Description
This course opens the door to different ways of thinking and making forms, and adding interactivity through computer programming and looks at how it can be used for creative projects by creating a new context or extending what we already know. Class time will be split between lectures, work sessions, discussions, presentations and critiques.
Learning Outcomes
- Become familiar with basic programming languages and emerging interactive tools
- Learn how to amplify key project concepts through interaction
- Explore innovative approaches to advance creative projects
- Understand the foundational principles of user interface design
Courseware
Please check the class website regularly, as it is the main hub for all course materials. It features the latest schedule, lecture slides, workshop resources, and links to sign-up sheets, Slack, and Google Drive for easy access. Weekly homework announcements and reference sharing will be handled via Slack.
Project Submission
All projects should be uploaded to the class Google Drive by the date specified in the class schedule. Files uploaded after this date will be rejected for your semester grade.
Grading
You will receive one-semester grade (A—F) according to the following metric:
- Course assignments & Projects :
clarity of topics and contents, final deliverables, visual ability
- Depth & Breadth :
in-depth research, exploration, curiosity, and experimentation
- Class Participation & Contribution :
actively participate and contribute in class
Disability Statement
Students who have self-identified, provided documentation of their disability, and requested reasonable accommodations may be entitled to receive approved modifications in the classroom, appropriate academic adjustments, or auxiliary aids that enable them to participate in and benefit from all educational programs and activities. Please see http://www.bu.edu/disability for more details.
Attendance & Absences
Please make every effort to arrive punctually. You must attend all the classes. According to the SVA Attendance Policy, unless specific permission for absence is arranged with the instructor of this course, students must attend class to receive credit for the course. Unexcused absences exceeding 1/4 of the total class hours in a given semester are considered excessive in all SVA courses. Tardiness and any unexcused absences will reduce your course grade. Three unexcused absences will reduce your semester grade by one step (e.g. A- to B+). Seven unexcused absences will earn you a failing grade for the course.
Wellness and Health
Your health and well-being are important for your journey as a professional graphic designer. It is important to work hard and balance that with rest, self-care, and attention to your mental and physical health. I will challenge you in this class through assignments, activities, and discussions. However, the work in this class should not be at the expense of your well-being. If for any reason you are struggling to find balance in your work life and health/wellbeing, please reach out. I am happy to discuss ways in which this class can support you in your learning and growth. You can find more resources provided by BU CFA Mental Health & Wellness Resources.
#1 Digital Narrative
What new possibilities arise when print is transformed into digital? This project explores how web interactivity can reshape traditional reading experiences and foster deeper engagement. You will adapt a piece of writing into a poetic, single-page website. The text choice is entirely up to you—it can be something you’ve written before or a new piece you’d like to explore. By identifying key elements of your writing, you will use web programming languages to enhance the narrative, making it more engaging for the reader.
#2 Multiple Announces
This project utilizes body detection to promote your first project during the Multiple Formats art book fair. What kind of interactivity did you incorporate into your Digital Narrative project, and how can you showcase it using body detection? The final deliverable will include screen-recorded demo videos designed for promotional use on Instagram. Experimenting with diverse and creative ideas is highly encouraged.
#3 Invisible Guidance
A good website allows users to intuitively understand how to interact with it without the need for complex explanations. The theme of the final project is “Invisible Guidance.” How you interpret this concept depends on your creative decision. Your project could take the form of an experimental website or one designed for practical purposes. However, it must enable users to easily understand and interact with it as you initially intended. The deliverable can be created with code, a site-building platform (CMS), or a combination of both, based on your preference. Lectures on fundamental UI/UX principles will be included to support your process.