Interface Design - DMS 446/DMS 546
Department of Media Study, SUNY at Buffalo
SPRING 2008
Class: MW 5:00 - 6:50
Instructor: Al Larsen
Office Hour: 4:00-5:00 Mondays (CFA 288)
alarsen * at * buffalo * dot * edu
Syllabus
INTERFACE DESIGN - DMS 546 / DMS 446
Department of Media Study, SUNY at Buffalo
Spring 2008
Class: M,W 5:00 pm - 6:50 pm
Instructor: Al Larsen
Office Hour: Mondays (not Wednesdays) 4:00 - 5:00 CFA 288 and by appointment
alarsen * at * buffalo * dot * edu
DESCRIPTION
This class will explore current topics in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and interface design while developing application interfaces with a focus on useability. The focus will be on web-based applications, but most principles will be applicable to desktop application development as well. Students will encounter the main issues and methodologies in the field of HCI. Design techniques will be introduced and students will become familiar with a variety of interface design patterns by developing projects using image-editing software, Flash, and/or XHTML/CSS. Basic web application development technologies and practices will be covered as will web-standards compliance, extensibility and accessibility.
No particular technical skills are required for entering the class. However, it is expected that students will have some familiarity with HTML, web authoring and/or Flash.
GOALS
1. Learn basic user interface design principles.
2. Learn standard Human Computer Interaction development practices, including: requirements analysis, prototyping, design implementation, usability evaluation and redesign.
3. Become familiar with web application design issues such as client-server model, scripting, database modeling, standards-compliance, accessibility, extensibility.
4. Gain hands-on experience by creating interface design solutions using Flash, XHTML, CSS, and/or Photoshop.
?Designers go astray for several reasons. First, the reward structure of the design community tends to put aesthetics first. Design collections feature prize-winning clocks that are unreadable, alarms that cannot be easily set, can openers that mystify. Second, designers are not typical users. They become so expert in using the object they have designed that they cannot believe that anyone else might have problems; only nteraction and testing with actual users throughout the design process can forestall that. Third, designers must please their clients, and the clients may not be the users.? - Donald A. Norman The Design of Everyday Things (pg 151)
READINGS
Required texts:
The Design of Everyday Things ? Donald A. Norman
Designing Interfaces ? Jenifer Tidwell
Available at Talking Leaves Bookstore (Main Street location: 3158 Main Street 837-8554) (near South Campus) I suggest you call first to make sure the books have arrived.
There will also be other readings, available either as downloads or handouts in class or through the library course reserve system.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Removable USB drive ("jump drive" or "thumb drive") - this will be supplied for you by the department. You will need to back up your work frequently. It is your responsibility to keep your work safe and accessible (for turning in or sharing during class). You must have a consistent method to do this which is why I recommend a removable USB drive. You may also wish to lay in a supply of CDs or CD-RWs (and cases) or invest in an external drive. Do not depend solely on your USB drive as they can fail, be lost or stolen.
You may need to print a few articles from the internet.
COURSE WEBSITE
I will post a website for the course which you will be able to find from: http://www.propertyistheft.com/courses/
COURSE WORK
Unless otherwise specified, assignments and projects must be handed in at the beginning of class the day they are due. I will specify appropriate formats and delivery methods when the assignment is given. Unless I specify otherwise, do not email me your assignment as an attachment. Late work may be docked points and may not be accepted unless you have a reasonable excuse and make arrangements in advance. If you are having trouble turning in work due to circumstances beyond your control let me know.
Throughout the term there will be projects that will be presented and discussed in class. You must be prepared to show your work and to participate in critique and discussion of the work turned in by other class members.
ASSIGNMENTS & GRADING
GRADS
2 tests @ 5% = 10%
4 assignments @ 10% = 40%
major project = 30%
oral presentation = 10%
attendance and participation = 10%
UNDERGRADS
2 tests @ 10% = 20%
4 assignments @ 10% = 40%
major project = 30%
attendance and participation = 10%
These are the minimum scores required for passing grades:
93 = A
90 = A-
87 = B+
83 = B
80 = B-
77 = C+
73 = C
70 = C-
67 = D+
63 = D
60 = D-
(scores of less than 60 translate to F)
ATTENDANCE
Class is not the same without you! Since we will be relying on each other, being present is extremely important. You are expected to be here each day, on time and ready to go. You are expected to have completed any assigned readings and to participate in discussions, critiques and the work at hand. Participation in class will account for part of the course grade.
Arriving more than a few minutes late to class or cutting out early may count as an absence or partial absence. Habitual tardiness is not acceptable and your grade may be penalized if late appearances are excessive.
If you miss a day it is your responsibility to stay current with what was covered in class and make up any missed work.
It's a long term and things come up, so you may miss class a total of three times for any reason (weather, illness, alarm clock malfunction, etc), but after that your final grade will be automatically reduced by 3% for each absence.
If you are having difficulties with attendance due to medical issues, personal emergencies etc., please bring this to my attention.
LAB FEE
This course carries a $100 lab fee which will appear on your bill.
DISCLAIMER
This syllabus is subject to change and revision by the instructor.
OFFICE HOURS
I will hold office hours - Mondays (not Wednesdays), 4:00 - 5:00. You are welcome to drop by or make an appointment to introduce yourself or discuss your work. If my regular office hours will not fit your schedule (for instance if you have a class or work obligation during that time) talk to me or e-mail me and we will work out an alternate time.
E-MAIL
Be sure to check your UB email account regularly. When sending me email please always include the course number at the beginning of the subject line, ie DMS-446 or DMS-546.
DISABILITIES
If you have a disability (physical, learning or psychological) which may make it difficult for you to carry out the course work as outlined, and/or requires accommodations such as recruiting note takers, readers, or extended time on exams and assignments, please contact the Office of Disability Services, 25 Capen Hall, 645-2608, and also your instructor during the first two weeks of class. ODS will provide you with information and will review appropriate arrangements for reasonable accommodations.
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is literary theft and a betrayal of trust. The term is derived from the Latin word for kidnapper and refers to the act of signing one?s own name to words, phrases, or ideas which are the literary property of another. Plagiarism comes in many forms, all to be avoided: outright copying, or paraphrase, or a mosaic or disguised use of words or phrases from an unacknowledged source. To avoid plagiarism, make it your habit to put quotation marks around words or phrases, or to isolate and indent longer passages, that you are using from someone else?s writing. And be sure to cite the source, in a footnote or endnote, or within parentheses in the text. The penalties for plagiarism can be severe: from an F for the particular assignment, to an F for the course, to referral of the case to the Dean of Undergraduate Education for administrative judgement. If you are unsure about how to use and document sources, please consult your instructor.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
In general, you may not turn in work for this course which you will also use for credit in another course. If you have a question about this policy, discuss it with me.
WEAPONS AS PROPS
If you are planning a student production which involves using any prop which could be interpreted to be a weapon [toy gun, BB gun, knife, etc.] and you are planning to shoot on the UB campus or any other public space, you must obtain written permission from Campus Security or the equivalent authority before you shoot. If you do not you will face serious problems including possible expulsion from the university.
OFFENSIVE CONTENT
In class we will examine a broad range of design work. There may be selections which some students will find offensive in content or tone. In such cases, students are permitted to leave the room without penalty, at their own discretion.