ARTS-4338 / Interactive Design – Spring 2016 | TR_5:55 p.m. – 8:35 p.m.
Instructor: Ping Xu
Classroom: VABL 1.112
Office: VABL 1.209
Phone: 956-665-7500 (Office)
E-mail: ping.xu@utrgv.edu & pxstudio@gmail.com
Office Hours:
MW: 12:40 – 1:40 p.m. / 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
TR: 12:40 – 1:40 p.m.
or by appointment
Course Description
ARTS-4338 INTERACTIVE DESIGN is an upper level graphic design course in web media graphics and architecture. Interactive design is defined as a user-oriented field of study that focuses on meaningful visual communication of media through collaborative processes between people and technology. Web layout and Edge Animation are used to explore design structure, navigation aesthetics, strategy concept, and project planning with an emphasis on the user experience. The course is a three credit hours studio class. The lectures and demonstrations will focus on HTML code, CSS rules, Dreamweaver technique, Edge tools, UI/UX Design, and JavaScript application.
Description of Instructional Methods
The structure of the class includes lectures, demonstrations, in-class studio activities such as group discussion, peer critique, and project developments. Projects will be assigned and due on the scheduled dates. At the completion of each assigned project, a critique and presentation will take place.
Course Objectives
- To understand the importance of the web as a medium of visual communication.
- To understand the principles of creating an effective web page and web site, including a consideration of information architecture.
- To become familiar with graphic design principles that relate to interactive design.
- To develop skills in digital imaging for web production.
- To learn the language of the web environment such as HTML and CSS.
- To think and build a layout like a typographer while designing for the web.
- To train problem solving skills in analyzing the usability of a web site.
- To explore visual languages through a variety of web and interactive media.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the ARTS-4338 course, students will be able to create:
- web pages through valid HTML5 tags and attributes
- website hierarchy and construction through CSS syntax, rules, values, selectors and properties
- Adaptive Designs for interactive media
- Responsive Designs through web design applications and techniques
- UI/UX Design through Adobe CC techniques
- navigation systems and slideshows through Javascript and jQuery
Student Learning Outcomes for UTRGV’s Graphic Design Majors
Students who complete the Graphic Design Major are prepared to enter the real world as professional graphic designers or as artists who use the tools and effects of communication art. Student designers are trained to successfully manipulate the components and composition of visual art within a framework of concept that targets an audience or purpose, whether that target is commercially based or personal. The design program installs technological knowledge, cultural and historical understanding and artistic integrity. To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities. To engage in the creative process or interpretive performance and comprehend the physical and intellectual demands required of the author or visual or performing artist.
Phases of developing a web page or a web site
- Project Definition
> Goal
> Target Audiences
> Message / Content Strategy - Brainstorming and idea generation
> Wireframes and site architecture - Visual design and layout development (Photoshop or Illustrator / UI)
- Site development and site testing (Dreamweaver or one of the edge tools / UX)
Required Browsers: Firefox or Google Chrome
Technology: HTML5 | CSS3 | Dreamweaver | UI/UX Design | JavaScript/jQuery
ARTS-4338 – Course Syllabus Print Copy:
http://www.pxstudio.us/pdf/a-4338_syllabus_sp16.pdf
Recommended Book
- HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites by Jon Duckett (2014-04-21)
- Web Designer’s Idea Book, Volume 4
Recommended Resources & Periodicals
Behance | Communication Arts – Interactive Design Annual | Smashing Magazine
ARTS-4338 Course Blog: http://pxstudio.us/blog/?cat=62
Scholastic Integrity
As members of a community dedicated to Honesty, Integrity and Respect, students are reminded that those who engage in scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and expulsion from the University. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: cheating, plagiarism, and collusion; submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person; taking an examination for another person; any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student; or the attempt to commit such acts. Since scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, all students and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced (Board of Regents Rules and Regulations and UTRGV Academic Integrity Guidelines). All scholastic dishonesty incidents will be reported to the Dean of Students.
Students with Disabilities
If you have a documented disability (physical, psychological, learning, or other disability which affects your academic performance) and would like to receive academic accommodations, please inform your instructor and contact Student Accessibility Services to schedule an appointment to initiate services. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with Student Accessibility Services before classes start. However, accommodations can be provided at any time.
Edinburg Campus
Student Accessibility Services
108 University Center
Phone: (956) 665-7005 (Voice),
Fax: (956) 665-3840 (Fax)
E-mail: accessibility@utrgv.edu
Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Violence
In accordance with UT System regulations, your instructor is a “responsible employee” for reporting purposes under Title IX regulations and so must report any instance, occurring during a student’s time in college, of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, or sexual harassment about which she/he becomes aware during this course through writing, discussion, or personal disclosure. More information can be found at www.utrgv.edu/equity, including confidential resources available on campus. The faculty and staff of UTRGV actively strive to provide a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free from sexual misconduct and discrimination.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and may be dropped from the course for excessive absences. UTRGV’s attendance policy excuses students from attending class if they are participating in officially sponsored university activities, such as athletics; for observance of religious holy days; or for military service. Students should contact the instructor in advance of the excused absence and arrange to make up missed work or examinations.
Tardiness Policy
A tardy means you are being late over 5 minutes when you clock in. Tardiness is not tolerated in this class. Three tardies will be counted as an absence. A tardy or an absence on a critique/presentation day will result in a grade reduction for that project.
Effort Policy
Students are expected to keep track of their performance throughout the semester and seek guidance from available sources (including the instructor) if their performance drops below satisfactory levels. Unprepared, late to class, and/or non-participating students will receive a reduced project grade when applicable.
Back-up Policy
In order to preventing unexpected file damages or disk errors, please back up your important files such as your final project files and your package folder in two different locations/disks. Another data loss prevention is using Time Machine.
Grading Policy
Student works will be assessed for creativity, presentation, and content value, based on professional standards. In determining students’ grade of the course, the consideration is given to the following areas: Attitude, attendance, constructive participation, development of concepts, aptness of thought, originality, composition, construction, curiosity, tenacity, inventiveness, presentation, and technical proficiency in working those assigned projects. The final grade of the course will be the sum of the project scores divided by the quantity number of projects.
Grade Scale (apply to each project)
Excellence_90- lOO [A]
Presents extremely imaginative idea and shows excellent technical/presentation skills. The project may also go well above and beyond the parameters of the exercise. Solid class discussions and critique involvement are also involved.
Above Average_80 – 92 [B]
Completes a solid overall development with original thought through the process of project developments. It also shows good design incite and work ethic. Regular participation in class discussions and peer critiques are also maintained.
Average_70 – 79 [C]
Meets the parameters of the problem, but does not exhibit originality or may be presented in a condition or manner that does not effectively communicate the goals of the exercise or in essence lacks proper execution.
Weak_60 – 69 [D]
Unacceptable_0 – 59 [F]
Point or Grade Deduction
Three point deduction will be occurred for the grade of a single project by each unexcused absence during the period of project.
One letter deduction will be occurred for the grade of a single project:
• an absence on a critique/presentation day
• an one day delay of the project
Course Drops
According to UTRGV policy, students may drop any class without penalty earning a grade of DR until the official drop date. Following that date, students must be assigned a letter grade and can no longer drop the class. Students considering dropping the class should be aware of the “3-peat rule” and the “6-drop” rule so they can recognize how dropped classes may affect their academic success. The 6-drop rule refers to Texas law that dictates that undergraduate students may not drop more than six courses during their undergraduate career. Courses dropped at other Texas public higher education institutions will count toward the six-course drop limit. The 3-peat rule refers to additional fees charged to students who take the same class for the third time.
Course Evaluation
Students are required to complete an ONLINE evaluation of this course, accessed through your UTRGV account (http://my.utrgv.edu); you will be contacted through email with further instructions. Online evaluations will be available after week 13. Students who complete their evaluations will have priority access to their grades.
Process Book
In this course you will be required to have a process book/design idea diary(minimum size 8.5 x 11) for the entire Spring session with entries for each assignment and each class meeting. The book should include; sketches, notes, ideas as well as visual inspirations/imagery from magazines, books, etc. (can be copied cut out) – interactive design that is interesting and inspirational to you. The process book will be counted as a graded component in each one of the assignments that is presented in this session.
Notes
All project notes should be easily sourced in your process books
• any test prints or copies should also be included in your books
• all project information/handouts should be filed.
Support Materials
Any periodical, book, etc. represented by photocopies of articles and work sourced material should relate to the content that we are covering during each assignment.
Supplies & Materials
- Recommended books_available on Amazon
- Process Book_3 ring binder (for organizing research materials and handouts)
- Notebook/Sketch Book/Pen/Marker
- Disk for back-up/transportation purposes, please choose one or more of the following options):
– Two 16 or 32GB Flash Drives
– DVD Disks
– An External Hard Drive
Topics
- HTML5 Coding and Validation
- CSS Rule and Validation
- HTML Page Redesign
- HTML Mini Site
- Dreamweaver Workbook
- Adaptive Web Design
- Responsive Web Design
- Javascript and jQuery
Applications: Adobe CS6 & Adobe CC 2015
- Adobe Photoshop CS6 or CC 2015
- Adobe Illustrator CS6 or CC 2015
- Adobe Fireworks CS6
- Adobe Dreamweaver CS6 or CC 2015
- Adobe Edge Code CC 2015
- Adobe Edge Animate CC 2015
- Adobe Edge Reflow CC 2015
- Adobe Muse CC 2015
Project Activities
- Project-1A: HTML Page Redesign
- Project-1B: HTML Page Redesign
- Project-1C: HTML Mini Site
- Project-2: DWWK Project
- Project-3: RWD Project
Calendar of Activities
| January 20 | Class Begin |
| January 25 | Project-1A & 1B Begin |
| February 3 | Project-1C Begin (Mini HTML Site) |
| February 22 | Project-2 Begin (DWWK Website) |
| March 14 – 18 | Spring Break |
| March 30 | Final Project Begin (Group Project: RWD Website) |
| April 14 | Drop/withdrawal Deadline; last day for students to drop the course and receive a DR grade. |
| May 5 | Study Day; no classes |
| May 6-12 | Final exams – Schedule will be posted at my.utrgv.edu – check the scheduled time on the course blog |
ARTS-4338 Final Exam Class: TBA