Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

In order to support careers in the field of interactive media design, you will need to have an understanding of interaction design, user experience design and design communication. It is important to underpin this understanding with knowledge of design methodologies, as well as the social, historical, technical and cultural contexts in which design occurs.

Aims

This unit aims to introduce you to interaction design, user experience design and design communication, focusing on the specific design processes, techniques and methods employed within the context of the creative industries.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. understand and apply interactive media design theories, principles and methodologies;
2. apply practical skills required for interactive media design throughout the design process;
3. use current, industry standard interactive media authoring software;
4. clearly communicate design concepts using established forms of representation;
5. sustain a self directed line of inquiry through your own practice.

Content

This unit addresses content such as:
- interaction design
- user experience design
- concepts, models, theories and principles of interactive media
- human computer interface related activities
- visual interface design and implementation
- information design and multimedia design
- multimedia development techniques.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit combines theory and practice. It is presented via a series of lectures that are supported by selected readings, handouts and case studies. Lecture notes and other useful resources are published on the unit Blackboard Web site for reference outside class time.

Tutorials consist of problem-based learning activities and design workshops. They will provide the opportunity to develop and refine your skills in an open, constructive and supportive environment, and will also allow time for personal/small group consultations with teaching staff.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, 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 engage in design critiques where you will present your work to your colleagues and academic staff for feedback. Weight: 0%

You will be awarded a final grade on a 1 to 7 scale.

Assessment name: Conceptual Design Process
Description: You will submit three distinct/different conceptual design proposals for interactive media objects in response to a specific design brief. Each design proposal must be supported by a written statement, which clearly describes the design concept; outlines how it responds to the brief; situates the design concept in the field of interaction design practice; and outlines the proposed work's connection to theory discussed in lectures and tutorials.
Max. length: 2,500 words or equivalent
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 4, 5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Final Interactive
Description: This assignment requires you to develop either a small, resolved piece of interactive media or a proof of concept for a larger interactive media work. The specific design brief and a detailed explanation of the size and scope of this assignment will be published on the Blackboard web site at the commencement of the semester. Design briefs will change each semester in accordance with contemporary practice. You will be required to support your submission with a written document and an in-class presentation.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
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 Texts

There is no set text for this unit. Appropriate references relevant to the projects undertaken will be provided by the unit coordinator and published on the unit's Blackboard Web site. Full text versions of key readings will be available via the course materials database. Below is a list of several key references that underpin the content of the unit.

Recommended References

Bolter, J. D, & Gromala, D. (2003) Windows and mirrors: interaction design, digital art, and the myth of transparency. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press

Chapman, J. (2005) Emotionally durable design: objects, experiences and empathy. London; Sterling, VA: Earthscan

Cooper, A. and R. Reimann (2003) About face 2.0: the essentials of interaction design. Indianapolis: Wiley

Coyne, R. D. (1995) Designing information technology in the postmodern age: from method to metaphor. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press

Dawes, B. (2007) Analog in, digital out : Brendan Dawes on interaction design. Berkeley, CA: New Riders

Dunne, A. (1999) Hertzian tales : electronic products, aesthetic experience and critical design. London: RCA CRD Research Publications

Laurel, B. (2003) Design research: methods and perspectives. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press

Lowgren, J, & Stolterman, E. (2004) Thoughtful interaction design: a design perspective on information technology. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press

Moggridge, B. (2007) Designing interactions. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press

Shedroff, N. (2001) Experience design 1. Indianapolis Ind; Hemel Hempstead: New Riders
Prentice Hall

Winograd, T, & Flores, C. F. (1986) Understanding computers and cognition: a new foundation for design. Norwood, NJ: Ablex Publishing.

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: 14-Feb-2013