Design of the Graphical User Interface (with 2009-323 by Jason Arena)

Course Objectives

At the end of this course the student will understand the software engineering cycle as it applies to rich media and interfaces. Course participants will be able to develop clear, easy to use screens for graphical systems, common interface widgets and their proper implementation. Students will understand specific user behavior and how they are a direct result of cognitive maps of the world. Assignments will focus upon building basic skills using specific models. Tasks include:

• Working on and developing projects in a group situation
• Conducting user analysis
• Designing an integrated product
• Determining barriers that interfere with product use
• Discovering probable causes for performance discrepancies
• Constructing usability tests

Grading

Attendance

Missing more than three class meetings will result in an automatic grade of F for the course.

Assignments

1. 50% Project 1: web app
1. Process documentation
2. Usability test
3. Revisions and iterations
4. Solution
2. 50% Project 2: mobile app
1. Process documentation
2. Usability test
3. Revisions and iterations
4. Solution

Late Assignments

Assignments will be due at the beginning of lecture/lab or every Friday. Late projects will receive an automatic 40 point grade reduction. An additional 10 points will be taken off for every class day that the project is late. Process work will not be accepted once the design phase begins.

Evaluation

Primary evaluation will be based on the quality of the student’s solutions to assigned projects. This includes appropriateness and originality of the solution, composition, aesthetic quality, and craftsmanship. Also considered will be the correct use of technology, meeting project requirements and deadlines. Concept development, process work, including storyboards and flow charts, and presentations are also integral parts of project evaluation.

• Meeting assignment specification
• Participation in class and critiques
• Composition, creativity and process work
• Craftsmanship
• Concept development
• Creative problem solving
• Successful visual and verbal communication
• Professional development and attitude

If you plagiarize another's work, you flunk the course. Please cite your sources WHENEVER you use another's words or even concepts. You will not be docked for having too many citations, but a glaring omission of a citation can be cause for significant trouble.

Required Textbook

• MTIV: Process, Inspiration & Practice for the New Media Designer by Hillman Curtis.