100% assignment (Learning Outcomes 1-3)
A student design portfolio consisting of design elements and supported by 1000 words

Students will be given numerous scenarios for which they must design some aesthetic web design components. In essence the purpose of the portfolio is to document the students approach to the design of the elements. The portfolio should include brainstorming notes, sketches, a design poster, recorded notes from focus groups, design rationale to support design decisions, and a design rating review. As the portfolio is a visual document most of the students efforts will be in producing the designs, and using text just for worded explanations and support.

Fundamentals of design (including typography, visualization, and colour aesthetics)
Representation of designs using practiced design notation (e.g. brainstorming, sketching, scrapbooks, posters, portfolios, focus groups, design rationale, rating, critiques, and prototypes etc.).
2D graphic design (use and optimisation of graphics for the web)
Mental models
Creating consistent design presence

None.

Access to the internet
Library
Design applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash

(1:N)1 (1:20)2

The lecture will support the one lab session of two hours each week. The lab sessions will support the development of the student portfolio and will provide opportunity for the student to explore their design ideas and get feedback through critiques. Group discussions will also take place in these sessions to encourage many design ideas and perspectives to be explored.

Park, J, Young Jin, (2008) Visual Communication in Digital Design ISBN-10: 8931434340
Samara, T, (2007), Design Elements: A Graphic Style Manual, Rockport Publishers, ISBN-10: 1592532616
MacNab, M, (2008), Decoding Design: Understanding and Using Symbols in Visual Communication, How Publishing, ISBN-10: 1581809697