2009 Multimedia Experience

Project Two :: Final Crit

2009-12-02T07:42:00.001-06:00

Final crit will be brief presentations of your work to the group, followed by written critiques. presentations will be informal; two or three minutes to share your work with everyone, explaining any ideas, technical wizardry, etc. so everyone can see the work.

You will provide written critiques for two classmates. fifteen minutes will be provided for each crit and should be posted to your classmate's blog as a comment. The comment will be placed in the post I'll describe below. Your crit should address the following issues:

overall usability of the site
the degree to which it pushes boundaries / questions traditional presentation of portfolio work
same as above but for overall site navigation
if the site utilizes linear / cinematic elements (such as transitions, image sequences, etc) and the success of those linear elements
overall organization of the work -- logical? interesting?

To prep for the written crit, make sure you have a final screen grab of the project posted on your blog and title the post "MX project two final". If you have the work on your website, please provide a link to the site in the text of that post. Also provide a written description of your intentions for the site -- what you hoped to achieve in its design, rationale for the design decisions you made, what you learned through this process, what you are most proud of, what you struggled most with.

Project Two :: Blog Requirements + Readings

2009-12-02T07:39:00.001-06:00

Here is what i'll be looking for in terms of process documentation:

evidence of brainstorming -- lists or sketches
image(s) of your 3d model(s)
two screen grabs of at least three rapid prototypes. show two screens from each idea with brief explanations
refinements/process toward your final direction.
a couple of screen grabs of the final functioning wireframe.
four reading responses from "the language of new media"

label all posts "MX"

Project Two :: Schedule til the end!

2009-11-20T08:02:00.001-06:00

The end is nigh! Use your time wisely making your site function and getting some example pieces in there. The final should represent a tight, functioning, digital "wireframe" that hopefully just needs some fine-tuning and sweet design to be presentable.

Today is work day and I will be in a printmaking critique for most of our class. So get busy.

Friday Nov 20: production
Wed/Frid Nov 20/25 Thanksgiving: production
Wed Nov 2: production
Friday Nov 4: critique!

Reading: "The Language of New Media" pp 78-93 Cinema, HCI: Representation vs Control
Reading response on your blog. label post "MX"
Reading: "The Language of New Media" pp 94-103 The Screen and the User, a Screens' Genealogy
Reading response on your blog. label post "MX"

Project 2 :: Direction, Task Scenario & Wireframes

2009-11-18T07:43:00.001-06:00

In class

Post any visual iterations to your blog, determine a direction to pursue.
Create task scenarios to flesh out a range of screens that storyboard the interaction process.
Roughly determine portfolio content -- 10-15 pieces. Focus more on categories of work, rather than specific pieces.

Homework

Refine task scenario sketches, add more screens and task scenarios as needed to achieve a full set of possible wireframed screens.
Post visual iterations to your blog, determine a direction to pursue.
Reading: "The Language of New Media" pp 78-93 cinema, HCI: Representation vs Control
Reading response on your blog. label post "MX"

Project 2 :: Reading Responses

2009-11-12T17:09:00.001-06:00

To reinforce the importance of reading theory and criticism, you are required to write a response to each reading for this project (four total) from "The Language of New Media". Each response will be worth 10 25 points (the scale I use for all tasks, then filtered through percentage of grade: in this case 5%), and should be posted to your blog with the label "MX".

An excellent response does the following:

notes new concepts learned in the passage
makes connections between the reading and your MX projects
makes connections between the reading and non-MX readings/experiences
does all of the above concisely

Lesser responses that exclude portions of the above will decrease in points earned.

Project Two :: Round-Up Crit

2009-11-11T00:03:00.000-06:00

In class

discuss reading
group crit on all rapid prototypes. 10 min each, max.

Homework

Revise idea based on crit feedback. Go back to sketch mode, iterating widely and creating a range of wireframe layouts that utilize your chosen functionality.
Reading: The Language of New Media, pp 63-78 (stop at "Cinema" subsection)
The reading is at the library under my reserves, or you can get a PDF through the kcai library site (direct link). The reading is called "The Interface" and the password is "media".

Blogs

Post two screen grabs of each of your ideas, each showing different states of interaction. That will give you a rough total of six screen grabs -- show at least 3 ideas, more if you have 'em. Provide a brief explanation for how each idea works to supplement your images.

Project Two :: Round Up

2009-11-06T07:58:00.003-06:00

In class

15 min: find+share
finalize test 3 by end of class. show idea quickly
revise/refine previous directions

Homework

refine all tests and prep for group crit. group crit will be used to select one direction to pursue.
reading: Windows & Mirrors, from The myth of transparency 48-50 to Another strategy 55-56

Project Two :: Round 3 Iterations

2009-11-04T07:34:00.000-06:00

In class

15 min: find+share
30 min: discuss reading
50 min: finalize test 2. show idea quickly, one-on-one.
50 min: brainstorm round 3

Homework

Continue brainstorm/rapid prototype #3.
Tests can be html/css/javascript vs flash, or a combination of both
Reading: Windows & Mirrors:
from the history of disappearing pp 34-38 to the macintosh interface 44-48

FIND + SHARE

2009-11-04T07:00:00.001-06:00

Use the comments of this post to share links to sites, articles or videos that are relevant to our projects and the principles of Web 2.0, or that are just plain awesome, whatever your criteria may be! We will then share and discuss our links regularly in class.

Project Two :: Round 2 Iterations

2009-11-02T07:14:00.000-06:00

In class

15 min: find+share
1 hour: for coding / finishing flash test #1
1 hour: create interaction model(s) in a 3 dimensional model

Homework

Continue brainstorm / rapid prototype #2.
Tests can be html/css/javascript vs flash, or a combination of both.
Reading: Windows & Mirrors, from Introduction 2-7, to Wooden Mirror 32-34 on e-reserve
Post 3d interaction models to blogs

To access e-reserves complete the following steps:

-log onto the KCAI Library Catalog

-under Other Options/Course Reserves: choose instructor name

-search by the instructors last name (eppelheimer)

-select "multimedia experience"

-select "windows and mirrors"

-Log-in to the Library Catalog (enter your name, campus ID and campus code) and then it asks you to enter your Course Password -- media

Project Two :: CRAFT DAY!

2009-10-28T22:14:00.000-05:00

For round 2 of the initial interaction iterations on Friday, we will build 3 dimensional interactive models as a way of generating new ideas. Each of you should bring supplies to use for building (and sharing with classmates): paper clips, toothpicks, marshmallows, tape, peanuts, mattboard scraps, paper scraps, anything you can come up with. Bring a bunch of one thing for all to share in class on Friday.

Project Two :: Rapid Prototyping

2009-10-28T22:13:00.000-05:00

So, if you are confused as to how to proceed based on our first discussion of your ideas, do the following...
You should create quick functional examples of your ideas in either Flash or HTML/CSS/Javascript. Pick one idea to start and use basic boxes or images as a base to work with. Try to make the interactions you are imagining really happen on a small scale. If you want the user to drag something across the screen, figure out how to make that happen. Use the sites provided on the blog and internet searches to find similar solutions you can copy and alter to suit your needs.

Remember, a rapid prototype is a quickly fabricated model that allows decreased development time and mistakes down the road by allowing corrections to be made earlier in the process. Effective prototypes are fast, disposable, and focused.

Project Two :: Flash Sites...

2009-10-27T17:48:00.000-05:00

to help you along the way.

lynda.com of course. paid subscription site.

http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/video_workshop/

several helpful beginning actionscript videos in here.

http://www.adobe.com/devnet/flash/articles/atv_flcs4_demos.html

five video demos for flash beginners (includes some basic actionscript info)

http://www.adobe.com/devnet/flash/samples/

some good sample fla files for beginners and intermediates

http://www.adobe.com/devnet/actionscript/articles/actionscript_1-on-1.html

a good collection of beginner video tutorials

http://www.flashkit.com

a huge range of user-generated tutorials, including a section on interactivity and navigation.

http://kirupa.com/
kirupa.com is a site that aims to make designers better developers, and maybe even help developers become better designers.

Project Two :: Beyond the Portfolio

2009-10-23T09:00:00.001-05:00

description

Conceive, design, and produce a fine-tuned, fully-functioning wireframed portfolio website. Your focus is on creating a unique and carefully-structured navigation/interaction experience. You have two major options for how to approach this work:

1) focus on the non-linear selection of projects in your portfolio, with consideration of smaller linear elements within a project.

2) focus on a linear presentation of time/motion-based work (aka "demo reel"), with consideration of a larger simplified non-linear structure to house the linear portfolio.

The direction you choose will determine how your process goes. Students choosing option 1 will be using portfolio pieces as rough content with the option of refinements in pro practice next term. Their focus will be on the creation of the unique interaction model and not on portfolio content selection.

Students choosing option 2 will necessarily be focused on selecting and editing work for inclusion in the demo reel and will spend a good amount of time on the linear presentation of that work. Their larger portfolio structure will have to be simplified to complete the project in time.

objectives

investigate alternate and experimental forms of navigation and presentation
integrate linear and non-linear elements into a seamless user experience.
understand the multiple tools & multiple technologies makeup of interactive design and explore the combination of these technologies
understand the separation of design and content that is integral to current multi-authored web content
further develop critical thinking and articulation skills in informal class discussions and formal critiques

homework

visit and explore links from the examples post (do this first)
brainstorm interaction or animation types (see brainstorm post)

Project Two :: Brainstorming Interaction and/or Animation

2009-10-23T08:55:00.000-05:00

The first half of this project will be very experimental and involve quick iterations of your ideas. To start, come up with as many unique or alternative models of interaction or animation as you can. Use metaphor to fuel your ideation and think beyond the chrome, along all possible axes. You can write out these ideas, or sketch out the ideas, or combine both methods. Bring at least 5 different ideas to class on Wednesday. Check these different but equally valid ideas from last year:

Curtis Pickell

horizontal movement: macro - micro view of work
divide all content into two parent categories: emotion/logic
homepage randomly choses a portfolio piece each time it is refreshed
each page (content type) is a room in a house. different types of work are contained within different rooms
hallway with multiple doors dedicated to specific content
night skyscape: constellations are formed through navigation
subservient curtis: user can command me to present certain work as well as do other things
filters determine given content (color, creation date, emotion, type, etc)
site framed within actual eyeglass lens: focus blurs during transitions. left lens= nav; right lens= content

Adam Tramposh

Project Two :: Sweet Portfolio and Reel Examples

2009-10-23T08:50:00.000-05:00

Vermeersch
Self Titled
Kashiwa Sato
Justin Schrader
Karim
Barcinkski & Jeanjean
2x4
Alvin Aronson
Takach
Justin Ruggieri
iamwebsite
theFWA (flash archives)
t2
collection of papervision sites
Trollback + Company
agency: collective
brand new school click on "montage" in the menu
ca-square click on "reel" in the upper-right corner
imaginary forces
buck
and a pretty cool interface from attik drag the red box on the right side.
more interface: collective 08 website

Project 1 :: Final Presentation Lineup

2009-10-23T06:58:00.001-05:00

in order:

projector
8:05 Ian/Ramzy
8:30 Ryan/Blake

break 8:50-9:00

large screen
9:00 Michael/Logan
9:25 Cassie/Jessica/Corie
9:50 Alicia/Meredith
10:15 Josh/Morgan

Project 1 :: Final Two Weeks

2009-10-13T22:12:00.000-05:00

Wednesday Oct 14

discuss "don't make me think" reading, part I
make sure designs are finalized
outline final presentation (20 min for final pres & feedback, plan your time wisely)
begin prototyping

Friday Oct 16

discuss "don't make me think" reading, part II
continue prototyping

Wednesday Oct 21

finalize prototypes
work on presentations -- make sure you rehearse!

Friday Oct 23

post final presentation files to my CAS dropbox before the start of class
presentations!
introduce next project

Project 1 :: Detailing your visual designs

2009-10-09T07:56:00.000-05:00

in class

work day/desk crits to finalize designs and make refinements.
flash timeline nav demo

homework

continue detailing all aspects of your screen layouts, making sure you are following complete task scenarios to show the user's click paths
read "don't make me think", chapters 1 and 2
start vaguely pondering how you will technically produce your prototype. flash? html/css? pdf?

considerations for visual design refinements

do your users know where they are in the system? what task they are currently performing?
are you using spatial/typographic hierarchy to focus the user's attention properly?
is typography being applied consistently and systematically, in terms of sizes, weights, colors?
are tools/components/areas of your site named logically and clearly?
how are you utilizing visual feedback? how do users know they have successfully completed a task (submit info, button click, etc)?
are you designing properly for the given input device (mouse vs touch)? for example, touch screens cannot utilize rollovers.

Grading breakdown this semester

2009-10-07T07:35:00.002-05:00

It looks like project one is going to last 9 weeks, leaving 6 weeks for project two. therefore, this course will be graded on the results of both projects with the following weights:

60% for project one

40% for project two

The four major grading areas (objectives, craft/presentation, participation, and process) will still apply to both projects. i am averaging all of your work across the board into those four areas.

Example 1: the presentations you gave for your initial concepts (audience review + wireframes) and your presentation of three directions will both count toward your final presentation grade.

Example 2: the quality of your ideas embedded in the research posters will count toward your final objectives grade.

Let me know if you have any questions about the grading breakdown.

Project 1 :: Final Direction

2009-10-07T07:25:00.001-05:00

In class

group crit on three visual/wireframe directions from last week.

Homework

determine a direction to pursue based on peer input.
revise, refine, and detail that direction for the remainder of this week and up to the first class next week.
place a PDF of your original concept presentation in my CAS dropbox. filename "MX_lastname_conceptpres.pdf"
post to your blogs a few key frames from your concept presentation. Label your post "MX" (and your research poster post as well).

Microsoft Courier, yes please

2009-10-06T15:45:00.002-05:00

via gaaaaarrrrrrrretttttttttt: iamblog

Project 1 :: Poster Posting & CASing

2009-10-01T12:20:00.003-05:00

As blog posts of your process are pretty thin, I will be requiring a number of posts that cover the project process and will factor into your grades, here's the first:

Make sure you have your final posters on your blogs and have dropped the final PDFs on my CAS drop box. If you split the poster design work in two, share and present both on your blogs so that the viewer understands the context.

Label the PDFs like this:
"MX_lastname_lastname_poster1.pdf" and
"MX_lastname_lastname_poster2.pdf"

Project 1 :: Wireframe and Design Iterations

2009-10-01T11:45:00.000-05:00

As you know from your years in this program, multiple iterations are vital to making sure you have the best ideas possible. With that in mind, here is where you should head for Friday's class and into next week:

begin developing 3 different design directions for your system (you already have one in progress):

develop alternate wireframes of 3 key desktop screens and 3 or 4 iPhone screens
create different visual metaphors for your system and ways those can produce varied emotive directions for your designs
discuss how alternate hierarchy schemes allows for different, but appropriate, user interaction

design visual examples to those new wireframe ideas
read "Module and Program" from Designing Visual Interfaces 153-end

Wednesday we will have a group crit on work-in-progress, so put together screens of your work to project for feedback.

Project 1 :: Schedule

2009-09-30T07:37:00.004-05:00

You should be finalizing your wireframes and have your look and feel well developed.
We will be working a lot in class and have a progress crit on Wed the 7th.

Wed 9/30 Work in class, team meetings with me in Univers.
Fri 10/2 Work in class, short reading discussion.
Wed 10/7 Class progress crit on directions. Work in class.