Assignments

Date Due Date Assigned Assignment Description
9.4 8.28 Select an example of a quality design (this can be either virtual or tangible, like the example I brought into class). You may bring in either the actual example or a photograph (digital or physical).

Be prepared to explain your selection to the class.
9.9 9.4 Select one of your favorite websites. Explain why it is one of your favorite sites and mail your explanation to the class mailing list. Use the terminology from our readings (such as Tog's or Norman's). You must write at least two paragraphs and include a link to the site. You will also write one response to a fellow classmate. Look at the site they describe and explain why you agree or disagree with their explanation. Mail your response to the class list. This is due by next MONDAY night.

9.25 9.11 Complete a 1500 word analysis of a software interface.
Pick one software application to examine. Write an analysis of the product using your readings to provide context and terminology. Consider the questions: Does the site use common conceptual models to convey meaning? Is the software polite? How is the information designed (or is it a question of process rather than design)? Rather than just detailing what you did or didn't like, spend time describing four aspects of effective or ineffective design and offer solutions to fix it. Include at least three screenshots to bolster your claims. Your writing skills will also be assessed, so compose carefully.

Submit this to the teacher folder prior to class on 9/25. Please submit in either MS Word or HTML format.
10.2 9.25 Summarize your analysis from the assignment above in two paragraphs or less. Send to class mailing list by midnight on Sunday, 9/29.
11.6 10.30 Post a response to my query in our class forum by next class. [You must first "Register", make sure you note you're over 13. Then create your ID. Once you've established your ID, you may post responses in our class "Browning-TLC311" (I know the course number is incorrect).]
11.6 10.23 Turn in your paper revisions before class begins. Put them in your student folder with the underscore revision (_revision) for me to review. If you do not choose to revise your paper, your original grade will be counted twice.
12.4 11.6 Final exam assignment

Redesign an Existing GUI or Design Your Own GUI

You may either work in groups (of no more than 3) or individually. All individuals will be required to deliver the following items and a working prototype GUI. Groups will also be required to deliver the following, presented in one package. The only additional requirement for group work will be an evaluation of the members.

  1. If you are redesigning a UI, you must provide explanatory material and screenshots of the current design
  2. Address goals of UI and identify the style of the interaction
    • The primary goals of the product (what are you trying to do?)
    • The nature of your audience (who is your target?)
    • Potential implementation issues (how will you reach them?)
  3. Formal description of users/participants
  4. Storyboards
  5. Formal requirements/Standards (if your product has industry standards or protocols that it must follow)
  6. Walkthrough results
  7. Formal documentation of the process and a working prototype in either a Flash, HTML or Director format. Other formats subject to approval.

Formal presentations will take place on 12.4.02.

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