Perceptual Principles for Digital Environments I

Day: Mon Time: 5:45 - 9 PM
Location: LOOP Room # LEWIS 1009
Lab Meetings: CTI Room 722
Office Hours: Thursday 1:30-3, 4:45-6:15 in CTI Room 703

Textbook: Appearance and Reality: A Visual Handbook for Artists, Designers, and Makers. Stephen Hogbin.

About the Course:

"An introduction to the visual, non-verbal principles incorporated in the effective presentation of on-screen environments. This course emphasizes the use of two-dimensional elements and their organization.”
In addition, the course will serve as an introduction to Adobe Photoshop.

Assignments:

There will be three major projects due throughout the quarter. Although there may occasionally be opportunities for studio time during some class meetings, these projects are expected to be finished pieces which will require significant production time outside of class. Projects will be presented in class.

In addition to the main projects, there will be “sketches” or exercises to be completed during class or for homework in order to learn to use the software tools and master course concepts.

For each class, you are expected to read the relevant chapter in our textbook. These readings will prepare you for the course material, and we will discuss them as a group. Please do the reading so you don’t embarrass yourself when asked to comment on the material during discussion.

Lastly, each student will prepare a short presentation in class in which they will analyze the visual qualities and use of design principles in a piece of work.

Grading

Projects - 40%
Homework/In-Class exercises - 20%
Exams - 20%
Presentation - 20%

Things you will need to bring to class:

• Blank sketchbook or drawing pad
• Pencils, markers, and/or (non-ballpoint) pens
• Zip disk for Lab days