San José State University School of Design / Graphic Design Dept. DSGD 132 User Interface & Interaction Design Section 01, Fall 2016 COURSE & CONTACT INFORMATION Instructor: Minnie Choi Office Location: Art 118 Email: Office Hours: Class Days/Time: Minniechoi.sjsu@gmail.com Wed 5:30 6:30PM Mon/Wed 06:30-09:20PM Classroom: ART 212 Prerequisites: Pass BFA Portfolio Review, DSGD 105, DSGD 186 Faculty Web Page and MYSJSU Messaging Copies of the course materials such as the syllabus, major assignment handouts, etc. may be found on my faculty web page or designated Facebook class group page which will be notified later. You are responsible for regularly checking with my emails and other messaging systems that are given. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OVERVIEW Course Description This course focuses on the fundamental principles and practices for the user interface and interaction design for various digital platforms. Coursework will include discussions and practical applications of best practices in digital products & platforms, effective design process, methodologies, and use of latest technology. Students will also be challenged to develop their own voice in design by building a strong narrative and being able to defend their design decisions. The DSGD 132 User Interface & Interaction Design, Fall 2016 Page 1 of 12
topics this course will cover include: design research, synthesis, process driven design, concept development, wireframing, visual design systems (type, color etc.), low fidelity prototyping, user journey etc. Course Goals Designers are gifted and trained to creatively solve problems. It is our choice to carefully select which problems we put our limited time, energy and brilliant minds into. Through two projects and multiple interactive in-class workshops, students will be asked to identify important needs of people, society and systems to design digital and people interactions that will have meaningful impact. Course Learning Outcomes Students will end up with two very refined digital projects that they can tell a story about themselves as a designer with a point of view and their creative process at the same time. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: LO 01_Articulation of problem area & hypotheses LO 02_Identification of key opportunities through research synthesis LO 03_Familiarization of research methods via design research incl. user testing LO 04_Development of conceptual frameworks through ideation workshops LO 05_Getting comfortable with iterative process in design LO 06_Development of design narrative especially through user journey LO 07_Contextualization of design through major presentations LO 08_Understanding of individual strengths within team collaborations Course Format Technology Intensive: This class requires students to bring their own wireless laptop computer with software (Adobe Creative Suite). Students must also install appropriate type fonts (Helvetica type family required). Students are expected to always have their working digital files, and research and reference materials, and reliable data backup. Refer to this website for wireless network access: https://sjsuone.sjsu.edu/. The labs are equipped with a limited number digital color printers (capable of 13x19 output), and students are expected to plan and print their projects well ahead of deadlines. Other Technology Requirements Please always bring a laptop to class with: Pixel-based (e.g. Adobe Photoshop) software Vector-based softwares (e.g.adobe Illustrator or Sketch) Presentation software (e.g. Keynote, Powerpoint, or Google Slides). DSGD 132 User Interface & Interaction Design, Fall 2016 Page 2 of 12
Other materials for in-class workshops (e.g. post-its, markers, etc) will be provided by the instructor. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COURSE REQUIREMENTS In-Class Workshops (Required) This course requires active engagement and participation within several interactive workshops. These ensure students have hands-on knowledge of methodologies shared during class lectures and most of all, they are fun! Workshop 01 Define Your Problem Workshop 02 Skill Share I Workshop 03 Knowledge Hunt I Workshop 04 Research Synthesis I Workshop 05 Jam Session + Idea Remix I Workshop 06 Paper Prototyping Workshop 07 Inspiration Board Workshop 08 Skill Share II Workshop 09 Competitive Analysis Workshop 10 Research Synthesis II Workshop 11 Jam Session + Idea Remix II Workshop 12 Storyboarding + Prototyping Workshop 13 User Journey Mapping Workshop 14 Experience Prototyping Assignments (Required) Projects are due at the beginning of each class, which means that at 6:30 pm your work must be ready for critique. At each due date of the assignments, students are required to submit the assignment with a properly named PDF: FirstName_LastName_ProjectName_Date.PDF More specific format and guideline will be provided later during the kickoff sessions. DSGD 132 User Interface & Interaction Design, Fall 2016 Page 3 of 12
Assignment 01 (Due 8/31) Individual Problem Statement Assignment 02 (Due 9/7) Execution of Design Research Assignment 03 (Due 9/12) Presentation of Research Summary, Key Insights & Opportunities & Industry Examples Assignment 04 (Due 9/19) Develop 3 conceptual frameworks Assignment 05 (Due 9/26) Iterate Design per Feedback Assignment 06 (Due 10/03) Conduct User Testing & Capture Feedback. Design with Visual Elements Assignment 07 (Due 10/10) Pull everything together into a Presentation according to guided format Assignment 08 (Due 10/17) Group Write a clear problem statement & team goals. Individual Write about your experience, knowledge and point of view on the chosen problem area Assignment 09 (Due 10/24) Execution of Research by Group s Plan & Guide Assignment 10 (Due 10/31) Develop 3 conceptual frameworks Assignment 11 (Due 11/07) Conduct Concept Validation sessions & Put together Research Report Assignment 12 (Due 11/14) Digitalize User Journey Map and choose 3 Key Moments to Highlight Assignment 13 (Due 11/21) Key Screen wireframes & Visual Design System documentation Final Assignment DSGD 132 User Interface & Interaction Design, Fall 2016 Page 4 of 12
Prepare Final Presentation including context and process behind current project and refined user journey video Recommended Texts/Readings The Design of Everyday Things Don Norman, Basic Books, 2013 About Face: The Essentials of Interaction Design Alan Cooper/Robert Reimann, Wiley, 2014 Designing for Emotion Aaron Walter, A Book Apart, 2011 Designing Multi-Device Experiences: An Ecosystem Approach to User Experiences across Devices Levin, O Reilly Media, 2014 Wicked Problems: Problems Worth Solving Jon Kolko, ac4d, 2012 Useful Websites https://www.producthunt.com/ Be on top of all the greatest latest product launches https://uxdesign.cc/ Most comprehensive intros and links to UX tools, methods, deliverables and books https://creativemornings.com/ Great collection of breakfast lecture series for the creative community http://www.debbiemillman.com/designmatters/ Podcasts by designer Debbie Millman hosting down-to-earth conversations with designers, writers and artists http://pttrns.com/ Mobile design patterns https://www.siteinspire.com/ Web design inspiration DSGD 132 User Interface & Interaction Design, Fall 2016 Page 5 of 12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GRADING POLICY The project and course performance will be evaluated according to the following components. Each project will be graded upon completion and assigned a letter grade according to the University policy A through F. An incomplete will be granted to students with documented extenuating circumstances e.g. debilitating illness, family emergency etc. Bases for the grading are: Process-driven (Related to LO 02, 03, 05) Is your current step of the design backed by your previous step(s)? Are you exploring multiple solutions to the problem? Concept (Related to LO 04,06) Is it a thoughtful solution based on research and synthesis? Is it meaningful to the users? Does it pursue authenticity? Craft (Related to LO 04, 05) Are you paying attention to typographic, hierarchical, compositional, and usability details? Presentation & Participation (Related to 01, 07, 08) Are you communicating clearly the key ideas and insights through verbal, written, design and development executions? Are you engaged in class critiques and activities? Weighting Assignments (13): 65% (Refer to due dates noted below) Final Project: 15% (Due on the day of final presentation) Group Contribution: 10% (measured by 360 Peer/Instructor Feedback) Workshops (10 out of 13): 10% (participation & contribution) Grade Symbol / Grade Value A+ 4.0 A 4.0 A- 3.7 B+ 3.3 DSGD 132 User Interface & Interaction Design, Fall 2016 Page 6 of 12
B 3.0 B- 2.7 C+ 2.3 C 2.0 C- 1.7 D+ 1.3 D 1.0 D- 0.7 F 0 Grading Scale A-, A, A+ = Excellence (3.7 4.0) Student consistently delivers creative and high quality work and demonstrates the ability to explore a wide range of alternative options as well as the ability to make intelligent and informed decisions on the final solution. Student is able to refine final solutions to instructor feedback. Student shows the ability to communicate ideas clearly and completely, both visually and verbally. Well-crafted and informed arguments support any and all design decisions. All projects are complete and on time. Student demonstrates a strong, engaged effort in work and in class. Student maintains at all times a positive attitude and commitment towards the profession, classmates, the instructor and their own development. Student participates in all regularly scheduled classes. Overall, student meets and exceeds the requirements of the course. B-, B, B+ = Very good work (2.7 3.6) Student demonstrates an above average effort in all areas. Work is complete and demonstrates no craft or technical problem areas. Student shows the ability to communicate decent rationale for design decisions and demonstrates improvement in all areas of professional development as a designer. Student maintains a positive attitude and involvement in all coursework and class activities. C-, C, C+ = Adequate, average work (1.7 2.6) Student produces the minimum work required at an average quality level and provides basic explanations for design decisions. Student demonstrates a basic understanding of the principles presented in class and may have some craft and technical problem areas. Student demonstrates average participation in all regularly scheduled classes. D-, D, D+ = Poor work and lack of effort (0.7 1.6) Student produces the minimum work required at below average quality and demonstrates little understanding of the principles F = Failure to meet the course requirements (0.0 0.6) Student demonstrates a lack of understanding of the basic principles discussed in class and is unable to convey creative and craft and technical ability as required. Student has little or no involvement in class discussions, repeatedly misses deadlines or critiques, and demonstrates little commitment to DSGD 132 User Interface & Interaction Design, Fall 2016 Page 7 of 12
learning and their own development. Student shows little participation and/or is consistently late for class. Important Notes about Grading All assignments are graded, therefore you should do your best on them or your course grade will be adversely affected. It is very important to complete all of them because: each develops a skill necessary for successful completion of assignments missing a portion of these assignments can lower your course grade substantially Deadlines On the regularly scheduled Final Exam day and time is when you will submit the last project. No extensions will be given except in cases of documented emergencies, serious illness. If such a circumstance should arise, please contact the instructor as early as possible and be ready to provide documentation. Late Assignments It is essential that you keep up with the course work and submit all assignments in a timely manner. Assignments will lose a full letter grade for each day late. Graded assignments more than 3 days late will not be accepted. In such cases, a grade of zero credit will be entered. Extra Credit Out of general fairness to all students, there will be no opportunities for extra credit assignments given in this class. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASSROOM GROUND RULES Classroom Time This is a three-hour class. We will typically take one scheduled 15-minute break halfway through the class period. You are expected to arrive on time and prepared to work for the entire class period. Classroom Etiquettes We are involved in a mutually beneficial communal learning experience, one that requires full attention and respectful behavior toward all members of the class. In order to maximize the learning experience, students are requested to observe the following etiquette guidelines: Students must take every step necessary to minimize distractions during class. DSGD 132 User Interface & Interaction Design, Fall 2016 Page 8 of 12
Students are expected to arrive on time and to remain in class until the class is over, or excused. If you have a prior engagement that requires you leave before the end of class, please inform the instructor before class and take pains not to disturb other students when you leave. Announcements, handouts, and assignments are issued at the beginning of class. All critiques begin 15 minutes after official class start time; no work is to be added to the wall after a critique begins. It is your responsibility to inform yourself of any announcements or requirements that you miss due to late arrivals. Please do not interrupt class to ask about these. Remain after class if you have questions. Electronic devices not directly pertaining to your participation in this class must be turned off and put away before class starts. This means you may not place or receive calls, messages, play games, check e-mails, surf the web, pop into Facebook, Twitter, etc. Laptops are to be used for course related purposes only. Please do not eat during class. Socializing during lectures or when other students are presenting material for the benefit of the class is counterproductive and inconsiderate. No spray-mount adhesive spraying in the class. Do not use tabletops as a cutting surface. It is expected that there will be 1.5 to 2 hours of homework for each hour of class. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COURSE SCHEDULE DSGD 132 User Interface & Interaction Design Fall 2016 Sec 01 This schedule is used as a guideline and subject to change with fair notice. Week Date Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines 1 8/24 Wed Course Intro: Syllabus Review Lecture: Basics Review in User Interface & Interaction Design Project Kickoff: Team Leap 2 8/29 Mon L: People Problems & Designer s Role W 01: Define Your Problem W 02: Skill Share In-Class: Problem statement & team goals A 01: Individual Problem Statement (Due 8/31) DSGD 132 User Interface & Interaction Design, Fall 2016 Page 9 of 12
Week Date Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines 2 8/31 Wed L: Design Research W 03: Knowledge Hunt I In-Class: Research Plan 3 9/5 Mon No Class. Labor Day. A 02: Execution of Design Research (Due 9/7) 3 9/7 Wed L: Research Synthesis W 04: Research Synthesis I A 03: Presentation of Research Summary, Key Insights & Opportunities & Industry Examples (Due 9/12) 4 9/12 Mon Research Synthesis (A03) Class Presentation 4 9/14 Wed L: Concept Development 5 9/19 Mon Concept Crit W 05: Jam Session + Idea Remix A 04: 3 conceptual frameworks (Due 9/19) L: Design Principles & Wireframing 5 9/21 Wed In-Class: Define 3 Key Moments & Design Key Screens / Group Review A 05: Iterate Design per Feedback (Due 9/26) 6 9/26 Mon L: Prototyping & User Testing W 06: Prototyping In-Class: User Testing Plans 6 9/28 Wed L: Visual Design (Typography, Color, Style) 7 10/3 Mon Group Review W 07: Inspiration Board A 06: Conduct User Testing & Capture Feedback. Design with Visual Elements. (Due 10/3) In-class: Iteration of Design and Refine 7 10/5 Wed L: Putting together a Presentation In-class: presentation prep 8 10/10 Mon Class Presentation A 07: Pull everything together into a Presentation according to guided format (Due 10/10) Individual Mid-Semester Check-in Begins. 8 10/12 Wed L: Interaction Design of Digital Interface involving people/space/time DSGD 132 User Interface & Interaction Design, Fall 2016 Page 10 of 12
Week Date Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines In-Class: Define a Problem Area Individual Mid-Semester Check-ins. 9 10/17 Mon W 08: Skill Share II A 08: Group Write a clear problem statement & team goals. Individual Write about your experience, knowledge and point of view on the chosen problem area. (Due 10/17) In-Class: Research Plan/Guide A 09: Execution of Research by Group s Plan & Guide (Due 10/24) 9 10/19 Wed L: Understanding the Market & Industries W 09: Competitive Analysis 10 10/24 Mon W 10: Research Synthesis II - Defining Key Opportunities & Target Audience 10 10/26 Wed W 11: Jam Session + Idea Remix II 11 10/31 Mon Concept crit A 10: 3 concepts with solid framework (Due 10/31) L: Storyboarding and prototyping W 12: Storyboarding + Prototyping 11 11/2 Wed L: Using Research to Validate & Inspire Concepts In-Class: Concept Validation Plan/Guide A 11: Conduct Concept Validation sessions & Put together Research Report (Due 11/7) 12 11/7 Mon Group Review & Prioritize a Concept L: User Journey W 13: User Journey Mapping 12 11/9 Wed In-Class: User Journey Mapping (cont d) A 12: Digitalize User Journey Map and choose 3 Key Moments to Highlight (Due 11/14) 13 11/14 Mon In-class: Development of Narrative and Map out Key Screens 13 11/16 Wed Group Review 14 11/21 Mon Group Review In-class: Development of Visual Design Systems / Design & Iterate A 13: Key Screen wireframes & Visual Design System documentation (Due 11/21) W 14: Experience Prototyping Final Assignment: Prepare Final Presentation including context and process behind current project and refined user journey video DSGD 132 User Interface & Interaction Design, Fall 2016 Page 11 of 12
Week Date Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines 14 11/23 Wed No Class. Thanksgiving Break. 15 11/28 Mon In-class: Design Key Flows 15 11/30 Wed In-class: Develop User Journey Narrative & Assets 16 12/5 Mon Special Topic: Presentation Guidelines / In-class Establishing Presentation Template, agenda & goals 16 12/7 Wed Special Topic: Best Practices in UX Portfolio 17 12/12 Mon Last Day of Class Prepare Final Presentation. Group Checkin. Final Pres. TBD Final Presentation including context and process behind current project and refined user journey video (format: short film, animated illustrations etc.) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNIVERSITY POLICIES Office of Graduate and Undergraduate Programs maintains university-wide policy information relevant to all courses, such as academic integrity, accommodations, etc. You may find all syllabus related University Policies and resources information listed on GUP s Syllabus Information web page at http://www.sjsu.edu/gup/syllabusinfo/ DSGD 132 User Interface & Interaction Design, Fall 2016 Page 12 of 12