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

In order to design complex Web projects, it is important to be able to apply your knowledge of interaction design and user experience design to specific project briefs. Cores skills in Web design and production methodologies are combined with a study of information ecologies - focusing on the social, cultural, technical, and real world contexts in which web applications for various delivery platforms exist.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to advanced Web design methodologies and technologies, and expand the study of user experience design started in KIB103 Introduction to Web Design. This unit also aims to help you to develop a detailed understanding of Web publications as complex systems of people, practices, values and technology, situated in particular local/global environments.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. demonstrate and apply your knowledge of user experience design to design outcomes;
2. successfully respond to a specific design brief;
3. understand, critique and analyze current trends in Web design in written and oral communication;
4. apply advanced skills with Web design technologies to the production of Web applications;
5. demonstrate a knowledge of usability and accessibility within Web outcomes;
6. understand information ecology and associated design issues and apply them in the field of practice;
7. design and produce a Web application to a standard that is suitable for publication on the Internet.

Content

This unit addresses advanced Web design methodologies, focusing on user-centered design approaches and covering topics such as user scenarios, user needs analysis, usability and accessibility, and evaluation techniques. This is supported by coverage of information ecologies and other theoretical frameworks suitable for understanding the ways in which people, practices, values, and technologies interact.

With a focus on front-end design, this unit covers topics such as visual interface design, information visualization and navigation design, and way finding techniques - in the context of Web publications.

Tutorials foster the development of practical skills in designing with Web standards, and explore a range of 'Web 2.0' design practices and technologies. Use of open source content management systems is also learnt through practical work and assessment.

The development of assessment projects is supported by lectures and tutorials covering Web project management techniques, particularly agile and rapid prototyping methods.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit uses a studio-based approach to develop skills in design and problem solving. The structure and content of the unit is based on the understanding that design practice is developed through hands-on, project-based learning. Each new semester, staff will present design briefs, which will provide the learning vehicle for the unit's aims, and which will require the development of skills appropriate to that level of the course. Studio classes may include workshops, special guest lectures, field trips, experiential exercises and self-directed studio learning. It is important for you to realise that studio relies upon your motivation to explore problems and potential design solutions.

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
Description: You will engage in critique sessions where you, your colleagues, and academic staff will discuss issues arising in the development and resolution of designs. You will also be required to attend progress reviews with teaching staff over the second half of semester.
Weight: 0%

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

Assessment name: Custom CMS Design
Description: (Formative and Summative) You will create a professional folio website using a Content Management System (CMS). You will produce this website by customising the CMS components to create an original design template. The design must be accompanied by a written document that presents case study analysis, outlines your design process, and addresses usability and accessibility requirements.
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3,4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid - Semester

Assessment name: Mobile Web Application Design
Description: (Formative and Summative) This assessment requires you to produce a mobile web application based upon 2a Project Brief provided. This Project Brief will reflect current design trends and issues. The submitted design must be ready to publish on the Internet, and be accompanied by a document that includes: an outline and reflection upon the design process; a design implementation plan; and a user manual. You will be required to present your work in class to your academic staff and peers.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Weight: 50%
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

There is no set text for this unit. Appropriate references relevant to the projects undertaken will be provided by the unit coordinator.

Recommended References
Excellent reference for evidence-based web design http://usability.gov/

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