Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

NB: Information in this Unit Outline is subject to change prior to commencement of semester

In the design and production of visual and interactive media, you will need to understand how the principles of visual communication extend to, and are adapted for, temporal and interactive media design. This unit expands upon content introduced in KIB101 Visual Communication. This unit will enable you to apply visual language to the design of temporal media, visual interfaces and interactive media.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with an understanding of the application of visual communication principles to design problems within temporal and interactive media, including visual narratives, visual interfaces and visual interactions. This includes principles, processes and technologies involved in the production in static and motion graphics, and interactive media.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. identify and articulate how the conventions of visual communication apply to temporal media, screen interfaces and interactive media design;
2. understand the design differences between temporal linear narratives and interactive media;
3. target communication towards a specific audience context and purpose;
4. interpret ideas and represent concepts by producing narrative meaning within temporal media and visual interaction through the interfaces, navigation and interactivity of new media;
5. apply appropriate technologies to construct visual compositions in temporal and interactive media;
6. understand the relationship between design and communication theory and practice;
7. incorporate feedback into the iterative design process.

Content

This unit will extend the principles, conventions and practices of visual communication you learnt in KIB101: Visual Communication. It will address content such as:
- critical analysis of contemporary approaches to producing meaning within visual narratives, visual interfaces and interactive media
- theories and methods for producing effective visual design and communication within temporal and interactive media
- the orientation of meaning towards the specificities of a given audience context and purpose
- the practical processes involved in extending static images into motion graphics, visual narratives and visual interfaces for interaction
- an iterative design process, which involves the steps of interpretation, representation, presentation for peer review, critical reflection and design development.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be undertaken through participation in lectures and practical classes. Lectures will provide you with the theoretical and contextual basis to inform design development. Tutorial classes will provide the opportunity to explore principles and concepts from lecture material and allow a chance for peer review, which will support you in the iterative design process. These practical classes will also support technical skill acquisition and their application to design development.

Assessment

LATE ASSESSMENT ITEMS
An assessment item submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time and you do not have an approved extension, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access complete Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester. Weight 0%

Assessment name: Graphical Images
Description: Graphics, Storyboards, and Animated Sequences. A collection of graphical images that are extended, through storyboarding, into a temporal narrative/s. This assessment includes design documentation.
Relates to objectives: 3 to 7
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid - Semester

Assessment name: Interactive Media Project
Description: Extended Animated Sequence, Interstitial Graphics and Interactive Media. An interactive media project with visual interfaces, interstitial menus, combined interactive sequences and an interactive approach to content. You should also submit design documentation including a contextual analysis and design rationale.
Relates to objectives: All
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required Text

There is no set text for this unit.

Recommended References

Murray, J. (1997) Hamlet on the Holodeck: the Future of Narrative in Cyberspace Cambridge. Mass: MIT Press

Ryan, M. L. (2001) Narrative as Virtual Reality: Immersion and Interactivity in Literature and Electronic Media. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press

William L, Holden, K and Butler, J (2003) Universal Principles of Design, Gloucester, Mass:
Rockport

Smith K. (ed.) (2005) Handbook of visual communication: theory, methods, and media. Mahwah, N.J.: L. Erlbaum

Studio 7.5. (2005) Design for small screens. Switzerland: AVA Publishing

Laurel, B. (ed) (1990) The Art of Computer Interface Design. Mass: Addison Wesley

Kress, G. & Van Leeuwen, T. (2001) Multimodal discourse: the modes and media of contemporary communication. London: Arnold

Johnson, S. (1997) Interface Culture. New York: Basic Books

Mullet, K., Sano, D. (1995) Designing Visual Interfaces. Mountain View, CA: Prentice Hall

Further resources can be found on the Blackboard web site for this unit.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 28-May-2012