ATLS 4519-060/061: Interface Aesthetics
Course Description
The course covers the aesthetic and experiential design of digital interfaces. While rooted in desktop and mobile computing interfaces, we will also exploring computationally enhanced environments, tangible digital interfaces, and other experimental digital interface concepts. Primary visual design concepts (space, typography, layout, form, color) will all be emphasized in this context via projects and critiques. These will be paired with lectures, readings, and hands-on case studies that provide critical perspectives on existing projects in the world of interface design.
Students who successfully complete this course will achieve the following:
Critical Thinking & Theory / History:
- Understand the historical lineage from which notions of “good design” arise.
- Investigate the cultural specificity and politics of design (e.g. propaganda)
- Understand how design history informs and is shaped by cultural history
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Design/Creative:
- Understand and apply the principles and qualities of aesthetics as they to user interfaces
- Develop one’s creative practice focused on design aesthetics, referencing both historical and contemporary design examples
- Think both functionally (e.g. where should people click) and abstractly (e.g. how should they feel) when it comes to thinking through interface design.
- Develop one's ability to provide and receive constructive design critique.
Technical:
- Develop competencies in prototyping visual designs and interfaces
- Supporting technology for logging and sharing versions of a design in development
Credit Hours
Prerequisites
- ATLS 2000 Meaning of Information Technology
