module specification

This module focuses on creative design, technology, techniques and standards both for the web and the emerging mobile market. It will examine the web design process in a human and social context and encourage critical reflection on user-centred interaction and relevant contextual issues, while enabling the design of applications both for desktop and mobile digital environments and the production of creative and accessible websites.

• To examine and evaluate the major issues involved in online production for internet and mobile
• To enable students to design & produce a web design project
• To encourage innovative design of applications for mobile environments

Indicative summary:

• Analysis and discussion of research, debates and techniques relating to usability design and accessibility for both mobile and desktop applications.
• Visualisation – communicating design ideas through visualisation, text and presentation.
• Wirereframing, proof-of-concept and prototyping.
• Web site design - the design opportunities and constraints that exist for the creation of web pages.
• Design of mobile applications – ideas and best practice for mobile application are explored.
• Web coding and uploading - including the mark-up languages used to format web pages, the techniques involved in creating and checking code and the issues involved in placing websites online.
• Web Scripting - programming languages that are used to add dynamic content to web sites.
• User-centred design - usability, accessibility, and design heuristics
• Web imagery - introduction to software for creating image-rich designs for the Web.
• Multimedia web integration- incorporation of multimedia objects into web pages.
• Practice-based project work comprising the techniques and skills developed in the module. The project enables students to explore ideas about the nature of the Web and to develop good web design practice.
• Development of employability skills in the context of design and production, technology and communication.

Learning and teaching in this module will involve a combination of modes, including lectures, computer workshops, tutorials and study of specially prepared online resources. Visits to relevant exhibitions, galleries and facilities and visits from industry professionals will also be included. The standard weekly structure will comprise a one hour lecture and discussions followed by a two hour lab session. In addition support to individuals and groups will be provided through regular tutorial sessions. Key to the delivery of this module is availability of open access facilities with appropriate software for the development of animated projects. Blended learning is integral to this module and comprehensive, specially designed, online up-to-date support resources will be made available and updated weekly. These include contextual learning materials for the weekly lectures and workshops together with module booklets and materials and links relevant to assessment, visits, software updates, industry developments and career opportunities.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• Research current trends in internet applications and communicate design ideas through online visualisation and documentation (LO1)

• Design and produce a website on a given theme compliant with web standards and current best practice (LO2)

Summative assessments are strategically scheduled twice during this module with several formative assessment opportunities to enable progress towards fulfilling the module’s learning outcomes. The first assessment focuses on the design and communication of creative ideas for a website and an innovative mobile application (LO1). The second assessment builds on this by focusing on the development of the website (LO2).

Lynch, P.  and Horton, S., (2009) Web Style Guide: Basic Design Principles for Creating Web Sites. Yale: Yale University Press.
Porter, J. (2008) Designing for the Social Web (Voices That Matter). N-Y; New Riders.
Weinschenk, S. (2008) Neuro Web Design: What Makes Them Click? N-Y: New Riders.
Cooper, A. and  Reimann, R. et al., (2007) About Face 3: The Essentials of Interaction Design (3rd Rev Ed edition).  N-Y: John Wiley & Sons.
Colborne, G. ( 2010) Simple and Usable Web, Mobile, and Interaction Design (Voices That Matter). N-Y: New Riders.
Norman, D. (2005) Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things. N-Y: Basic Books.
Fletcher, A. ( 2001). The Art of Looking Sideways, N-Y: Phaidon Press.