description

Art 375 is an introduction to the basic principles of web site design and planning. It focuses on a mixture of technical skills, content development, interactivity, and navigation. There will be an emphasis on developing strong, appropriate visuals for each project. Students will be introduced to industry standard web design software.

The course will consist of hands-on work, lectures, critiques, and in-class lab time. Students are expected to supplement class time with out-of-class reading and production assignments. Demonstrations will be used when appropriate and practical exercises will reinforce the class lectures. Individual student exploration and problem-solving are expected.

Although there is open lab time scheduled as part of the class, expect to spend a minimum of eight hours of work (research, reading, sketching, computer work, presentation preparation, etc.) per week outside of class. Assignments will include a variety of technical components, which will vary considerably in terms of the amount of time required to complete. You must be prepared for class on a daily basis. If you have prior experience that is closely related to the course content, notify the instructor immediately.

objectives

The work in this class will consist of projects, exercises, reading assignments, and quizzes. All of the work in this course are designed to incrementally address the course objectives listed below:

• Basic proficiency with Adobe Dreamweaver
• Ability to develop a Web site from conception to finished piece
• Understanding of navigation and interface issues
• Learn to integrate strong design skills and appropriate visual strategies into web design
• Basic understanding of HTML / CSS and coding
• Learn the relationship between content, structure, and design as it relates to web design
• Learn basic image optimization using the appropriate industry standard software

Exercises are designed to build basic skills and knowledge and will act as the basis for the longer term assignments. You will have several major assignments over the course of the semester that will require a deeper investigation of formal, technical, and conceptual issues. All of the projects are designed to elicit a creative and technical response and will require thoughtful problem solving skills using the concepts discussed in class.