Interface Design

Course Description

The Interface Design class introduces students to the concepts, principles and techniques to design effective interfaces. Students will explore areas of information design, interaction design and sensorial design to achieve the goals of the interface design. Students will be challenged to plan their design and make conscious choices with respect to all physical aspects of their interactive design.

Course Goals

• Students will able to use the power of visual communication and design consideration to create successful interfaces
• Students will have the tools necessary to objectively gauge the quality of their own work, and that of others
• Students will be able to unpack a design brief and make appropiate design decisions to reach end-goal
• The course is designed to teach students the importance of design planning, user goal exploration to achieve objectives of the interface design
  

Course Learning Outcomes

• Ability to grasp and use concepts of wayfinding and affordances
• Students will have the ability to use visual hierarchy and positioning to create successful interfaces
• Strong knowldege of the icon design process
• Ability to use form and context to bring meaning to the user about the function of the interface and it's components
• Ability to make appropiate design decisions with respect to the specific design problem and target audience

To be successful in the course, students should follow these guidelines:

• Attend all classes on time, listen to lectures and take notes where appropriate
• Discuss any questions or difficulties that you are having with the course delivery or content immediately with the instructor in order to find a solution
• Study all handouts thoroughly
• Complete and submit assignment on time
• If time permits when assigned work is completed, take initiative to practice and apply principles and techniques to additional independent work.
• In general, students should take it upon themselves to utilize resources such as videos, magazines or books to further expand their knowledge base.

Policies

Information on VFS policies on academic honesty, attendance, grade review, academic probation, and dismissal can be found in the VFS Student Handbook. Please review and be familiar with these policies as they apply to all courses at VFS.

Evaluation and Feedback

Marks will be given for this course based upon the following areas of performance:

• Theoretical knowledge
• Practical application of theoretical knowledge
• Presentation
• Critique and Participation
• Teamwork

Breakdown of final grade marks:

• Weekly assignment 10% x 5 = 50%
• Mid-term Quiz=5%
• In-class Quiz = 10%
• Attendance = 20%
• Participation =15%

(Based on the pace and ability of the class, the instructor may be required to change the above breakdown and deliverable structure)

Resources

1. Classmates: Apart from the instructor, your most important resource will be your classmates.
2. Resources Area: A large amount of resource material is made available to students at VFS. The Resource area contains many good reference books and videos that can be used as reference material.
3. World Wide Web: The web can be an excellent source for information and research. It is part of the challenge to be able to sort through all the information that is out there and find the pertinent pieces!
4. Other: Students are encouraged to gain inspiration from any and all materials (i.e. DVDs, bank machines, cell phones, alarm control panels…anything that can be construed as an interface!)