This course will explore interface and online communication design by conceptualizing useful products which tap into the wealth of existing data on the internet. We'll explore interfaces that aggregate content, enable users to become publishers, and tap the "crowd" to improve decision making. No current knowledge of web design or programming is necessary but a general understanding of communications and the online media industry is encouraged.
A social interaction designer builds tools to enable meaningful conversation between individuals. This course aims to explore basic interface design concepts through four design problems. Each problem will be clearly stated and solutions must meet certain requirements, but the context (i.e. platforms or devices) in which the problem is solved is left up to the student.
Reading, video, and in-class discussions will be assigned on a regular basis to compliment the current project. Attendance is required for each class period unless otherwise stated. Students should be prepared to demonstrate progress on projects and assignments at each class period.
Each project will culminate in a class critique where students are required to defend their work. Participation in critique is required in order to have work considered for a grade.
Goals
- Expand our understanding of existing online tools and how the data they expose through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) can play a role in the development of new products and services.
- Develop an awareness of the growing contexts in which we find interface design needs.
- Gain a clear understanding of the process of interface design from sketches to prototypes to working products.
- And most importantly, have fun damn it!
Evaluation
- Attendance and attentiveness 25%
- Readings and assignments 25%
- Projects 50%