description

An interface is the link between a user and a product that communicates how a product will be used, creating an experience for the people who will use it. It provides the framework, elements, and resources for a “conversation” to take place between users and products.

This is a studio/seminar class with time devoted to lecture, discussion, practice activities, design worksessions, and critique of student work.

goals for the course

In this course, we will explore the fundamentals of interfaces and the interaction design process. Students will be introduced to and have opportunity to practice the fundamental concepts, methods, and practices of interaction design. They will explore the ideas of “form follows function” and “be the user.” They will explore how products create experiences, and understand the role that interaction with products fulfills in human existence. Finally, students will improve their ability to present their design ideas.

projects

This is a studio/seminar class with time devoted to lecture, discussion, practice activities, design worksessions, and critique of student work. This course will be divided into four projects, as follows:

A1 CONTROLS
Design a new control that greatly improves the interaction of a selected product. Design issues: Problem selection, user intent, context of use, feedforward, feedback. Deliverables: Mounted poster and hand in design deliverables to TA (i.e., thumbnail, project description, and poster pdf file).

A2 MOBILE LIFE
Design an information service for use on a context sensitive mobile phone. Design issues: Small screen, navigation, jumping highlight, user research, personas, scenarios, sensors. Deliverables: Presentation of design process, interactive prototype that runs on phone, process documents, and hand in design deliverables to TA.

A3 WEB+PAD+EXP
Design a personal information service people interact with via the web with special design consierations for PAD interfaces constrained devices. Design issues: Problem framing, presentation, user research, design language. Deliverables: Presentation of design process, web/interactive demo, and hand in design deliverables to TA.

A4 ACTIVATING OBJECTS
Identify a product opportunity and develop an interactive experience through a novel physical object. Design issues: Opportunity framing, form-making, tangible interactive techniques. Deliverables: Presentation of design process, video sketch, semi-functional physical prototype and hand in design deliverables to TA

readings

Readings will be assigned throughout the semester.  Everyone is expected to read the readings.  One person will be selected for each reading to prepare a class presentation.  Each student is expected to engage in class discussions when readings are assigned. This counts towards your class participation grade.

zip.crit

Each class will begin with a zip.crit.  A zip.crit is a rapid crit of an interface, object, design, etc.  We will be rotating through the class roster and choosing one person to do a zip.crit each class.  That person will select an interface, object, design, etc.  At the beginning of class that person will introduce the object, interface, design to us.  
The class will critique the piece. We are looking for at least 5 pro and 5 con arguments to be raised by the class.

evaluation

Work and performance in the course will be evaluated after each project. Students will receive a grade at mid-term and again at the end of the semester. Assignments, timely attendance, and in-class and team participation are a critical part of the grade. Bringing examples from outside of the class is considered to be an assignment and is also important.

In addition, the process of exploration is as important as the final product, so it is important that students manage time well and devote time to working on the projects during the course of a week. If class time is given as a worksession and is not put to good use, students’ grades will be penalized. For projects done in teams, students will be graded on individual contributions as well as synthesis with the team. Work that is late will be decremented in grade.

rules of engagement

One of the main learning exercises in this course is the critique We will be building this skill throughout the semester Each of the four assignments will be critiqued in class.

Be there!

A1, A2, A3 and A4 critique days mandatory attendance. If you are not in class or late, we will deduct from your attendance grade. There will be no exceptions.

Attendance of all classes is mandatory. You are allowed one excused absence for the semester without penalty; thereafter you will receive zero credit for the missed studio. To receive an excused absence, you must ask in advance, and receive an acknowledgment from the instructor.

Excusable absences include family emergencies, job interviews, and presenting at a conference. It does not include wanting to leave early for long weekend or vacation. To receive credit for attendance, you must arrive on time. No late assignments will be accepted, but you may submit them early.

Be active!

During the in class critique everyone is expected to be engaged in the discussion. Assignments, timely attendance, and in-class and team participation are a critical part of the grade. Bringing examples from outside of the class is considered to be an assignment and is also important.

Be attentive!

No laptops, phones, electronics out or used during critique or during other discussion parts of class.

In addition, the process of exploration is as important as the final product, so it is important that students manage time well and devote time to working on the projects during the course of a week. If class time is given as a worksession and is not put to good use, students' grades will be penalized.

grading criteria

participation in projects and assignments
good use of classtime: attendance, critiques, (NO multitasking)
rigorous design explorations
quality of craftsmanship and level of completion
quality of the team’s reflection and communication about a design solution and process

For projects done in teams, students will be graded on individual contributions as well as synthesis with the team.
Work that is late will be decremented in grade.

information

Email: bid2011@paulos.net

Google Group: BID2010

Flickr Tag: bid2011