Course Outline

NSCAD University, Winter 2009

Credits: 3
Prerequisite: DSGN 2310 or DSGN 2510
Time: Wednesdays 0900-1200
Location: Room N320c
Instructor: Michael LeBlanc 494-8160
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Office Hours: Mon. 1300-1430, Tues. 1000-1300, Fri. 1300-1430
Office: Design Division Offices, 2nd Floor North Block

Course Description: This course introduces the concepts and application of user interface and information design in the production of interactive media.

Objective
This course is an examination of the historical and theoretical foundations of interactive design and communication, with practical studio projects. We will read and discuss some of the seminal articles in hypertext, user interface and information architecture theory and practice. There will be opportunities to learn new software and techniques, and to apply this knowledge to solving practical problems.

Format
It is assumed that you have had practical experience of building web pages in XHTML/CSS. All project work will employ a text editor and CSSEdit for web development. PhotoShop and/or Illustrator will also be used, so a basic knowledge of these programs is essential. You may be required to prepare planning documents, which can be done using a word processor or page layout program of your choice.

Assigned projects are normally done out of class, with some class time devoted to presentation and consultation of in-progress and completed work. It is expected that you will spend at least 6 hours per week, in addition to class time, doing your assignments.

All assignments, presentations and reports are due at 0900 hrs on the day they are required. Failure to submit work at these times will result in a grade of zero (documented personal emergencies excepted).

Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes.

Course Workload
Students are expected to devote a minimum of 6 hours to out-of-class work each week.

Written Documentation
This course may require that students prepare presentations and submit one or more written documents. Students should consider the following guidelines in preparing their reports, presentations and design strategy documents.

• The style, composition, organisation and presentation of written or presented work may count for up to one third of the grade for the report or paper.
• Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors will reduce the grade for the work.
• Plagiarism (using words, ideas or images of another author without full and proper acknowledgement) constitutes grounds for failure of the paper or report.

Assessments
Most of the assignments have a presentation component. You are expected to present your work-in-progress and final work with energy and enthusiasm; your abilities in this area will be weighted equally with your ability to solve problems and think creatively.

Required Materials
You should maintain a regular digital backup schedule. If you do not have a backup and you lose the work, you will lose your grade for that project.

Health and Safety
All faculty, staff, and students are responsible for safe working practices and procedures so as to safeguard their own individual health and well-being as well as that of other members of the NSCAD University community.

Self-identification
With reference to NSCAD’s “General Policy on Students with Disabilities” students should identify themselves as early as possible so that the appropriate accommodations can be made in a timely manner.

Credit Weight and Assignments
Joomla CMS   20%
Web Reading/Presentation  20%
Web Makeover   50%
Attendance   10%
_____________________________________
TOTAL    100%

Late assignments will not be accepted, other than in exceptional circumstances and/or with prior agreement.

Students in the Bachelor of Design Major in Interdisciplinary Design are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.0 (B) or better in all required courses to remain in the program.