Overview

Learning to design and code for the responsive web through investigation, iteration and play

In this class, we will utilize the design processes you have been exposed to in all your foundation courses and learn the language of HTML and CSS through investigation and play.

As technology develops we must remain informed of their capabilities. For this class will focus on the presence of design process in media.

As designers, we apply our rigorous methods to each new endeavour. The goal for this class will not be to work toward a “professional” final website. Rather you will become familiar with this new language through systematic investigations. Working with code during the design process will help to understand limitations and possibilities and will allow for creative, unexpected solutions to the assignments.

One of the challenges will be to create fluid, responsive layouts that adapt to different screen sizes. Responsive Design is a must nowadays but designing without having a fixed format is likely something you've never been confronted with.

You will generate several expressions and iterations for each assignment, document them as code and PDFs, and select investigations/results to expand and build upon. This process will allow you to familiarize yourself with HTML and CSS as well as reinforce the design process.

Topics, Objectives & Goals

• Design and code web pages using HTML and CSS
• Focus on design. Basic HTML and CSS with no or little Java Script
• Understand and apply responsive web design (RWD)
• Design for different sizes/formats. Design should adapt, not change (too much)
• Design process, methods.
• Information hierarchy, organization
• Composition dynamics (space, contrasts, relationships)
• Design exploration, variation and iteration
• Layout grids
• Understand the separation between content and design
• Difference between modifying templates and coding from scratch
• Coding: Knowing about limits and possibilities can affect design positively.
• Work with code editors
• Learn web related terminology (Front End, Back End, CMS, Boiler Plate, Frame Works etc.)
• Prepare and save digital files for web-based publishing
• Web publishing (domain name registration, hosting etc.)

Attendance Policy

Students who are actively engaged in class sessions are more likely to be successful. You are expected to attend each class session and to be on time. If you are sick, especially contagious, do not come to class. This is an excused absence.

If you cannot come to class or have to leave notify me before class. If you miss a class, please notify me with the reason for the absence. Students who accumulate 3 or more unexcused absences may be asked to withdraw from class and/or risk receiving a failing grade.

Assignment make-up/revision policy

If you miss a class, you are responsible for getting the class handouts and instructions from one of your classmates. You may notify a classmates to pick up materials and explain the instructions to you.

Grading

Grading is based on the aesthetic quality and craft of the work, as evidenced in the finished pieces; the course of research and/or process of design exploration pursued to achieve the finished pieces, as evidenced by your work in process; attendance and class participation. Grading percentages: Daily research/process/product (25%), mid-term review (25%), and final project (50%). All work must be handed in by the date set for finals in order to avoid a failing grade. Growth from class to class is based on concept, working process, problem solving, presentation, participation and motivation.

A = Work of exceptional quality and craft. Level of interest and quality of research exceeds expectations. Deep understanding of material and concepts presented. Active/enthusiastic class participation, perfect attendance.

B = Work of overall good quality and craft. Level of interest and quality of research meets expectations. Clear understanding of material and concepts presented. Attentive/ open class participation, good attendance.

C = work of average quality and craft. level of interest and quality of research is average. understanding of material and concepts presented is uncertain. class participation is minimal, inconsistent attendance

D = work of poor quality and craft. level of interest and quality of research is poor. lacks understanding of material and concepts presented. class participation is nonexistent weak attendance

F = work is incomplete or missing. no demonstrated interest or evidence of research. no understanding of material and concepts presented. class participation is nonexistent poor attendance.

If you have any concerns about the class or if you need to see me outside of class, e-mail to me to schedule an appointment.