to be generated within parameters set by the site. In the case of Facebook, for example, users can upload content but, in doing so, are confined to the page layouts defined by Facebook (such as the profile page). This is similarly true of, for example, Weebly for iPhone, an iPhone app that allows a user to create a blog based on one of a number of predefined templates. In such cases, the page layouts or templates that are available may not provide the flexibility required by the user. Any web user is free to build their own webpage to their own design and there are numerous website building / design tools which are suited to allow users to create their own websites even if they are not skilled in web design, for example if they are not familiar with HTML. Commonly such tools have an interface which includes a webpage preview screen / window and the ability to add elements such as text or images to the page. The option to add such elements is commonly provided through toolbars or menu bars.

Such tools are typically designed to run on traditional large landscape screens. Thayne et al (US 2010/0037168) introduces such a system. Thayne teaches a method for providing a computer-based interface for website design and proposes a wide variety of features including widgets with absolute positioning drag and drop capability. These widgets may comprise display code, suitable web content or variable content packages. Making best use of the desktop environment, Thayne describes an edit mode consisting of a header section and a production

environment. The header section holds the widgets and design information and the production environment may display a portion, or all, of the website being designed. This form of edit mode, making use of the substantial screen area available in a typical desktop environment is not suitable for the space restraints enforced by a mobile environment.

There are also similar tools specifically for designing webpages to be viewed on mobile devices such as smartphones and the like that have smaller sized screens and therefore are not suitable for displaying a traditional webpage. Such webpages may have the .mobi top-level domain format, for example. One example of such a mobile webpage creation tool is Mobicanvas. However, Mobicanvas and other similar design tools are again designed for use on a traditional PC (whether laptop or desktop) which have large landscape screens and a mouse as a control device. That is, the creation and editing of the mobile webpage is carried out on a PC even though the page itself is designed for viewing on a smaller screen device.

Therefore the design of the tool is tailored for the large PC screen, for example, the screen may be split into a preview pane and a toolbar pane. In the modern world people are constantly on the go and frequently want to update their websites, whether it be a personal or business website, at times when they do not have access to a PC. While the web design tools described above are useful if a user has access to a PC, they are not practical for use if a user is only able to access the internet through a mobile electronic device with a screen that is too small for a user to easily be able to use the tool interface.

Currently there are website creators for mobile devices however these can provide cluttered interfaces or limited design options. An example of a currently available website tool for mobile devices is Weebly for iPhone. Weebly is a desktop application for website design that uses templates. The Weebly mobile application (app) based tool allows for mobile blog design. The interface includes a WYSIWYG interface with an information bar at the top of the page and a toolbar at the bottom of the screen. The Weebly editor is built around predesigned templates that make the addition of content easy but strongly limit where and how content may be added, in particular they limit the stacking of different content. Further, the use of a mobile application in Weebly creates issues around the ease of updating and operation of the website design tool. If a user desires the tool, they need to install the app on their device, this requires that the app is available. The availability of an app can be limited by the provider of the app marketplace/store or by incompatibility with a user's electronic device. Although Weebly provides a website building tool it does not provide full flexibility in website design, nor allow for straightforward use on any electronic device. An additional issue for programmers creating tools for mobile phones is the variation of device types, operating systems, and installed software and hardware. The process of developing an application, such as a website design tool, for a mobile device can lead to a need to maintain multiple different variations of the application, with corresponding costs in time, efficiency and money. There is also the possibility of lack of permission for the application to run in a particular operating system, or a delay whilst an application is approved. It is advantageous for a mobile application to not require an installation on each, or any of the mobile devices using that application. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved method, system or computer program product for creating and/or editing a mobile website.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to provide a method, system or computer program product that addresses at least one of the disadvantages or needs discussed above. Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of creating and/or editing a website, the method comprising:

providing to a client device, for display on the client device, a website preview occupying substantially the width of the touch-sensitive display and one or more edit function icons or edit function menu icons in a region occupying no more than one quarter of the display;

permitting objects to be located on the preview free of layout constraints; receiving instructions to create and/or edit objects in the preview, the instructions being generated as a result of inputs to the touch-sensitive display; and creating / editing the website in accordance with the instructions.

Preferably, the method comprises editing the position of an object on the website in response to a dragging action detected by the display.

Preferably, the method further comprises providing the edit function icons or edit function menu icons for display in a region occupying no more than 10% of the display. More preferably, the method further comprises providing the edit function icons or edit function menu icons in a toolbar spanning the width of the display.

Preferably, the method comprises providing for display further edit function icons or further edit function menu icons on selection of the one or more edit function icons. The further edit function icons or further edit function menu icons may occupy more than the region occupied by the one or more edit function icons or edit function menu icons, and may be superimposed or overlaid over the website preview. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the method comprises providing for display of a first edit object icon or edit object menu icon associated with each object on the preview. More preferably, the method comprises providing for display of further edit object icons or edit object menu icons on selection of the first edit object icon or the first edit object menu icon.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the method comprises permitting objects to be located in any position on the preview. For example, objects may be permitted to overlap.

Preferably, the method comprises receiving instructions to create / edit objects in the preview following all updates to the preview and editing the website

accordingly. Preferably, the method is implemented on one or more web servers.

More preferably, the client device is a mobile communication device. The client device may comprise a touch-sensitive display. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of creating and/or editing a website using a client device, the method comprising: displaying a preview of the website on the display, the preview occupying substantially the width of the display;

displaying one or more edit function icons or edit function menu icons on the display in a region occupying no more than one quarter of the display;

detecting one or more inputs to the display to create and/or edit objects in the preview;

permitting objects to be located on the preview free of layout constraints; and

sending instructions to a web server to create / edit the website in accordance with the inputs.

Preferably, the method comprises moving the position of an object on the website in response to a dragging action detected by the display. Preferably, the method further comprises displaying the edit function icons or edit function menu icons in a region occupying no more than 10% of the display. More preferably, the method further comprises displaying the edit function icons or edit function menu icons in a toolbar spanning the width of the display.

Preferably, the method comprises displaying further edit function icons or further edit function menu icons on selection of the one or more edit function icons. The further edit function icons or further edit function menu icons may occupy more than the region occupied by the one or more edit function icons or edit function menu icons.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the method comprises displaying a first edit object icon or edit object menu icon associated with each object on the preview. More preferably, the method comprises displaying further edit object icons or edit object menu icons on selection of the first edit object icon or the first edit object menu icon.

The method may further comprise fixing the position of one of the objects on the preview on selection of one of the edit object icons.

Preferably, the method comprises sending instructions to create / edit objects in the preview following all updates to the preview.

More preferably, the client device is a mobile communication device. The client device may comprise a touch-sensitive display.

Preferably, the method comprises moving an object around the touch-sensitive display in accordance with detected contact with the touch-sensitive display. Preferably, the method comprises resizing an object on the touch-sensitive display in accordance with detected contact with the touch-sensitive display.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product, the computer program product comprising instructions for:

providing, for display on a client device comprising a display, a website preview occupying substantially the width of the display and one or more edit function icons in a region occupying no more than one quarter of the display; permitting objects to be located on the preview free of layout constraints; receiving instructions to create and/or edit objects in the preview, the instructions being generated as a result of inputs to the display; and

creating / editing the website in accordance with the instructions.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product, the computer program product being implementable on a client device comprising a display and comprising instructions for:

displaying a preview of the website on the display, the preview occupying substantially the width of the display;

displaying one or more edit function icons on the display in a region occupying no more than one quarter of the display;

permitting objects to be located on the preview free of layout constraints; and

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for facilitating creating and/or editing a website using a client device comprising a display, the apparatus comprising:

means for providing, for display on the client device, a website preview occupying substantially the width of the display and one or more edit function icons in a region occupying no more than one quarter of the display; means for permitting objects to be located on the preview free of layout constraints;

means for receiving instructions to create and/or edit objects in the preview, the instructions being generated as a result of inputs to the display; and

means for creating / editing the website in accordance with the instructions.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for creating and/or editing a website, the apparatus comprising:

a display;

means for displaying a preview of the website on the display, the preview occupying substantially the width of the display;

means for displaying one or more edit function icons on the display in a region occupying no more than one quarter of the display;

means for detecting one or more inputs to the display to create and/or edit objects in the preview;

means for permitting objects to be located on the preview free of layout constraints; and

means for sending instructions to a web server to create / edit the website in accordance with the inputs.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for creating and/or editing a website, the system comprising:

an apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention; and

an apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the invention.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of building or modifying a website or webpage within a computer network, the method comprising:

providing an interface to a client device by:

presenting a webpage to a user of the client device via the interface; and

superimposing or overlaying on the webpage one or more website or webpage creation or modification options; receiving an input at a server-side of the network from the client device via the interface, said input relating to at least one said creation or modification option; and

creating or modifying at least an element of the website or webpage at the server-side of the network in response to the input,

wherein the interface provides for at least a substantially restriction free placement and sizing of elements on the webpage preview.

Preferably, the webpage comprises one or more webpage elements and the method further comprises:

superimposing or overlaying on the webpage one or more element modification options;

receiving an input at a server-side of the network from the client device via the interface, said input relating to at least one of said modification options; and modifying the respective element of the webpage at the server-side of the network in response to the input.

Preferably, each webpage element has an associated element edit icon and the element modification options are superimposed or overlaid on the webpage on selection of one of the element edit icons. The associated element edit icon may always be visible in the webpage, or be displayed following a user-initiated input, e.g. selecting the respective element.

Alternatively, the element modification options may be superimposed or overlaid on the webpage on selection of the respective element.

Preferably, the element edit icon is superimposed or overlaid on the webpage over or proximate the respective webpage element. Preferably, the interface is provided to the client device via a web browser.

Preferably, the interface is provided to a mobile communications device, such as a smartphone or tablet. More preferably the interface is provided via a mobile application. For the avoidance of doubt, said website or page creation or modification option(s) may include option(s) to delete elements of a website or page, to delete one or more pages or an entire website. As will be appreciated, rather than deleting pages or a website, these may be turned inactive or decommissioned such that they are generally inaccessible but remain stored for possible future use.

Preferably, the method comprises a pre-step of receiving a request from a client device to create or modify a website or page.

Preferably, the step of providing an interface comprises sending data to the client device to establish said interface on the client device. As will be appreciated, one or more elements of or the complete interface may be locally stored at the client device although this is not preferred.

Preferably, when superimposing or overlaying the website or webpage creation or modification options and/or the element modification options, the appearance of the webpage is unaltered, except for the obstruction of at least a part thereof by the displayed options.

While the invention is not limited thereto, preferably, the options presented to a user on the client device are menu-based.

Preferably, the options include any one or more of creating a new page, editing an existing page, inserting an object on to a page and publishing a page (i.e., providing access to third parties of the page such as via the internet). Further options are presented in Figure 4.

While the invention is not limited thereto, the display of options relating to editing of a webpage or webpage element may only be displayed following a selection by a user, via the interface, of an edit mode. This enables the user to interact with the page in a conventional manner when not in edit mode and helps avoid making any unintended or undesired changes to the page. Preferably, in response to a selection of one of said options by a user of the client device, a change is made to the webpage and / or further options are presented to the user via the client device. For example, if a user opts to insert an object, various types of object may be presented and be selectable via the interface (see the example options in Figure 6).

Preferably, each element of the webpage is selectable by a user, the selection thereof resulting in one or more options relating to the element being presented via the user interface. For example, via the interface, the user may opt to re-size, crop or insert an image. These and other options are described in more detail in the Figures and associated description.

Preferably, the interface provides for the possibility of one element overlaying another, at least in part.

While the creation or modification of elements of the webpage are ultimately made on the server-side, embodiments of the invention provide for one or more changes to be made and stored at the client device prior to uploading said changes to the server-side of the network.

Preferably, said interface provides a user of the client device with the option to publish changes made to a webpage such that other users are able to view the page via suitably-enabled client devices. However, according to some embodiments, changes effected by a user of the client device may directly result in changes to the webpage viewed on other client devices.

Preferably, the interface is browser-based, reducing or eliminating the need for application specific software to be installed on the client device. However, other solutions are possible, including app-based solutions.

While other implementations are possible, preferably, the client device and the server-side of the network are connected via wired or wireless communications means. More preferably, communication is effected over the internet. Preferably, the client device is a portable communications device such as a smartphone and the interface is configured to be compatible therewith. More preferably, the interface is compatible across a variety of devices and platforms, which may be made possible at least in part through browser-based implementations.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a client device interface for enabling the building or modifying of a website or page, the interface comprising:

a display configured to present a webpage and to superimpose or overlay thereon one or more website or page creation or modification options;

communications means for transmitting information, preferably to a server hosting the webpage, in response to selection by a user of one or more of said options, said selections resulting in the creation or modification of at least an element of the webpage.

Again, the creation or modification options preferably include the option(s) of deleting part or all of a website or one or more webpage(s). As will be appreciated, the ability to delete page(s) and/or website(s) may require a particular level of authorisation which may be limited to particular users. The use of and arrangements for permission levels assigned to user logins will be known to those skilled in the art and may be implemented without further invention. Preferably, the interface comprises or is communicatively coupled to user input means that enable a user of the interface to select said options and / or enable communication of information related thereto.

Preferably, the interface is adapted to receive a request from a user thereof to create or modify a website or page.

Preferably, at least elements of the interface are provided or enabled by a server communicatively coupled to the client device, such as via the internet. Preferably, when superimposing or overlaying the options, the interface is adapted to leave the appearance of the webpage otherwise unaltered.

Preferably, the interface is adapted to present the options on the display in a menu- based form.

Preferably, the interface provides for at least any one or more of creating a new page, editing an existing page, inserting an object on to a page and publishing a page.

Preferably, the interface is adapted to provide the user with the option to enter an edit mode.

Preferably, in response to a selection of one of said options by a user, the interface is adapted to make a change to the webpage being displayed on the client device. Such changes may have immediate effect on the webpage as stored on a server hosting said page, or may be temporarily stored on the client device or at a remote memory (including at the hosting server) but not used to create changes to the page viewable by others until such time as a user opts to publish the page via the interface. It will be appreciated that different users may be involved in the webpage modification process and different permission levels may be given to different users. For example, the ability to publish a page may be limited to a particular subset of users tasked with checking the modifications before they are released more widely.

Preferably, in response to a user opting to insert an object, the interface is adapted to display various user selectable types of object.

Preferably, the interface is configured such that each element of the webpage is selectable by a user, the selection thereof resulting in one or more options relating to the element being presented on the display Preferably, the interface provides for at least a substantially restriction free placement and sizing of elements on the webpage and may include the possibility of one element overlaying another, at least in part. Preferably, the interface is browser-based, reducing or eliminating the need for application specific software to be installed on the client device. However, other solutions are possible, including app-based solutions.

Preferably, the interface is adapted for provision or installing on a portable communications device such as a smartphone.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for enabling the building or modifying of a website or page, the system comprising: at least one server, each server comprising:

at least one memory device;

at least one processing unit coupled to the or at least one of the memory devices;

communication means for enabling the at least one server to communicate with at least one client device,

wherein the at least one server is adapted to communicate with at least one said client device to:

present a webpage to said at least one client device; superimpose or overlay on the webpage one or more website or page creation or modification options;

receive one or more commands and / or associated data relating to the options, said commands and/or data being generated at least in part by or as a result of user input at the client device, and said commands and/or data resulting in the creation or modification of at least an element of the webpage. Again, building or modifying may include deletion of part or all of a website or page.

Preferably, the server is adapted to communicate with the client device via a wired or wireless communications network, more preferably, via the internet. Preferably, when superimposing or overlaying the options, the server is adapted to leave the appearance of the webpage otherwise unaltered.

Preferably, the server is adapted to communicate the options to the client device to enable presentation thereof in a menu-based form.

Preferably, the server is adapted to provide for at least any one or more of creating a new page, editing an existing page, inserting an object on to a page and publishing a page through said communications with the at least one client device.

Preferably, the server is adapted to activate options on the client device following selection of an edit mode by a user of the client device.

Preferably, in response to said communications, the server is adapted to make a change to the webpage being displayed on the at least one client device. Such changes may have immediate effect on the webpage as stored on the server hosting said page, or may be temporarily stored on the client device or at a remote memory (including at the server) but not used to create changes to the page viewable by others until such time as a user opts to publish the page via the interface.

Preferably, in response to a user of the at least one client device opting to insert an object, the server, including in combination with an interface of the at least one client device, is adapted to communicate various user selectable types of object.

Preferably, the server is adapted to enable each element, or at least a subset thereof, of the webpage to be selectable by a user, the selection thereof resulting in one or more options relating to the element being presented to the user of the at least one client device.

Preferably, the server is adapted to provide for at least a substantially restriction free placement and sizing of elements on the webpage and may include the possibility of one element overlaying another, at least in part. Again, this may be provided for through cooperation with an interface of the at least one client device, preferably the interface of the second aspect.

Preferably, the system is browser-based. However, other solutions are possible, including app-based solutions.

Preferably, the system is adapted for at least one said client device to be a portable communications device such as a smartphone. Preferably, the system comprises at least one said client device.

The invention further provides a client device incorporating at least elements of the interface of the second aspect and / or the required functionality set forth of the at ^' least one client device of the third aspect.

Yet further, the invention provides said at least one server defined in the third aspect and / or is otherwise adapted to perform the server-side functionality set forth in the first and second aspects. Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

One or more embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figures 1-4 are exemplary display screens of a website building tool according to one embodiment of the invention; is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of creating content on a webpage and editing the content according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 6-8 are exemplary screens displayed by a mobile device according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a system for creating and/or editing a mobile website according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary display screen that may be displayed when accessing a website building tool according to one embodiment of the invention; Figures 11-13 show example screenshots that may be displayed according to

embodiments of the invention; and

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a network according to another

embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

In general terms the invention provides a website building tool in the form of an application that is accessible on a communication device, and particularly a mobile communication device, using a compatible browser to allow a user to create, edit and/or publish a website using the communication device.

For the purposes of this specification it will be understood that the term "mobile communication device" includes any electronic device that is capable of remotely communicating with the internet (or world wide web) via an uplink (i.e. uploading information to the internet) and downlink (i.e. downloading information from the internet) communication channel. Such devices include, but are not limited to, mobile telephones, smartphones, PDAs, tablets, slates, booklets and other such portable and handheld devices. It will also be understood that the term "mobile website" is intended to mean a website that has the ability to be viewed on a mobile communication device such as a smartphone. Some websites are built with more than one version, including a mobile version and a "normal" version. When a user attempts to access the site on a mobile communication device, the mobile version of the site may be automatically requested and is displayed to the user. Some mobile websites have a .mobi top- level domain. Some mobile websites are designed solely for use on a mobile device, or have only a single version which is suitable for viewing on both a mobile device and a desktop / laptop computer. The website design tool of the present invention may be used to design mobile websites and/or websites for viewing on non-mobile devices, e.g. PCs.

A website may be displayed on a mobile communication device via a mobile application. The term "mobile application" includes both generic browser applications and specific mobile applications or 'apps'.

In this specification the terms "website" and "webpage" may be used

interchangeably. Alternatively the term "website" may be understood to comprise a collection of one or more interlinked webpages, for example within the same domain or subdomain. The meaning of the term will be clear to the reader based on the context in which the term is used.

It is envisaged that the website building tool will be used on a mobile

communication device that comprises a touch-sensitive display to enable a user to provide input controls to the device, although the invention is not limited to such use. Touch-sensitive displays are now commonplace on smartphones, tablets and the like, and commonly occupy the majority of the area of one side of the device. It will be appreciated that the touch interaction with such a display can occur by means of a user's body part, for example a finger, or a stylus or similar implement.

Display / user interface Figure 1 is an exemplary display screen 10 of a website building tool according to one embodiment of the invention. Display screen 0 comprises a preview area 11 of a website that is being created or edited on a mobile device. It will be understood for the purposes of this specification that a website "preview" is a display pane or area in which is shown the contents of the website in a layout and format as they would appear when the website is viewed live, or substantially as they would appear when the website is viewed live. Those of skill in the art will understand that objects or elements on a preview page may be displayed with differences from the live appearance of the objects to provide information or further editing options that may be useful to a website editor that do not appear when live. The website preview may be displayed via a web browser or other application which receives content over the web, in which case it will be understood that the website preview may also be displayed via a website or webpage. As shown in Figure 1 , the preview area 11 is blank; it does not contain any content or objects. The preview area 11 takes up a majority of the area of display screen 10 and occupies the full width, or close to the full width, of the display screen. Other areas of the display screen take up significantly smaller areas of the screen. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the only other regions on the display screen 10 are a phone status bar 12 (the standard status bar for the iPhone 4S is shown in Figure 1), which may be visible in all applications, a browser tool bar 13, which may be always visible when using a browser to access the internet (the standard Safari tool bar is shown in Figure 1) and a tool bar 14, which is a region including one or more edit function icons. It is noted that the website building tool does not control the size or shape of the phone status bar 12 or browser tool bar 13. It is also noted that, when viewing display screen 10 using Safari on an iPhone, an address bar may also be displayed.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the size of tool bar 14 is sufficiently small for the preview area 11 to occupy the majority of the display screen 10. For example, tool bar 14 may occupy less than a quarter of the area of the display screen, and optionally less than 10% of that area. Tool bar 14 may span the width of the display screen 10. This layout and the parameters mentioned are designed to make efficient use of space given display area 11 occupying the width of the screen, however in some embodiments a tool bar may nevertheless be positioned on a side of the screen. Furthermore, in preferred embodiments the tool bar may remain in its position on the screen if the user scrolls down the webpage. In Figure 1 , tool bar 14 includes three edit function menu icons called "MiiStory", "Page 1" and "Go To". This particular naming of the edit function menu icons is exemplary to this embodiment and icons in other embodiments may be named differently. The edit function menu icons may be selectable to provide a user with a menu of edit function icons or further edit function menu icons. Alternatively, the tool bar may comprise edit function icons that initiate certain functions on selection without displaying a menu of further edit function icons. Alternatively, the tool bar may comprise icons that are merely labels and do not perform a function.

Generally, the term "edit function icon" will be understood to mean an icon that can be selected to perform an edit function, either directly or upon selecting further icons that are displayed as a result of selecting the first icon, or an icon that has the potential to perform an edit function when selected, even if that icon does not perform a function at that time.

For example, Figure 2 is an exemplary display screen 20 of the website building tool according to the embodiment of the invention currently being described. Figure 2 shows the result of selecting the edit function icon called "Page 1" in Figure 1 , that is, a pop-up menu 21 of edit icons is displayed. As shown in Figure 2, pop-up menu 21 of edit icons, which provide website/webpage creation or modification options, is superimposed or overlaid on top of the website preview. Displaying a menu of edit function icons on selection of the first edit function menu icons enables more functionality options to be provided to a user than would be possible in just the main display screen 10 given the small size of the display screen on the mobile device and the need to have the icons a certain minimum size to make them usable on the particular mobile device as dictated by common application standards. The smaller the size of the display screen, the fewer icons can feasibly be included on the display screen while maintaining usability without the need for a user to magnify a portion of the screen. The icons shown in Figures 1 and 2 are examples in the case of an iPhone 4S display screen having dimensions 76mm x 51mm. When the website building tool is used on mobile devices of other sizes, more or less number of icons may suit the size of screen used, and the number of icons and size of each icon may be able to be tailored to suit the particular device being used. The advantage of having the preview area 11 occupy the entire width of the touch- sensitive display is that, when the website is previewed in this area, the website is a WYSIWYG version of the live website or at close to a WYSIWYG version. The appearance of the website may differ slightly depending on what model device is used to view the website, the size of its screen and what application (e.g. web browser) is used. The website preview is an accurate preview of the website when viewed on the same type of device using the same web browser. Since websites conventionally extend downwards the presence of tool bar 14 does not impact on the preview being WYSIWYG provided the preview area 11 extends across the width of the screen. When creating or editing a mobile website it is advantageous to see an accurate preview of the website to assist with layout and design.

In preferred embodiments, the webpage may not be affected by selecting a function icon on a tool bar, and because the tool bar is the access point for the website building tool, the user is able to design the webpage on a mobile device without obscuring or distorting the appearance of the webpage or requiring loss of screen area, other than by a temporary overlay of a menu.

A tablet computer such as an iPad, for example, has a larger screen than a smartphone screen. When the website building tool according to the invention is used on such a device, the size of the preview area 11 , when extending across the width of the display screen, may be correspondingly larger. A tablet may be used to accurately preview a website intended to be viewed on another such tablet device or may be used to create / edit a website intended to be viewed on a smaller device, such as an iPhone. The appearance of the website on the iPhone may differ from the preview on the iPad because of the different size and aspect ratio of the iPad screen and how the browser renders the page on a different size screen. However, the greater size of the iPad may be used to an advantage, for example by making editing and positioning objects on the preview screen easier. The edit function icons of toolbar 14 provide the user with functionality to create and edit a website or webpage. Any suitable functionality may be provided, and the invention is not limited thereby, but examples are listed below with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figures 3 and 4 are exemplary display screens 30 and 40 of the website building tool according to the present embodiment showing the menu of further edit function icons displayed as a result of selecting the edit function menu icons called "MiiStory" and "Go To" respectively.

The following is a non-limiting list of edit function icons that may be provided in a tool bar 14 or accessible from a menu as a result of selecting an icon in the tool bar according to embodiments of the invention:

• New page - creates a new webpage;

• Edit - enters edit mode within the page currently being viewed;

· Insert object - enables an object (e.g. text, image, video, button, etc) to be entered into the page currently being viewed;

• Permissions - enables editing of permissions on the page being viewed to be viewed or changed;

• Page details - Displays details about the page currently being viewed; · Publish / unpublish - allows / disallows the page to be able to be viewed by another party;

• Add to fav - adds the current page to the personal list of favourites;

• Delete - deletes the page;

• Contacts / Messages / Media Library - functions enabling the website to access or use content stored as contacts / messages / media library on the webserver, related database, locally within the mobile device being used (if such content is accessible by the browser) or anywhere on the internet. These are provided by way of examples only and other embodiments may provide functions to enable the website to access / use other local content, data or the like or data from other websites or databases.

• Settings - edit the user's settings;

• Go To - Page 1 / Favourites / miistory.com - causes the browser /

application to go to the selected webpage or folder of webpages. In some embodiments, the user's created websites are listed in this menu so that these websites can be easily accessed without having to use the 'back' arrows or re-type a URL in the address bar;

• Create new folder - creates a new folder to enable webpages to be

organised within a website folder directory structure;

· How to videos / Help - provides tutorials or assistance for using the tool; and

• Search - search the content on the website.

There will now be described, with reference to Figures 5 to 8, an exemplary method of creating content on a webpage and editing the content according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the exemplary method 50 while Figures 6 to 8 illustrate exemplary screens displayed by a mobile device during the method. The user first navigates to the appropriate webpage on the server. The user may first be prompted to login. Alternatively, an app or other interface may be activated although this is not preferred due to the differing requirements of app types. The user may be prompted to login before the edit options are enabled to prevent against unauthorised changes being made.

If a webpage does not already exist, or if the user wants to create a new webpage, the 'new page' option is selected from a menu that is accessible through a toolbar. This creates a new page able to be displayed and edited on the client device display, and the appropriate files are created on the server.

Beginning with the blank website preview screen shown in Figure 1 , at step 51 the website edit mode is entered by selecting the "Page 1" edit function icon and then by selecting the "Edit" menu option in the pop-up menu shown in Figure 2. This causes the website building tool to go into edit mode and allows the preview to be edited. In edit mode the user is able to make desired changes (including page creation), whilst being able to view the webpage substantially as it will appear on client devices. Activation of edit mode brings up edit icons. Editing may involve inserting a new object or content or editing of an existing object or content. Thus "editing" is intended to include any change made to a webpage including its creation or deletion, including of only parts of or the whole of a page. When editing is complete, the user exits edit mode and the webpage is displayed.

In some embodiments, edit mode, in which the webpage is able to be edited, may be distinguished from preview mode, in which case an unsaved or unpublished webpage may be previewed as it would appear live when published. Preview mode may have the same or similar appearance to edit mode, or it may differ. For example, in some embodiments edit mode includes icons or other graphical representations not present in preview mode.

At step 52, an object type is selected for insertion into the website. The object selection menu may be accessed by selecting the "Page 1" edit function icon and then by selecting the "Insert object" menu option in the pop-up menu shown in Figure 2. In the embodiment currently described, this brings up the exemplary display screen 60 shown in Figure 6. Display screen 60 includes options 61 for the type of object that can be inserted into the page. In the case of screen 60, the following type of objects are listed as being able to be inserted into the website page: image; video; audio; text; button. Some of the objects available for use may be publically available objects. This list is not exhaustive and is provided by means of example only. The website building tool may provide the necessary functionality for any type of object to be inserted into a website. Other non-limiting examples of objects that may be able to be inserted include: hyperlinks; menu bars; forms; payment modules; shopping modules; survey modules; iFrames; APIs; and search modules.

In some embodiments it may be necessary to have an application installed on the device to allow certain objects to be uploaded to the website or page.

At step 53, an object corresponding to the selected object type is created.

Depending on the object type that is selected, the user may be taken to a different screen enabling the user to select or create the content of the object. For example, in the case of a text object, the website design tool provides a screen enabling a user to enter text and may provide text editing functionality such as selectable font size, colour, typeface, etc. If an image, video or audio object is to be inserted then the user will be able to browse for the required object wherever it is stored, for example locally on the mobile device, remotely on servers where objects may be able to be stored in relation to the user's site, or anywhere on the internet. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various ways in which different types of object are able to be selected for insertion into a website.

In some embodiments, upon insertion of an object or other action the user may be automatically presented with an edit menu or options, while in other embodiments the object will be inserted on the webpage but the user will need to enter an edit mode, or bring up an edit menu or options in a subsequent step. The particular options available to a user may be determined by previous selections made.

In some embodiments the user may select a background image, wallpaper, colour or colour scheme. The background scheme chosen may be applied to all pages of a website, a subset thereof or only a single page.

Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary display screen 70 according to an embodiment of the invention. Display screen 70 shows a text object 71 containing the text "Hello world" inserted into the website preview area. The text object 71 appears in the same format and position as it would appear if the website preview page was published as a live website. The only difference in appearance is that the test object is bordered by a line and includes two selectable icons 72 and 73. The line and icons show that the presently displayed page is in edit mode and also provides functionality to edit and/or move objects on the page.

In some embodiments it may be preferable to change the style or position of an icon used or to introduce one or more further icons for alternative options. Icons may be hidden under subsequently placed objects, or alternatively icons for all objects may be viewable at the top level of the webpage such that they are always visible.

At step 54, the inserted object is edited to appear as desired on the screen. For example, re-size icon 72 can be selected and dragged to re-size the object. To move the object, the user drags the object into the intended position. On a touch- sensitive smartphone this is simply a matter of a user putting their finger (or stylus) on the object and dragging it to the intended location. The touch-sensitive display detects the dragging action and edits the display of the object accordingly. When the dragged object is dropped the new position of the object is calculated by the browser and the position is stored locally on the client device.

An object edit icon 73 is also provided, the selection of which brings up a menu of further object edit or element modification options. For example, selection of icon 73 in Figure 7 may cause a menu to be displayed with the options "Edit", "Link To", "Stay", Crop and "Delete". An example of this menu is shown in Figure 11. The element modification options are superimposed or overlaid on the webpage preview, typically over or proximate the respective webpage element or object so that the user can tell which object or element the modification options relate to. In this example, the "Edit" option may take the user to a screen in which the content and formatting of the text object can be edited. The "Link To" option in the menu enables a user to create a link. In this way, a user may provide for passage through to a media file such as a video file upon selection of the image by a user on the page. As will be appreciated, other content such as text may be linked to media. Further, links may be formed to other pages including external or third party pages. The "Stay" option may cause the object to be fixed in position for the purposes of the preview screen. This prevents a user from accidentally moving an object around the webpage when the intention was to scroll the page up, down or across, for example when viewing a desktop site which may have a landscape orientation and may have a larger size than is shown on the display screen. The "crop" ability allows the user to crop or remove a portion of an image. This may be performed in a separate window, but the user may be returned to the webpage when cropping has been finished to enable the user to view the modified page, thereby improving the usability when designing or modifying a webpage. The "Delete" object causes the object to be deleted from the preview page.

Content to be linked may be obtained from any linked media library or file, from a local memory or via an address or other routing instruction such as a URL. With reference to Figure 3, the tool bar may provide access to a media library, selection of which may result in a screen display such as that in Figure 12 whereby a user is presented with different categories of media. The library may be provided by a third party or a user or a combination of the two. Note that media may be incorporated into a webpage or links provided therefor. For some media types, access may be required via links due to limitations on the types of media that may be incorporated within a webpage.

The screenshot of Figure 13 presents folders and files which may be displayed if a user selects image files in the menu in Figure 12. The particular format used for displaying the media to a user may be varied as desired and will be similar for the alternative forms of media. As shown in Figure 13, the user is presented with a number of options which will be familiar to those skilled in the art although they would not previously have been presented to the user in quite the same way. For example, the selection of one or more files, cutting, copying, deleting, creating a new folder, renaming, and also communication thereof via upload or email or other means of communication. The editing functionality may enable a user to modify an image to be stored in the library and/or prior to inclusion of an image on a page.

Via the upload option, embodiments of the invention provide for the remote storage such as on a server. Media may be uploaded via the browser-type interface or, if required, may use an app-based tool. This requirement may be forced by the inability of browsers to handle certain types of data uploads, or operating system constraints. In alternative embodiments, the element modification options may appear superimposed over the webpage on selection of any part of the respective element. In such embodiments, no element or object edit icon is necessary. When in edit mode, the tool may distinguish between a selection of an element for repositioning and a selection of an element to display element modification options by the duration of the selection, e.g. holding a finger or pointer on an element causes the element to be repositioned, whereas a short contact or click causes the element modification options to be displayed. At step 55, further objects may be added to or deleted from the preview screen as desired and subsequently edited. Figure 8 illustrates a further exemplary display screen 80 in which the "Hello world" text box 81 has been moved down the page and an image object 82 has been inserted. Both objects can be dragged around the webpage as desired unless the "Stay" option is selected for either object.

Advantageously, the website building tool according to the invention allows users to design and build websites using a smartphone or other client device that have layouts that are not constrained in any way, for example by templates or defined page structures. In the case of the preview screen 80 shown in Figure 8, both objects 81 and 82 are able to be positioned in any location on the preview page and further objects can also be added and positioned anywhere. In some embodiments, the website building tool may not automatically position an object beyond where it has been positioned by a user. Objects may be permitted to overlap or be layered on top of one another, for example. This lack of constraint provides users with the flexibility to build websites in whatever layout they want and thus be free to create webpages of unique and individual style and layout without being limited to templates or other layout constraints. The invention provides ease of use via a clear WYSIWYG interface despite restrictions posed by particular devices, such as the limited available space on a smartphone screen. This is primarily because the edit mode allows for an absolute drag and drop technique without obscuring of the screen with toolbars or widgets. While these advantages are particularly marked for smaller client devices, the interface also works with more conventional webpage creation or editing interfaces such as PCs, laptops, etc. It will be apparent that while there is larger available screen space which mitigates the need to remove obstructions on such devices having a larger screen unit, the interface of the invention still provides benefits through enabling an entire webpage to be viewed at real size, rather than reducing it to enable a portion of the screen to display toolbars or the like. Further, editing is able to be made to objects in the state they currently appear on the page, allowing users to see the page as it would appear after going live while still performing edits. However, the invention does not preclude the use of toolbars in all cases. The invention's ability to provide the user with full control over positioning of objects as described above notwithstanding, in some embodiments it may be desirable to offer a grid system to enable easier alignment of objects. The grid system may be passive, providing a background to align images or may actively lock objects to the grid. In another embodiment the system may provide templates to allow quick placement of images. In this embodiment the templates may be fixed or objects may be able to be moved across or between regions of the template. Some embodiments may include other restrictions such as the prevention of object overlap or limitation to an object being contained within the screen display.

At step 56, the user may select a 'save' button, in which case the current version of the webpage preview is saved. The webpage may be saved locally, to the server or on any other storage device. A webpage may be saved to the server but not published. The skilled addressee will appreciate the act of selecting the save button results in web content and layout data, for example in the form of HTML, CSS, XML files or the like, being saved to a file storage facility.

At step 57, the website / webpage is published or the user may choose to maintain the webpage as unpublished until a later time. In some embodiments publication of the updated website may occur automatically whenever changes are made. When an edit is made to the preview page it may be updated automatically on the webserver. In other embodiments, the user may be able to select when edits are saved and/or published, for example by selecting "Page 1" and "Publish". The skilled addressee will appreciate the act of publishing a webpage results in web content and layout data, for example in the form of HTML, CSS, XML files or the like, being sent to the server using an appropriate file transfer protocol, where it is stored. In some embodiments a website or webpage may be viewable by the public (i.e., all users) or only a group or subset of users. For example, different backgrounds may be displayed to different users based on a characteristic thereof (e.g. a

geographical region of the user) or based on user permissions. In the latter case, only selected users may be provided with permission to view the page(s) with the selected background, enabling the pages to be tested before going fully live to the public en masse.

The website building tool uses any known method to generate the necessary code defining a website based on the contents of the preview page created by the user. For example, HTML, javascript and CSS generators such as are known in the art may be used.

Being able to build a website by inserting objects and positioning / re-sizing them using dragging actions on a touch-sensitive screen is intuitive and simple. The website building tool allows users who have little or no technical knowledge to easily create websites with customised content and layout without being limited to templates or the like. System design

In some embodiments of the invention the website building tool comprises one or more software applications running on one or more web servers. The software is accessed by a user on the mobile communication device through any suitable application. Embodiments of the invention will now be described that use a web browser, for example Safari, Chrome or Firefox, and/or a local application or app that interacts with the web server via a web user interface or childbrowser type function. Embodiments of the present invention may be substantially based on the server side of the network. This allows the software to be independent of the operating system and type of communication device, helping to avoid potential conflicts or incompatibilities.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a system 90 for creating and/or editing a website according to an embodiment of the invention. System 90 comprises one or more web servers 91 which host software applications embodying the website building tool of the invention. The web servers may comprise networked or clustered servers as is commonly known in the art. The web server(s) 91 may interact with one or more databases 92 storing data associated with the software application. For example, the database 92 may store the content of websites and objects displayed or available to be displayed on the website, e.g. photos, videos, etc.

A user 93 interacts with the website building tool by means of a client device which may be a smartphone 94, tablet or the like. Smartphone 94 runs a software application 96 which is used to display the website building tool to the user (for example, as has been described above in relation to Figures 1 to 8) and to enable the user 93 to interact with the tool to create / edit a mobile website. Smartphone 94 may also comprise a local database 97 storing data that is able to be used when creating the website. Examples of such data have been discussed above but may include: photos; videos; audio files; contacts; and messages. The smartphone 94 may also use content stored elsewhere, for example on the internet.

Smartphone 94 communicates with web server 91 through a communications network 95, which may be, for example, the internet. The invention is not limited to the manner in which mobile smartphone 94 interacts with the web server.

Communications may occur through any wireless means such as a mobile telephone network, WiFi link or the like, or wired means in the event a mobile communications device is plugged into an appropriate other communications device.

On receipt of requests from the client device by a communications receiver such as via the internet, data is sent in return to the client device. The negotiations and protocols therefor for interfacing between a server and a client device are widely known and not repeated here. As would happen following more conventional user inputs, selection of options with the various menus displayed in the Figures may cause an appropriate signal to be sent to the server to provide the consequential required change. It will also be appreciated that a number of changes may be made at the client device before communicating these to the server. Such a batch-type operation may in some cases be preferable in reducing the need for a user's client device to communicate with the server, at least to the same degree, until the user is satisfied with their changes. However in other cases this may not be preferable as this runs the risk of loss of changes if problems arise and requires a greater portion of the functionality to be provided on the client device, increasing memory and processing requirements of the client device. A batch-type operation is described above with reference to Figure 5, where the step of saving changes (step 56) comprises saving the latest version of the webpage to the server and would cause any number of updates since the last save to be saved together.

Upon publication of a page or website at a client device, a signal is sent to the server instructing access to be opened. The website or page may be provided via an alternative server with any necessary data transfer completed via known means.

In one embodiment of the invention, a user interacts with the website building tool solely through a web browser on the smartphone 94. This may be suitable in cases where local device content can be accessed and uploaded through a web browser. Uploading such content to the web server 91 or database 92 allows that content to be made available to use on the mobile website.

The ability to upload some types of local content through a browser is not available to some mobile devices, such as those running the iOS5 operating system. To enable a user to upload content stored locally on such a device, software application 96 may comprise a locally stored application, or app. The app may be used to facilitate the transfer of information to the web server side. The app may also be used to edit the webpages via a web user interface or childbrowser type function.

Figure 14 is a network diagram showing servers 213, a network 212, possibly the internet, and four possible client devices 211a - 211d, preferably embodied by smartphones. In one embodiment the software runs on the server and is connected through to the user via an interface such as a browser 214. This requires only that the software on the server 213 is compatible with one or a plurality of interfaces such as browsers 214 installed on the client device. One benefit of this approach is that there is no need to install application-specific software on the client device, avoiding possible conflicts between the client device and/or an operating system and/or other related software. A second benefit of this approach is that the software needs only be compatible with the browser of the smartphone, avoiding any requirement to create, distribute, and update software for a plurality of client device designs and/or operating systems. While such an approach has at least the aforementioned advantages, the invention also includes app-based

implementations whereby at least an interface is downloaded to a client device 211 , such as via Google or Apple. An application 215 may be provided to the user to allow restrictions imposed on the browser to be overcome, such as the ability to upload files, photos or other data. Application 215 may provide for other

functionality including assisting in communication between the client device and servers 213.

The invention is primarily aimed at creating online content that can be viewed via a web-based interface. Pages created by the invention, or in the process of being created, may be viewed on the client device editing the website but can also be made available to non-editing electronic devices. These non-editing devices may include, but are not limited to, digital signage displays, freestanding monitors and suitably enabled televisions. If these electronic devices do not have a network connection they may view the websites by downloading the files created by the invention. Websites produced using the invention may be saved in a multitude of different formats so as to be compatible with different devices. When modified, functionality or capability may vary.

The system of the invention has particular benefit through the ease of use it offers to users.

Different client device configurations are shown in Figure 14. In client device 211a, a browser-type interface 14 is used to effect changes to a website or page. In client device 211b, changes are effected via an application 215 (i.e., software provided to the client device specifically designed to enable interface between the client device and the servers 213). In client device 211c, a browser-type interface 214 is configured to be opened within an application 215. Such a browser may be referred to as a "child browser". In client device 211d, both browser 214 and application 215 are used. Note application 215 may perform specific functionality such as that mentioned above regarding the ability to use particular file types. Servers 213 are shown to include memories 216 and processor 2 7. More or fewer servers may be used as required and the configurations thereof may be varied as would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary display screen 100 that may be displayed when accessing a website building tool according to one embodiment of the invention. In this case, the tool is being accessed through a dedicated app installed on an iPhone. A child browser is used to display and interact with the website building tool within the app. In other embodiments, other means of browsing within an app may be used. The bottom toolbar 101 of display screen 100 differs from the

corresponding screen for the browser version of the toolbar shown in Figure 1. In Figure 1 , the bottom tool bar 13 is dictated by the browser, whereas in Figure 10 the tool bar 101 is set by the app. Tool bar 101 comprises a local upload icon 102 which enables a user to access content stored locally on the device and upload it to the web server 91 or database 92 so that it is available for use on the website in the manner that has already been described above. Those of skill in the art will appreciate methods in which local content upload functionality can be implemented. Creating or editing a website on a mobile device using the website building tool of the invention provides a number of advantages compared to a tool operating on a desktop / laptop PC. As has already been described, the tool may be able to access local content stored on the mobile device such as contacts, messages, photos etc. This enables the user to easily and quickly build websites that use this content and interacts with it. Users can therefore add social networking elements to their websites that would not be as easy to do on a non-mobile device where such content/data is not commonly available.

Furthermore, the website building tool may be able to access or interact with other apps or features of the mobile device, such as GPS functionality. Many features or functionality common to mobile devices is not included in standard PCs. Therefore content or information can be quickly and easily added to a website in accordance with such features. For example, a user may be able to upload a map of their location to their website by means of the mobile device's GPS location tracking and in-built map app.

Using a tool on a smartphone or other mobile device provides users with the flexibility to be able to update a website from any location and immediately after collecting data such as photos, videos and audio without needing access to a desktop PC or a laptop, which is a relatively cumbersome to transport around and access on the move compared to a smartphone, for example. Furthermore most users have their smartphones with them most of the time, unlike desktop or laptop computers.

As discussed above, in some embodiments of the invention, the website building tool may comprise software running on a web server and a web browser is used on a mobile device to access the tool. Such embodiments negate the need for dedicated software to be installed on the mobile device and it makes use of a web browser which is a common application on most mobile devices. The tool is therefore able to be implemented independent of operating systems and their different configurations, functionality or requirements, which reduces the complexity and dependency of the software on the operating systems. The main requirement is that the tool software is compatible with web browsers that may be used to interact with the tool. It may be relatively more straightforward to achieve this in the case of smartphones as most browsers in use on smartphones are newer and more compliant with standards than some of the older desktop browsers in use. Another benefit of the server-side model is that updates to the website building tool can be performed centrally at the web server(s). This is in contrast to the client-side model in which software would need to be created, updated and maintained separately for all mobile device operating systems. This makes the management of the software cheaper, easier and more efficient.

Another benefit of being able to be used via a smartphone is that photos and other content can be uploaded to the web server directly from the smartphone and edited without changing devices. This makes the process more functional, efficient and faster. The website design tool of the present invention may be implemented using computer software stored on one or more computer-readable media. The software may take the form of computer-executable instructions for manipulating data. The computer executable instructions may comprise data structures, objects, programs, routines, sub-routines, modules or other forms of software that may be accessed by a processing system, such as a computer configured to execute said instructions. The software may be executed on any appropriate device, such as a computer, server or other processing means.

In one embodiment of the invention, the software used to implement the website design may be based on HTML5. This advantageously allows for local storage and advanced mobile web browser support. Other forms of HTML or other mark-up languages may be used in other embodiments. The software may also comprise code written in PHP, MySQL and Javascript and saved to a webserver in a conventional manner, although other programming languages may also be used.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of building or modifying a website or webpage within a computer network, the method comprising:

providing an interface to a client device by:

presenting a webpage to a user of the client device via the interface; and

superimposing or overlaying on the webpage one or more website or webpage creation or modification options;

receiving an input at a server-side of the network from the client device via the interface, said input relating to at least one said creation or modification option; and

wherein the interface provides for at least a substantially restriction free placement and sizing of elements on the webpage.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the webpage comprises one or more webpage elements and method further comprises:

3. The method of claim 2, wherein each webpage element has an associated element edit icon and the element modification options are superimposed or overlaid on the webpage on selection of one of the element edit icons.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the element edit icon is superimposed or overlaid on the webpage over or proximate the respective webpage element. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface is provided to the client device via a web browser.

The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface is provided to a mobile communications device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface is provided via a mobile application.

The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein when superimposing or overlaying the website or webpage creation or modification options and/or the element modification options, the appearance of the webpage is unaltered, except for the obstruction of at least a part thereof by the displayed options.

The method of claim 8, wherein the display of options relating to editing of a webpage or webpage element is only displayed following a selection by a user, via the interface, of an edit mode.

The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface provides for the possibility of one element overlaying another, at least in part. 11. A client device interface for enabling the building or modifying of a website or webpage, the interface comprising:

a display configured to present a webpage and to superimpose or overlay thereon one or more website or webpage creation or modification options, wherein the display is configured to provide for a substantially restriction free placement and sizing of elements on the webpage;

communications means for transmitting information, preferably to a server hosting the webpage, in response to selection by a user of one or more of said options, said selections resulting in the creation or modification of at least an element of the webpage. The client device of claim 11 , wherein the interface comprises or is communicatively coupled to user input means that enable a user of the interface to select said options and / or enable communication of information related thereto.

13. The client device of claim 11 or 12, wherein the interface is configured such that each element of the webpage is selectable by a user, the selection thereof resulting in one or more options relating to the element being presented on the display.

14. The client device of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the interface is browser-based.

15. The client device of any one of claims 11-14, wherein the interface is adapted for provision or installing on a portable communications device such as a smartphone.

16. A system for enabling the building or modifying of a website or webpage, the system comprising:

at least one server, each server comprising:

at least one memory device;

at least one processing unit coupled to the least one of the memory devices;

receive one or more commands and / or associated data relating to the options, said commands and/or data being generated at least in part by or as a result of user input at the client device, and said commands and/or data resulting in the creation or modification of at least an element of the webpage,

17. A method of creating and/or editing a website, the method comprising: providing to a client device, for display on the client device, a website preview occupying substantially the width of the display and one or more edit function icons or edit function menu icons in a region occupying no more than one quarter of the display;

permitting objects to be located on the preview free of layout constraints; receiving instructions to create and/or edit objects in the preview, the instructions being generated as a result of inputs to the display; and

creating / editing the website in accordance with the instructions.

18. The method of claim 7, wherein the method comprises editing the position of an object on the website in response to a dragging action detected by a touch-sensitive display. 19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein the method further comprises providing the edit function icons or edit function menu icons for display in a region occupying no more than 10% of the display.

20. The method of any one of claims 17-19, wherein the method further comprises providing the edit function icons or edit function menu icons in a toolbar spanning the width of the display.

21. The method of any one of claims 17-20, wherein, the method comprises providing for display of further edit function icons or further edit function menu icons on selection of the one or more edit function icons.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the further edit function icons or further edit function menu icons occupy more than the region occupied by the one or more edit function icons or edit function menu icons.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the further edit function icons or further edit function menu icons are superimposed or overlaid over the website preview.

24. The method of any one of claims 17-23, wherein the method comprises providing for display of a first edit object icon or edit object menu icon associated with each object on the preview. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the method comprises providing for display of further edit object icons or edit object menu icons on selection of the first edit object icon or the first edit object menu icon.

26. The method of any one of claims 17-25, wherein the method is implemented on one or more web servers.

27. The method of any one of claims 17-26, wherein the website is a mobile website. 28. The method of any one of claims 17-27, wherein the client device is a mobile communication device.

29. A method of creating and/or editing a website using a client device comprising a display, the method comprising:

permitting objects to be located on the preview free of layout constraints; and

30. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising instructions for:

providing to a client device comprising a display, for display on the client device, a website preview occupying substantially the width of the display and one or more edit function icons in a region occupying no more than one quarter of the display;

creating / editing the website in accordance with the instructions.

31. A computer program product, the computer program product being implementable on a device comprising a display and comprising instructions for:

permitting objects to be located on the preview free of layout constraints; and