Interactive Design
Skidmore College | Deb Hall
COURSE SYLLABUS
OBJECTIVES:
Interactive digital environments allow users to access and respond to the information presented.
The primary objectives of this course are to:
1) improve communication design skills in an interactive digital environment;
2) learn strategies to express a personal vision using digital methods;
3) learn the basic concepts behind web development tools and techniques;
4) recognize the qualities of a clear and effective interactive site;
5) develop an organized navigational structure appropriate to the content;
6) and actively consider the difference between visual and textual content.
Work for the semester will lead to a final project in which individuals or small groups of students will develop, research, write, design and produce an interactive site. There will be reading and writing assignments in addition to demonstrations and exercises in Flash.
PREREQUISITES:
Visual Concepts
Drawing
Color
Communication Design I
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Process (20%)-generation of diverse sketches for Project Assignments
Product (30%)-ability to understand and apply concepts discussed during studio activities,
demonstrate technical skills and develop thoughtful solutions for Project Assignments.
Preparation (25%)-work habits, craftsmanship and presentation. How you present your work reflects the time, energy and thought that you have put into it. Work must be presented in the recommended format for the final crit.
Participation (25%)-participation during group discussions, demonstrations, presentations and on the discussion board. Contributions to critiques, communication skills, accuracy of spelling and grammar in written documents, ability to follow instructions and meet deadlines.
Attendance The course is organized to maximize hands-on experience and will include extensive in-class critiques, exercises, and demo work sessions. Attendance is required. If you are going to miss a class I will appreciate notification by e-mail, however, that does not excuse your absence. You are responsible for making up all work missed-I will not be able to review what was covered in your absence. Your point total will be affected by your attendance. If you miss more then one class, the percentage of classes attended will apply to the point total.
Use the following chart to tabulate your grade:
1 Class no penalty
2 Classes Points x 96%
3 Classes Points x 93%
4 Classes or more constitutes an incomplete or failing grade.
GRADES:
Each project is evaluated and graded for both design and research (writing) based on the criteria established in the problem stated and the problem objectives. Projects are weighed in importance based on the complexity of the concepts and the solutions presented (scope).
A: Excellent This is usually work done by a highly motivated student meeting all of the performance criteria as set forth by the problem. The work will show strong technical and conceptual skills. All work will be consistently presented to the highest standard. In order to earn an A in the course, a student must turn every assignment in on time, adhere to the attendance policies, and demonstrate classroom integrity.
B: Very Good/Good This work is above average, it may even be excellent but not handed in on time. It shows better than average design sensitivity.
C: Good/Satisfactory This work is average/good. Work has fulfilled the requirements of the
project, but lacks technical proficiency and/or visual interest and thoughtful and imaginative
resolution. Work may not be consistently handed in on time.
ASSIGNMENTS | EXERCISES | PORTFOLIO
Each of the required project assignments will be described in a separate document. ( ASSIGNMENTS)
Your document file for each project (pdf/swf) and a hard copy is due by the end of class on the date indicated in the Syllabus.
A number of exercises will be provided for help in learning the technological skills addressed in class. All exercises and assignments will be evaluated.
A complete portfolio of your work (hardcopy and digital files) will be graded at midterm and at the end of the semester. Electronic files (pdfs, swfs, etc.) must be submitted in a folder with your name on it.
CRITIQUES:
Critiques will be held to review work in progress. This is an important time to gain feedback regarding your work. It is also important to see the work that others are doing in response to the same problem. You should be prompt for critiques-PRINT AND HANG YOUR WORK
BEFORE THE CRITIQUES. Attendance and active participation in critiques is considered in determining your grade.
STUDIO ACTIVITIES AND EXPECTATIONS:
The Communication Design Lab ( Saisellin 111B) is reserved for students currently enrolled in Communication Design courses. The lab will be open 24 hours a day and on weekends during the semester. During other class sessions you may not use the lab without prior permission. Teacher Assistants are available for students needing extra help. Please note that technical problems do not constitute an excuse for unfinished work. Such issues are part of life when working with computers and you should assume that they will occur. It is your responsibility to schedule your time and your work to allow for technical challenges and still get your work done well and on time.
TARDINESS | BREAKS:
Please be considerate of others in the class and arrive on time. Limit your break to the allotted time (15 minutes). Two lates constitute one absence.
CELL PHONES:
Please turn your cell phone off during class. Protect your own privacy by having conversations during break in the hall or outside.
DISABILITY ACCOMODATIONS :
Any student with special needs requiring accommodations should give me his/her memo of accommodations in a timely manner. It is the student’s responsibility to follow up with me regarding all accommodations that require my participation. The student is advised to ensure full use of testing accommodations by coming to talk to me at least 5 days before any test on the syllabus. The Coordinator for Students with Disabilities is located in the Office of Student Academic Services. You can make an appointment with her by calling extension 5180.
REQUIRED TEXT
Site-Seeing: A Visual Approach to Web Usability (Paperback) by Luke Wroblewski
RECOMMENDED TEXTS
Flash Hands on Training
Flash Beyond the Basics Hands on Training
Flash Essentials
SUPPLY LIST
Pad of Beinfang Graphics 360 Paper 14 x 17
Inkjet Paper
Epson Enhanced Matte
Pencil 2B, 2H
Black Pilot, extra fine point
Black Sharpie Fine point/Regular point
Graphic Arts Ruler
Staedler, Mars plastic (white)
Digital camera (optional)
Removable Firewire HD/Flash Drive 500 MB-1G
Portfolio (Itoya 8.5 x 11)
RESOURCES
Magazines
Communication Design
PRINT
Graphis
Eye
How
I.D.
Wired
MacWorld
Emigre
Art Supplies
Soave Fair 449 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 587-8448
Arlenes 57 Fuller Road, Albany, 482-8881
Skidmore Bookstore
Software
Photographic Supplies
Image Broadway, Saratoga Springs, New York
Black & white photo processing:
MacGreevy Pro Lab 8 Liberty Street Albany, New York
Color Prints:
KINKOS, Saratoga Springs
Media Services, Palamountain Hall
Bokland Industrial Park Rd., Albany, New York
RESOURCES
