This is a course where we will learn how to design screen-based applications centered around the human experience rather than the limitations of engineering or the stylistic trends found in advertising/marketing. Approaching from the frameworks of semiotics and systems thinking, we will realize that design practice extends far beyond the narrow-minded definition of “solving a problem.” By the end of the semester, we will be equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to engage in the creative practices of shaping interactive experiences on various scales.
As a studio class, the majority of instruction will be centered around projects, followed by critiques. This isn’t a User Experience or computer programming course and will not cover topics regarding user research, testing, and web development. Rather, we will devote our attention to the visual construction of user interfaces that go beyond the typical offerings of “clean” and “corporate” aesthetics. We will utilize our understanding of color, typography, and even motion to offer new ways to interact with the digital medium.