Web design
is about creating the link between a product and its user using the
internet. An interface needs to communicate how a product is to
be used, and to
create a
positive experience
for the people
who will use it. In this course, we will explore interface design and
graphic design using appropriate software (Photoshop, Dreamweaver,
Flash, etc.). We will focus on basic 2-dimensional design
principles,
information
hierarchy and
navigation,
user-product interactions, and how these elements become part of the larger design
process. We will be
covering basic HTML, CSS, and using Flash to create interactive projects and
animations.
1. To implement
sound 2-dimensional design principles.
2. To recognize current trends in web design.
3. To explore computer hardware and software for web design.
4. To use clear, focused processes to design interactive web sites.
5. To create sample portfolio pieces illustrating the skills acquired in class.
Evaluation
is based on the following requirements:
1. Attendance
2. Project evaluation
3. Quizzes (normal weight grade) some graded, some not graded.
4. Written and performance test(s) over book(s), readings, and lectures, etc.
(normal weight grade)
5.Portfolio (normal weight grade)
Late assignments ( after the critique) will be accepted for one week after their due date.
After one week the grade will be reduced 50% (10% per day late).
You can redo your projects to improve their grades (not tests and quizzes).
This
is how your projects are graded:
1. Different assignments will be graded differently
2. Some
assignments will be graded in parts using a sign off sheet.
2. You show your design to the class using the projector on the due date.
3. If you get less than an A you can usually make corrections to bring
the assignment up to an A.. The goal is to help you create great looking
work.
What letter grades mean to me:
A
- Your assignment is great. Much better than average-above and beyond
the call of duty.
B - Your assignment is above average. More than the minimum. Really looks good.
C - An average grade. Your assignment possesses the minimum requirements. No
errors or omissions.It is in focus, not blurry, and has good exposure.
D - Below average grade. Your assignment does not possess the minimum requirements
(bad focus, bad exposure, inappropriate subject).There are errors or omissions.
F - You didn't do the assignment or it was really, really, bad.
I follow the school tardy policy.
File management/backing up (make a folder on your server space named - web design. In that folder make a folder for each assignment. Name the assignment folders the first 3 or 4 letters of the assignment name and your last name example: compwilson (for the composition assignment). Name the finished files what the online assignment sheet indicates. You will need all of your assignment files at the end of the semester for your portfolio.
Unless your files are in 2 different places, they are not secure. It's not if you will lose them, it's when. As a teacher I have seen it happen dozens of times. If your files vanish you will need to redo them - not fun : ( It is not the computers fault, it is your fault for not backing them up). When you tell me you don't have your assignment done because the computer messed-up I will refer you to this paragraph.
Leaving the classroom
1.
If you need to go to the bathroom sign out and in on the sign out sheet
and bring the pass with you.
2. If you want to go anywhere else, check with me first, then sign in and out
(bring the pass with you).
It is not OK to go to vending machines during class time.
The computers are only to be used for photo class projects or research for photo class projects.
If you can't use the computer responsibly you will not be allowed to use the computer.
Please respect school and student materials.
As the semester progresses I will be changing things in the weekly schedule.
No phones or ipods or listening to music on the computer. As you might imagine it is kind of hard to communicate with someone who has ear buds in their ears. The first offence is a reminder, the second time I'll place it in an envelope with your contact info on it and your parent or guardian will need to pick it up at the office.
From the Student Manual:
CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Cell phones and other electronic devises are allowed on campus but cell phone and other electronic devise usage during school hours is NOT ALLOWED and the expectation is that all cell phones and other electronic devises will be OFF during school hours (7:30-2:00pm). This includes cell phones with text messaging, music and video capabilities. Students ignoring this policy will lose their cell phone or other electronic devise privileges. Student phones are available in the counseling and main office for any student needing to use a phone before and after school, during their lunch, or with a teacher note.
Learning
This
is how things work in the Web Design Lab.
1.
Instructional Input-Class lecture, info to read etc. The theory for
what you are about to learn.
2. Modeling-Showing you how to do something, things I show you in the classroom.
3. Guided Practice-Helping you with projects, assignments, etc.
4. Independent Practice-This is where the actual learning occurs. It is you
doing it by yourself. If someone is helping you it isn't independent practice.
No independent practice, no learning. YOU need to do the independent practice.
If you feel like you aren't learning it may be because you aren't doing enough
independent practice.
I want you to create exceptional design, not average design. The computer has created a wonderful opportunity for fast and easy revision. Redoing things is part of the process. Don't expect to get it right the first time. Leave time for revising.
Read the links. They provide information to help you do your assignments.
All assignments need to be done by the beginning of the critique. Critiques will be at the beginning of class.
Read the web site daily. I will be making updates weekly. The web site is an integral part of the class. I use it instead of a text or handouts. Don't print out the web site at the beginning of the semester, it will be out of date by week 2.
I will not be reminding you when assignments are due. Check the web site for that information.
First day of the week:
Hello, tour, syllabus, logging on to computer, 20 questions, expectations (see above and...)
Web Design overview (we will go over this in class).
What the class is and what it isn't? This is a web design class, not a programming class. We will go over basic html, and how to use Dreamweaver to do some basic CSS and java script things. We have way too many things to cover in one semester to do anything else. Code can be learned using online code sites like this one, design and the design process are what we will concentrate on in this class.
How the internet works.
It is pretty hard to produce good design if you don't know what good design is. We will spend the next couple of weeks learning how to talk about and identify good design.
How the internet works, the design process, software overview, Photoshop overview.
ViC story.
Some web sites to discuss: good and bad
Photoshop basics. Intro to Photoshop notes
Look at and discuss good web design . Interface design discussion navigation styles (find samples on the web), themes (find samples on the web), etc.
In Class Exercise: Find 5 web sites you think are good on the internet. Grab the url. We will discuss them in class.
Read, know, use this information about planning a web site (interface design process).
Watch Linda videos: Web design Fundamentals
Photoshop basics for web design (we will go over this in class): document size, guide lines, pictures, shapes, lines, textures, brushes, gradients, styles, resizing and cropping pictures, etc. Photoshop notes
Read through elements and principles of design (we will go over this in class).
Joes Burgers comp exercise
Remember,a web site is the interface between the viewer and information. The design should make access to information easier, not harder.
Monday:.Work on Photoshop web mock-ups
Tuesday: Work on Photoshop web mock-ups
Wednesday: Create a Google site for yourself. Info here: read through the links
Thursday: Work on Photoshop web mock-ups and Google site
Friday: Critique Photoshop mock-ups. Quiz over previous weeks concepts.
.
GHHS room 312
