«
Syllabus
The goal of this course is to introduce you to real world concepts, processes, techniques and technologies widely used in Interaction Design projects. Then to gain a little experience in the design and production of a basic interaction design project, usually a website, blog environment, or even a web based application and content management (CMS) web presence.
»
Wicked problem?
When you first jump into this business it can seem like a wicked problem, i.e., a thorny knot that is impossible to untangle. Just a mass of information with no openings or end points with which to start unraveling it. No wicked problem here. Just hang in there and the fog will lift as we move through the semester.
Grades
There is often an anxiety factor about grades. Particularly if you feel that you are jumping off the cliff in the dark of night. In this case just RELAX, let go and jump.
The simplest project from the projects list can be an A project. A project that you work on seriously and yet fails can also be an A project. Your project selection is a critical choice. has a lot to do with your commitment and interest, so start by choosing (or defining) a project that helps you meet, or move toward, your professional goals.
I act as your guide. You tell me where you want to go and I try to help you get there. No smoke, no mirrors. We just move consistently forward through your objectives/mileposts toward your professional goal.
Good grades are based on several factors:
- passion, excitement and curiosity about design/planning
- self-motivation and self-actualization - learn to teach yourself
- consistent work throughout the semester
- class attendance
- demonstrated understanding of user-based design
- project clearly fits your stated professional goals. Your design and production efforts on your chosen project are consistent, complete, and are on-time meeting self-defined mileposts i.e., you consistently follow your burn down chart
The other side of the coin, a low grade, is based on the reverse mirrors of the above listed "good grade" factors:
- lack of passion, passive waiting to be told what to do.
- lack of self-motivation, waiting for the step-by-step instructions.
- inconsistent work throughout the semester and "high-schooly" last minute binge effort.
- infrequent class attendance
- I am cool so it's all about me and what is easy for me. Suck it up user.
- project doesn't really fit your stated professional goals. Your design and production efforts on your chosen project are inconsistent, partial, and late meeting self-defined mileposts i.e., your burn down turns into a burn-up.
So, just enthusiastically jump in and work consistently. Explore, try a few things, look for answers to your questions - of course you can always ask me. In short be self-actualizing and don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Here's what to do to start moving forward. The first assignment.
- Spend some time seriously and thoughtfully reviewing your professional goals.
- Select/define a project that fits into your professional goals. Include in your goals statement and briefly why you feel the project you've selected fits with your professional goals.
- Write your goals statement, see assignment #1.
Due as a pdf Thursday 3 September (at the start of class)
What we will be doing
This semester we'll focus on basic interaction design and development for the Web. Learning the fundamentals of website design, development, production and management. There are five possible projects from which you can select one as your focus for this semester. Choose one that best supports your professional goals. Then dive in and let's have a little fun this semester.
