AUGUST/SEPTEMBER Assignments
This section contains the August/September assignments.
September 27, 2006 -- UI and Film
- IM times this week are Sunday 8-10 PM and as available (toomanytonyas)
- Class work
- Film viewing
- Discussion
- Group breakdown
Assignment
- On-line reading of Rollings' and Adams' sample chapter on gameplay.
- On-line reading of the original "Johnny Mnemonic."
- On-line reading about project looking glass.
- Envisioning Information (Small Multiples/Color and Information)
- Work on your analysis assignment.
Write a comparison using at least three different histories of the UI we've examined in class (Reimer, Stephenson, Kheit, ACM SIGCHI). Using these as primary sources, write your own brief history of the UI. You may choose one particular historical period or example to examine. Must be at least 500 words.
Using any film discussed on the forum, write a 500 word essay about the UI. Explain its context and whether or not it's a workable futuristic UI. Be sure to cite sources if relevant. Due by the beginning of class in the teacher folder (you can ssh in prior to class) 10/4. May be either HTML or Word format. Must contain your name, a title and any references used.
September 20, 2006 -- Historical Perspective and Nomenclature
- Class work
- Change password
- Discussion
Assignment
- On-line reading about Basics of UI.
- On-line reading about games for control freaks.
- On-line reading about Too Many Clicks
- Envisioning Information (Layering and Separation)
- Post an example of User Interface design in film to the campfire forum. We're going to discuss Minority Report, War Games and The Island next week.
- Send Tonya an email with your top two choices for the mid-term project from the list on the old forum.
September 13, 2006 -- Tufte's Perspective
- IM times this week are Sunday 8-10 P, Tuesday 7-8 PM (toomanytonyas)
Researching Interface--Define and assess an innovative interface and/or technology from a historical perspective. Provide evidence of success and adoption. You may also discuss an unsuccessful interface that was innovative, but "before its time." What characteristics define an innovative interface? Is it just usage?
- Requirements:
- Must be web-ready in PDF, HTML or Flash format, content equivalent to 3000 words
- Using Tufte’s model for visual presentation
- Establish context, why choose this interface? Why is it innovative?
- Define characteristics of the interface (use specific terminology like Tog’s article)
- Explain the history, cite sources
- Provide images and/or video for evidence (include competitors)
- Keep consistent voice
- Use MLA style citations
Assignment
- On-line reading about future UIs.
- On-line reading about visual interactive simplexity, specifically liquid browsing and ipads+itiles.
- On-line reading about First Principles from Tog.
- Envisioning Information (Micro/Macro Readings)
- Add a topic proposal to the class forum. Just two or three sentences on which interface you’d like to examine for the mid-term.
September 6, 2006 -- Historical Context
- IM time this week is 9-11PM Thursday (toomanytonyas)
Assignment
- On-line reading and listening to the sound file of Tufte on NPR.
- On-line reading from Neal Stephenson.
- Begin reading Envisioning Information (Escaping Flatland)
- Send Tonya an email (tonya@texas.net) describing your example of effective design. Please include an image.
August 31, 2006 -- What Constitutes a User Interface?
- Introductions
- Syllabus & policy statements
- Join class email list by sending a message (in *text *format, no HTML emails please) to majordomo@lists.cwrl.utexas.edu with a *blank* subject and the following in the body: subscribe sts331-browning
- You will then get an email with a confirmation and after you reply to
the message, you will be on the list. The class email address is sts331-browning@lists.cwrl.utexas.edu
but sts331-browning@syverson.cwrl.utexas.edu will also work. Please use this
address when you want to send an email broadcast to the entire class. Please
send emails directly to me at tonya@texas.net if you need to make specific inquiries.
- Short assignment
Assignment
- On-line reading of all 7 sections in "A History of the GUI"
- On-line reading about Tufte from Salon
- Purchase books
- Send Tonya an email (tonya@texas.net) w/goals for the course and technical expertise listed by Tues, 9.5
- Bring an example of effective design you use everyday to class