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Designing Interactions

Unit code: KIP402
Contact hours: 3.5 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs

This unit further develops interface design skills for communications technologies including design priorities, visual systems, refinement of concepts, project analysis and problem solving through presentation models.


Availability
Semester Available
2013 Semester 2 Yes

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 production of interactive media products, you will need to understand various approaches to the visual elements and multimedia components in terms of interaction design. You will require engaging in development processes surrounding the various modes of visualisation and interaction. This unit encourages experimentation allowing for creative interpretation of given topics. You will develop the necessary digital design and interactive media production skills. On completion of this unit you will be able to reproduce static visual language into interactive media forms.

Aims

This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of the methods for observation and evaluation of current digital design media, the various processes and technologies involved in the production in static and motion graphics, and current issues of interest and concern in the field of visual interactive media. Also to introduce you to the contextual significance of your own creative practice.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Communicate a significant understanding of the language of interactive media
2. Develop analytical skills for project development
3. Communicate project intentions and objectives
4. Develop independent production approaches and methodologies
5. Display the technological skills to construct visual compositions including motion and interaction
6. Communicate the ability to validate project intentions through recognition of prior or contemporary issues

Content

The major topics of this unit are concerned with the development of visual, temporal and spatial responses through involvement in critical analysis and the production of individual projects, the acquisition of technical knowledge through demonstration and application, and the development of personal creative practices.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be undertaken through participation in lectures and tutorial sessions:


  • Lectures to provide the theoretical and contextual basis to inform and instruct conceptual and technical development to support a reflective and creative practice.

  • Tutorial critical discussions, in which you will participate in group discussions relating to lecture material where you will have the opportunity to articulate their understanding of critical and analytical concepts.

  • Tutorial workshops, which will consist of various activities and exercises in concept and project development. You will be working with various software applications required to construct dynamic digital interfaces within tutorial application methods.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due datewithout 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 receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester.

Assessment name: Linear Motion Graphics
Description: A linear motion graphics based on the provided design brief created by Adobe Flash. You are asked to use photos taken by you and copyright free background music. In particular graphics style, typographical images and background music are expected to closely address the specifics of the design brief.

Length: 2 - 3 minutes.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Interactive Flash Virtual Tour
Description: You will create an interactive website based on the topic chosen from Assessment 1. The website will contain interactive components that will closely reflect the chosen topic. The website will be a dynamic and interactive version of the virtual, creative and experimental website. You are asked to add background music and sound control and navigation design.

Length: At least 5 pages.
Relates to objectives: 4 to 6
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
Alex, M. (2006). Animating with Flash 8: Creative Animation Techniques. Burlington: Elsevier.
Caplin, S. (2007). How to Cheat in Photoshop CS3: The art of creating photorealistic montages. Burlington: Elsevier.
Curtis, H. (2000). Flash Web Design: the art of motion graphics. Publication Details Indianapolis, Ind.: New Riders.
Kelby, S. (2008). The Adobe Photoshop CS3 book for digital photographers.[Indianapolis, Ind.]: New Riders.
Krasner, J.S. (2008). Motion graphic design: applied history and aesthetics. Amsterdam; Boston: Focal Press.
Miller, C.H. (2004). Digital Storytelling: A Creator's Guide to Interactive Entertainment. Burlington: Elsevier.
Phelps, K. (1996, 1998). Story Shapes for Digital Media. http://www.glasswings.com.au/modern/shapes/
Smith, M.S. (2007). The art of flash animation: creative cartooning. Plano, TX: Wordware Publishing.
University of Minnesota. (2002). Elements of digital storytelling. School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Institute for New Media Studies. http://www.inms.umn.edu/elements/
Vander, V. & Grover, C. (2007). Flash CS3: the missing manual. Sebastopol, Calif.: O'Reilly

Periodicals and other electronic resources will be available from the unit web site.

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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