ARTS-4338 Interactive Design (CRN:54675) – Spring 2020
Professor: Ping Xu | 956-777-1126 (c) | E-mail: ping.xu@utrgv.edu
Course meeting time: TR_10:55 am – 1:35 pm
Classroom: EVABL 1.223
Office: EVABL 1.209
Office Hours: Every Wednesday 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
and by appointments
Course Blog: http://pxstudio.us/blog/?cat=62
Download the pdf file to print a hard copy syllabus
Course Description
Designing for the web and mobile sites is all about making the user experience. The ARTS-4338 INTERACTIVE DESIGN is an upper level graphic design course in web media graphics and architecture. Interactive design (IXD) is defined as a user-oriented field of study that focuses on meaningful visual communication of media through collaborative processes between people and technology. The course content will be focused on UI/UX Design through responsive layouts with multiple devices and platforms by using emerging prototyping tools. The course is a three credit hours studio class. The lectures and demonstrations will cover HTML code, CSS rules, Dreamweaver technique, UI/UX Design, and additional interactive design applications.
Prerequisites
Theoretically students need to complete all 2000-3000 level courses before taking this 4000 level course especially for the following courses:
- ARTS-2313 Design Communication I
- ARTS-2363 Typography
- ARTS-3330 Image & Illustration
- ARTS-3333 Design & Production
Unless approved by the instructor, students need to complete at least two of the above courses.
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 design.
- 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 products for the web.
- To enhance problem solving skills in practicing the usability of a website.
- To explore visual languages through a variety of interactive media.
Student Learning Objectives / Outcomes for the Course
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.
- Responsive Designs through web design applications and techniques.
- UX Designs through Adobe CC prototyping tools such as Adobe Dreamweaver and Adobe XD.
Student Learning Outcomes for UTRGV’s Graphic Design Majors
(Core Curriculum Requirement)
A Bachelor of Fine Arts with Graphic Design Concentration at UTRGV prepares students for serious professional work in the field. The curriculum emphasizes concept development and application, work with clients and professional development, including the establishment of a working portfolio. Students who graduate from the program are equipped for a broad range of practices in the design field such as interactive design, art direction, publication design, including print and advertising, multimedia and web design, motion graphics, photography and social service design in a variety of settings. UTRGV Graphic Design alumni follow a wide range of individual paths, including running their own design studios, working for large corporations or specializing in web and interactive media. Some students also choose to earn a master’s degree in the field, opening many possible horizons.
Major Course Requirement and The Standards of Completing Successful IXD Projects / Course Expectation for Students
After completing this course, students will be able to
- apply IXD design principles including the principles of web typography and user-centered designs when developing projects.
- establish a concept in the entire IXD process.
- write and apply code (HTML, CSS, and Javascript) for visualizing responsive design with multiple devices.
- use text, data, graphics, sound, and video appropriately in a process of web design and website development.
- produce separate visuals for page layouts with a strong visual consistency in the UI/UX design system.
- create a user-friendly navigation.
- become an effective IXD designer and problem solver in the UX field by using the industry standard prototyping tools.
- be a responsible team player in a collaborative environment.
Teaching Philosophy
“The real success is finding your life work in the work that you love.” The real joy of teaching comes from student success. I desire to be a successful educator. I fully commit myself to both teacher-scholar model and teacher-designer model. To prepare students for the real world, I teach my students not only fundamental knowledge and techniques, but also their critical thinking and problem solving capabilities. I mainly endeavor to address my teaching on the following four aspects:
1. Explaining complex theories through demonstrations and workshops.
2. Stimulating student’s interest in exploring their critical thinking and the concept of work, and assist them to produce professional work.
3. Introducing and encouraging students to learn the most updated technologies.
4. Teaching technical problems solving skills to students when they exploring complex design projects.
Required Textbook and Recommended Resources
The HTML and CSS Workshop: A New, Interactive Approach to Learning HTML and CSS
ISBN-10: 1838824537
Adobe XD CC Classroom in a Book (2019 Release)
ISBN-10: 0135619645
Recommended Resources & Periodicals for the Inspiration of Interactive Design
• Behance
• Pinterest
• Communication Arts – Interactive Design Annual
• Smashing Magazine
Process Book
In this course students will be required to have a process book/design idea diary (minimum size 8.5 x 11) for the entire session with entries for each assignment and each class meeting. The book should include sketches, notes, ideas as well as visual inspirations/imagery from interactive design magazines, websites, books, etc. (can be copied cut out) – interactive/web designs that are interesting/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. Any support materials such as periodical, book, etc. presented by photocopies of articles and work sourced materials should relate to the content that we are covering during each assignment. All project notes should be easily sourced in your process books. Any test prints or copies should also be included in your book. All project information/handouts should be filed into the process book as well.
Supplies & Materials
• Textbooks_available on Amazon
• Process Book_3 ring binder_available at OfficeDepot and UTRGV Bookstore
• For back-up/transportation purposes, please purchase one 64 GB USB drive and/or an external hard drive.
Recommended Browsers: Firefox or Chrome
Student Services
Students who demonstrate financial need have a variety of options when it comes to paying for college costs, such as scholarships, grants, loans and work-study. Students should visit the Students Services Center (U Central) for additional information. U Central is located in BMAIN 1.100 (Brownsville) or ESSBL 1.145 (Edinburg) or can be reached by email (ucentral@utrgv.edu) or telephone: (888) 882-4026. In addition to financial aid, U Central can assist students with registration and admissions.
Students seeking academic help in their studies can use university resources in addition to an instructor’s office hours. University Resources include the Learning Center, Writing Center, Advising Center and Career Center. The centers provide services such as tutoring, writing help, critical thinking, study skills, degree planning, and student employment. Locations are listed below.
| Center Name | Brownsville Campus | Edinburg Campus |
| Advising Center AcademicAdvising@utrgv.edu | BMAIN 1.400 (956) 665-7120 | ESWKH 101 (956) 665-7120 |
| Career Center CareerCenter@utrgv.edu | BCRTZ 129 (956) 882-5627 | ESSBL 2.101 (956) 665-2243 |
| Counseling Center Counseling@utrgv.edu | EUCTR 109 (956) 665-2574 | BSTUN 2.10 (956) 882-3897 |
| Learning Center LearningCenter@utrgv.edu | BMSLC 2.118 (956) 882-8208 | ELCTR 100 (956) 665-2585 |
| Writing Center WC@utrgv.edu | BUBLB 3.206 (956) 882-7065 | ESTAC 3.119 (956) 665-2538 |
Students with Disabilities
Students with a documented disability (physical, psychological, learning, or other disability which affects academic performance) who would like to receive academic accommodations should contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for additional information. In order for accommodation requests to be considered for approval, the student is responsible for providing sufficient documentation of disability to SAS and participating in an interactive discussion with SAS staff. Accommodations may be requested at any time but are not retroactive. Please contact SAS early in the semester/module for guidance. Students who experience a broken bone, severe injury, or undergo surgery may also be eligible for temporary accommodations.
Student Accessibility Services | E-mail: ability@utrgv.edu
| Edinburg Campus 108 University Center (EUCTR) Phone: (956) 665-7005 | Brownsville Campus 1.107 Music and Learning Center Building (BMSLC) Phone: (956) 882-7374 |
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.
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 that is free from sexual misconduct and discrimination. If students, faculty, or staff would like confidential assistance, or have questions, they can contact OVAVP (Office for Victim Advocacy & Violence Prevention) at 665-8287, 882-8282, or OVAVP@utrgv.edu.
Pregnancy, Pregnancy-related, and Parenting
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination, which includes discrimination based on pregnancy, marital status, or parental status. Students seeking accommodations related to pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, or parenting (reasonably immediate postpartum period) are encouraged to contact Student Accessibility Services for additional information and to request accommodations.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. The student will be dropped by the instructor from the course if the student absents more than 6 classes. 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 10 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 the project.
Effort Policy:
Students are expected to keep track of their performance throughout the semester, and seek guidance from the instructor and available sources 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 prevent unexpected file damages or disk errors, please back up your important files and project folder at two different places/disks. If a late project is occurred due to a file damage, a grade deduction will still be conducted.
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 Deduction / Grade Deduction
A three-point deduction will be received for the grade of a single project by each unexcused absence during the period of the project.
One letter will be deducted for the grade of a single project if the student absents a class in a critique day/presentation day, or delays a 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. The student will be dropped by the instructor from the course if the student absents more than 6 classes.
Mandatory 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. Students who complete their evaluations will have priority access to their grades. Online evaluations will be available on or about:
April 10 – 29, 2020
Topics & Technologies:
- HTML5 Coding and Validation
- CSS Rules and Validation
- HTML Page Redesign
- HTML Website
- Dreamweaver Technique
- UX Design & Technique
Applications > Adobe IXD Software
- Adobe Dreamweaver CC 2020
- Adobe XD CC 2020
Project Activities
- Project-1A: HTML Page Redesign through HTML and CSS
- Project-1B: HTML Page Redesign through HTML and CSS
- Project-1C: HTML Website through Adobe Dreamweaver
- Project-2: UX Design – Collaborative Project
Calendar of Project Activities
| Date Range | Topic | Project |
| Jan. 16 – Feb. 6 | HTML Page Redesign HTML5 and CSS3 | Project-1A & 1B |
| Feb. 11 – Mar. 19 | HTML Website Dreamweaver & Javascript | Project-1C |
| Mar. 19 | HTML Quiz | Project-1C |
| Mar. 24 – May 5 | UX Design | Project-2 |
Calendar of Spring 2020
| Jan. 14 | Class Begins |
| Jan. 16 | Project-1A & 1B Begins & the last day to add a course |
| Jan. 20 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day – NO class |
| Feb. 11 | Project-1C Begins |
| Mar. 9 – 14 | Spring Break – No classes |
| Mar. 24 | Final Project Begins: UX Design |
| April 9 | Last day to drop a class and receive a DR grade, and it will be counted toward the UT System’s 6-drop rule |
| April 10 – 11 | Easter Holiday – NO Classes |
| April 30 | Study Day – No Classes |
| May 5 | Final exam day (the due day of final project) |