Syllabus

Overview

This course is a hands-on application of interaction design for digital media (primarily browser-based). We will explore how user-interaction adds bidirectionality to communication, examine the intricacies of seemingly-simple digital interactions, and familiarize ourselves with the attributes of digital device as ‘canvas’. We will work both independently and collaboratively to design interactive solutions for a selection of communication challenges.

Our focus will be to learn by doing: first-hand experience gained while undertaking real-world projects will provide the context and framework for discussion and instruction.

Project work will likely be (but not required to be) accomplished with tools available in the Adobe Creative Suite: Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop. Web browsers on both desktop computers and mobile devices will also be used extensively.

Goals

1. Develop the self-knowledge, conceptual and visual methodologies, and technical proficiency necessary to conceive, plan and execute screen-based interactive design projects.
2. Understand the vocabularies, applications, and production environments associated with interactive design in order to effectively collaborate with people in related disciplines (creative directors, writers, web-developers, programmers, etc.)
3. Produce work that demonstrates successful and effective application of interactive design to accomplish specific communication objectives.

Schedule

In addition to in-class excercises and small assignments, we will undertake five or six projects during the semester. Each project will receive a roughly equal share of calendar time, but will successively increase in complexity. Each project is intended to generate a portfolio-ready product.

All classes occur between 8:30am and 11:30am.

1. August

   Mon	Wed
   5	7
   12	14
   19	21
   26	28

2. September

   Mon	Wed
   2	4
   9	11
   16	18
   23	25
   30

3. October

   Mon	Wed
   	2
   7	9
   14	16
   21	23
   28	30

4. November

   Mon	Wed
   4	6
   11	13
   18	20
   25	27

5. December

   Mon	Wed
   2	4
   9	11
   16	18
   23	25
   30

Means of Instruction

Class time will be divided between discussions, instruction, group exercises, critiques and studio time. Expect to spend time outside of class on self-instruction, research, and assignment/lab work in order to be prepared for each classroom session.

Attendance

Class attendance is mandatory. You may have just one unexcused absence during the semester. Each unexcused absence after this will negatively affect your final grade. Be on time to each class and stay until class is dismissed. If you have a schedule conflict, making prior arrangements with the instructor is advised, but does not exempt you from the responsibility of completing any work that occurred in or out of class.

Critiques and Assignments

Projects will be evaluated on concept, investment (or process), form, and function. All assignments and projects will be turned in electronically as HTML pages uploaded to the class website, and must be submitted before class begins on the date the assignment is due is due. Unless arranged in advance, assignments will be graded down a letter grade for each day they are late, even if you are absent. At the middle and end of the semester, expect a one-on-one progress review with the instructor.

Grading

Grades will be based on the following:

1. Superior work, deserving special mention, competitive nationally.
2. Very good work, deserving recognition, accomplishes most project goals and is properly documented.
3. Satisfactory, acceptable for progress in curriculum, but not outstanding, weaknesses in some aspects of process or final product.
4. Weak work, marginally acceptable for progress in curriculum, significant deficiencies in process or final product.

6. Failing, not acceptable for progress in curriculum, unacceptable deficiencies in process or final product.

Late Work

Projects are due on the date specified whether or not you are in class. In exceptional cases an extension may be granted. If you can't be in class, you are still expected to post assignments to the class website.

Conduct

Your mobile phones / devices are welcome in class, but using them to conduct personal conversations or business is not. Please do not engage in emailing, texting, instant messaging, or social media conversations during class, unless specifically class-related. Please remove your headphones when you are conversing with the instructor or another student.