Schedule
This is the tentative outline for our course. Because this is a hands-on seminar, the syllabus may be amended if particular points need to be emphasized or skills practiced. The primary method for updating readings, assignments, etc. will be via in class.
Please note it is your responsibility to follow the class blog for homework assignment and other logistical information.
IMPORTANT! Reading assignments will be listed in the blog, so make sure to keep updated by reading regularly or subscribing to the RSS.
WEEK 1
Class 1: Course Introduction
Class 2: History of the Web, Communication Process, Web Teams
Homework: Review and Critique Eastbay’s interface. Photoshop Tutorial 1
WEEK 2
Class 3: User-Centered Design: Eastbay Review then Design CRAP and Project Plans. Photoshop Tutorial 2. Creating Web Graphics
Class 4: Lab Day, work on Eastbay and complete Project Plan. Due on Monday, turn in electronically (and a hard copy on Tuesday)!
WEEK 3
Class 5: Review Eastbay redesigns and discuss. Interface design principles continued. Homework: Find and critique a website interface. What are the problems with the site? What CRAP principles are violated? Who is the primary audience? What is the primary purpose of the site?
Class 6: In class Quiz
WEEK 4
Class 7: Lab Day (work on interface redesigns)
Class 8: Review Projects. Navigation techniques. Taking it to the Web, XHTML introduction
WEEK 5
Class 9: XHTML introduction. How to use FTP to post your site online.
Class 10: XHTML concepts and techniques continued. Class project due at end of class
WEEK 6
Class 11: Introduction to Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Introduction to client project. Begin working on interface redesign with team. Assign team roles.
Class 12: How to test your site online. Browsers and Browser quirkiness. CSS continued. Meeting with teams to discuss interface designs
WEEK 7
Class 13: CSS 3. Using Templates, Good vs. Bad (client interface concepts due at end of class)
Class 14: SEO, Analytics, User research … testing your interface. Lab (being programming your client projects)
WEEK 8:
Class 15: User testing. Beta Testing. Lab Day
Class 16: Lab Day
WEEK 9: SPRING BREAK (March 15-23)
WEEK 10
Class 17: Lab Day.
Class 18: Client Project Due
WEEK 11
Class 19: How to market yourself online. Homework is to creating 2-3 interface design ideas for yourself
Class 20: Review of personal/promotional sites. Interfaces Due
WEEK 12
Class 21: How to promote your sites online. Integrated marketing approaches.
Class 22: Blogging. Audio and Video online
WEEK 13
Class 23: Individual Meetings
Class 24: Individual Meetings
WEEK 14
Class 25: Individual Meetings
Class 26: Bells and Whistles? Adobe Flash
WEEK 15
Class 27: Lab Day
Class 28: Lab Day
WEEK 16
Class 29: Final Projects Due and Presentations
Class 30: Final Projects Due and Presentations