Web Design & Interactive Media Course Descriptions

IMD 100 FUNDAMENTALS OF INTERACTIVE DESIGN
This course introduces the history, terms, and technologies of the interactive design field. Students explore roles in the interactive media industry, significant organizations, and trends. They design, develop, and upload a simple Web site using basic XHTML and CSS constructs. Basic Web site production stages and issues, such as naming conventions and file organization, are also covered. Prerequisite: CAA 106
IMD 110 INTERACTIVE DESIGN CONCEPTS
This course identifies the components of the design process and explores efficient production methods, emphasizing design solutions appropriate to a targeted market. The course also stresses the process of screen design development from wireframes to comprehensives, layout and digital techniques, and the use of a grid system for multi-component screen layouts. Students employ Web Standards-compliant XHTML and CSS to implement the design concepts. Prerequisite: IMD 100
IMD 130 INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE DESIGN
Students learn the tools and techniques needed to create rich interactive interfaces and experiences. Topics covered include: interface design patterns, multi-dimensional information design, animation for interfaces, visual design for the screen, and programming rich interactions. Prerequisites: CAA 106
IMD 200 INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
This course introduces students to the concepts and processes of developing interactive projects that address user needs. Students research users, goals, competition, and content, and develop the navigation structure, process flow, and labeling systems that best address these needs. They prepare and present a professional information architecture proposal. Prerequisite: IMD 110
IMD 215 WEB PAGE LAYOUT AND DESIGN
Students continue to develop interface design skills using advanced Web page layout techniques and existing Web standards. The course emphasizes setting the stage for integrating interface design with programming concepts. Students use XHTML, CSS and basic JavaScript to develop Web interfaces. Prerequisite: IMD 110
IMD 220 USER-CENTERED INTERFACE DESIGN
Students learn basic design skills including typography, grid layout systems, and color strategies and apply them to the design of usable Web sites that serve the needs of a client and their users. They consider business goals, target audience, information architecture, media, usability, and delivery platform when designing projects. Prerequisite: IMD 200
IMD 230 PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS
This introductory course focuses on the fundamental conceptual skills inherent in computer programming. These skills include: essentials of algorithmic problem definition and problem solving, core programming concepts, and procedural programming practices. Intended as a first-step to more sophisticated programming instruction, the course takes a visual and creative approach to exposing the student to the abstract and often confusing aspects of interactive program design. Prerequisites: CAA 106, MT 112 or MT 113 or MT 115
IMD 240 AUDIO FOR INTERACTIVE MEDIA
This course helps students understand the role of audio in an interactive environment. They learn the concepts and technology for digitization, optimization, and integration of audio on the Web. Prerequisites: IMD 230
IMD 300 INTERACTIVE MOTION GRAPHICS
In this course, students explore the concepts, technologies, and application of motion graphics in developing a rich media communication solution. Prerequisite: IMD 340
IMD 315 DESIGNING INTERACTIVE INTERFACES
Students refine their interactive design skills with emphasis on programming the functionality of Web interfaces. Concepts covered include: introductory programming skills, best practices for programming with existing Web standards, and using existing code libraries and frameworks for developing engaging user interfaces. Prerequisites: IMD 215 and IMD 230
IMD 320 PRODUCTION TEAM
This course focuses on the interactive design project management process, stressing the development of the project team as key to successfully achieving project goals. Students examine the main elements required in efficient planning and execution of an interactive project and study issues of copyright and intellectual property as they relate to project implementation. They participate in a team on a realistic, client-based project. Prerequisite: IMD 220
IMD 330 DEVELOPING RICH-MEDIA APPLICATIONS
Students combine experience design concepts with advanced programming solutions. Emphasis is placed on learning object-oriented approaches to developing dynamic and reusable rich media modules. Rich media are combined with dynamic data applications to create compelling communication vehicles for advertisement, entertainment, and business solutions. Prerequisites: IMD 230
IMD 340 VIDEO FOR INTERACTIVE MEDIA
Students develop an understanding of desktop video production, post-production, and delivery concepts in context of the Internet. Topics covered include: streaming, bandwidth, compression, file formats, and frame rates. Prerequisite: IMD 230
IMD 360 NON-LINEAR NARRATIVE
Students conceptualize and develop a storyline for a non-linear narrative and develop a storyboard. They integrate interactive experiences within this narrative to create an immersive user experience. The course emphasizes selection and use of appropriate media, development tools and techniques to create integrated interactive experiences. Prerequisites: IMD 330, IMD 340
IMD 385 PORTFOLIO PREPARATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Students identify projects and get them ready for inclusion in the portfolio. The review process involves examining design and technology decisions, and being able to justify them. The students review the terminology, processes, roles, technologies and players in the field. Students present their projects each week, and respond to constructive criticism, feedback and inputs from faculty, other students and invited guests. The requirements include a resume, business card, cover letter for a job application, and a short-list of jobs. Students explore the job market and the trends in the field of web design and interactive media. They participate in mock job interviews, learn to prepare an elevator speech, and carry out a personal career SWOT. Finally, the students present their projects, and respond to questions from a faculty committee in order to get approval to be admitted to the portfolio class. Prerequisite: Approval of department chair
IMD 390 PORTFOLIO
Students are guided through the process of compiling their work into interactive portfolios. They apply techniques and strategies to market themselves in their chosen fields. Emphasis is placed on students assessing their most marketable skills and designing the portfolio to best market these skills. Students not only develop an online portfolio, but also prepare a professional résumé and support documentation for projects. Students appear for a comprehensive examination and portfolio defense. This course must be taken in the final quarter of the associate’s degree program. Prerequisite: IMD 385 and Approval of the faculty committee responsible for reviewing portfolio proposals in the quarter before the portfolio course is to be taken.
IMD 398 INDEPENDENT STUDY
This course offers students the opportunity to pursue advanced study within an area of interest with the approval of department chair. This course may be repeated for credit.
IMD 399 INTERNSHIP
A monitored program for upper-level students, an internship gives them the opportunity to work with cooperating employers. This course is available to qualified students who obtain approval from department chair.
IMD 405 MARKETING BASICS
Students explore search engine optimization methods (SEO), digital and analog marketing strategies to drive traffic to a Web site, traffic analysis, listing services, search integration into a site, and theory surrounding search behavior. Students investigate the relationships between usability, accessibility, information architecture, marketing, and findability, and implement strategies for creating findable content. Prerequisite: IMD 315
IMD 410 DYNAMIC WEB APPLICATIONS
Students apply user-centered design principles, database structures, and server-side scripting to design and develop content for server-based dynamic delivery. The course emphasizes design issues relating to the display of dynamic content on the screen and how that content is updated as well as delivered from databases. Prerequisite: IMD 315
IMD 420 ADVANCED INTERFACE DESIGN
Students review interface design concepts and best practices for interactive communication. Emphasis is placed on developing and presenting an experimental interactive project. They explore varied interface design approaches and develop a clearly stated design approach for their project. Students learn to critically evaluate contemporary interactive design in terms of effectively crafting an intended user experience, and the appropriate use of technology toward those ends. Prerequisite: IMD 360
IMD 440 INTERACTIVE MESSAGE DESIGN
Students focus on the components of an interactive message, exploring the integration of media elements in composing an effective message. Prerequisites: IMD 330, IMD 360
IMD 445 USABILITY EVALUATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
This course introduces students to concepts and techniques in usability evaluation. Through theories presented in the course, students learn ways to research, design, implement, and analyze interactive projects from the perspective of usability. Students also examine the concept and methods of accessibility for digitally delivered interactive projects. They identify methods of creating accessible, standards-compliant interactive projects. Prerequisite: IMD 320
IMD 450 HISTORY OF COMMUNICATION MEDIA
A survey of major events and developments in the history of media-based communication is the focus of this course. The course explores the relationship between technology and media development and explores the impact motion media and mass communication have on society and the economy. Students explore the evolution and future trends of interactive media. Prerequisite: IMD 220
IMD 465 SENIOR PROJECT DESIGN
Students in this course work on an advanced interactive media project. They submit a proposal and concept prototype for the project. The course emphasizes content, design, and technology research, formal written communication, quality, independent critical analysis, presentation, and defense of design and communication solutions. Prerequisite: IMD 330, IMD 410
IMD 470 SPECIAL TOPICS
In this seminar-style course, students examine contemporary issues and trends in the field of new media design. They conduct independent research and make a professional presentation of their findings to a group of critical listeners. Prerequisite: Approval of the department chair.
IMD 480 PORTFOLIO PREPARATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Students identify projects and get them ready for inclusion in the portfolio. The review process involves examining design and technology decisions and being able to justify them. The students review the terminology, processes, roles, technologies and players in the field. Students present their projects each week and respond to constructive criticism, feedback and inputs from faculty, other students and invited guests. The requirements include a resume, business card, cover letter for a job application, and a short-list of jobs. Students explore the job market and the trends in the field of web design and interactive media. They participate in mock job interviews, learn to prepare an elevator speech, and carry out a personal career SWOT. Finally, the students present their projects, and respond to questions from a faculty committee in order to get approval to be admitted to the portfolio class. Prerequisite: Approval of the department chair.
IMD 485 SENIOR PROJECT PRODUCTION
This course is a continuation of IMD 465. Students prepare, present, and defend a project suitable for professional use. The course emphasizes production values, technical sophistication, quality assurance, evaluation of the effectiveness of the product, conceptual thinking, critical analysis, written communication, and presentation skills. Prerequisite: IMD 465
IMD 490 SENIOR PORTFOLIO
Students produce a comprehensive online portfolio site, a compilation of project documentation, résumé, and business card in a unified packaged presentation. Students appear for a comprehensive oral defense on the portfolio as well as industry concepts, methods, and technologies. This course must be taken in the final quarter of the bachelor’s program. Prerequisite: IMD 480 and approval of the faculty committee responsible for reviewing portfolio proposals in the quarter before the portfolio course is to be taken.