intro-web-design.tk
Asst. Prof. Andy Deck
Wednesday 11:00am-1:45pm
U of M - Flint Fall 2020
ART 335.M1 + Course Info
About
This course will enable students to approach real-world design problems using the as a medium and create solutions that are functional and engaging, and that apply industry-standard technologies, including CSS and HTML.
Students will undertake a series of exercises, culminating in the creation of working sites. Topics will include pre-planning, information architecture, visual and interface design, effective use of images and text, adapting code from outside sources, and other topics that may arise during the semester. Significant work is required in the computer lab outside of class meetings. Students will be expected to do independent assignments in order to learn a range of dynamic technologies and to advance their design concepts and strategies. Class time will include lectures, technical demonstrations, guided lab time and time for critique of student work.
Goals
Write HTML5/CSS3; use the language of design (terminology); design and develop sites from scratch; strengthen analytical skills and think critically; understand and use technologies associated with design.
Preparation & Participation
During each class, you are expected to contribute to objectives of the course. Ask questions, discuss and critique student work, and help your peers if you can. Please turn off your cell phones and refrain from sending emails, texts or messaging friends during class. USING ANY FORM OF SOCIAL MEDIA DURING CLASS IS CONSIDERED NOT PARTICIPATING. Please be prompt, and return from breaks on time. You are expected to read and conduct relevant research each week. You don't need to understand each and every word, but you should come to class having done the reading, and prepared to discuss it meaningfully.
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
• Create sites with HTML/CSS3 [homework, readings, projects]
• Gain an understanding of contemporary design [readings, homework, discussions]
• Recognize and learn best practices used by designers [research]
• Critically analyze sites [discussion, homework]
• Participate in the design of a civic spirited site [homework, guest lecturers]
• Demonstrate what is learned in class [discussion, homework]
Attendance
Attendance and class participation are an essential element of this course. Each class gives unique and valuable information not available in the readings. As such, any missed class will affect your grade. Missing three classes, will result in failure of the course. If you miss a class, you are still responsible for handing in the assignment and completing the readings. Refer to the companion site for the class, and contact your peers or me before the next class to get caught up. Please refer to campus info sources for school closings.
Communication
The email address you give on the first day of class will be used to communicate with you about all course-related matters. Please check it regularly.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to read and understand the University's academic integrity policy, which can be found via Google. Members of the U of M community are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Students who violate this policy will be referred to the Office of the Provost. If you cheat or plagiarize by using someone else's work or ideas, you defeat the purpose of your education. In addition, academic dishonesty is prohibited in the University of Michigan Flint, and is punishable by failing grades, suspension and expulsion.
Students with Disabilities
If you need accommodations because of a documented disability, notify the instructor.
Readings
• Recommended: HTML5 in easy steps, Author: Mike McGrath, Publisher: Computer Step, Edition: 2, Year Published: 2017, Price: $10.11
• Recommended: HTML and CSS: Design and Build sites, Author: Jon Duckett, Publisher: Wiley, Edition: 1, Year Published: 2011, Price: $17.00
• Specific reading recommendations are mentioned in the schedule below
Materials
• Portable (USB) storage media. Use it and make back-ups of your work. USB3 recommended.
• Pencil / pens and sketchbook are still a professional starting point.
Requirements
• Reading and research
• Codecademy interactive tutorials (lab hours)
• Weekly homework assignments
• 3 major assignments (portfolio, social issue, restaurant and menu)
Final Grade
Your final grade will be based on:
10%
Attendance and class participation
10%
Interactive HTML/CSS/Responsive Design/Bootstrap tutorials OR quizes
35%
Six homework assignments (main index, principles, review, paintings, font pairs, diy)
15%
Scrolling social issue site (mid-term)
15%
Restaurant & menu website
15%
Creative portfolio
Grading
Incomplete grades are given only in the case of family emergency or documented illness which interferes with your completion of the course. You must submit the required paperwork to me according to the college's deadline. You must also submit to me a written list of work which is missing, and a timetable of when the work will be completed.
Schedule
UNIT 1 August 31 - September 30
Major Project Creative portfolio website. Lab activity: Codecademy HTML & CSS. Font pairings, design principles & favorite websites exercises. Research: HTML & CSS basics, file formats, protocols, development techniques
UNIT 2 October 1 - October 28
Major Project Mid-term social issue website Lab activity: 1) HTML paintings, 2) DIY webpage, Codecademy Responsive Design & Bootstrap tutorials Research: CSS, Bootstrap, BootstrapStudio development environment basics
UNIT 3 October 29 - December 19
Major Project Final project restaurant and menu website Lab activity: 1) Homepage development, 2) UX/UI previsualization Research: BootstrapStudio, grid systems
*** Final critique Saturday, December 19 10:30 - 1:00pm ***