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March 3 – Critique

Topics

  • Critique — please put Project 1 Items and the Design Challenge from last week on Dave_Shea for review

Homework

  • Continue to work on Project 1. Keep in mind that I expect to see your process documented in a Process book or similar by Friday, so that I fully understand your process and how you made your decisions. Also keep in mind that I expect critique notes and user test notes to be a part of that process. Project 1 is due at the start of class next Friday, you will not have time on Friday to work.

March 1 – Networking & Portfolios

Topics

Homework

  • Prepare process book for submission (due Monday)
  • Work on Professional Package Revisions (due Wednesday). NOTE: Both digital files and printed materials should be submitted for all items in the professional package. You should clearly identify what stock, weight, finish, etc. that you are planning for all print materials.

March 1 – Flexbox

Topics

  • Review Questions
  • HTML and CSS Questions
  • CSS: Flexbox
  • Flexbox Quickstart Guide
  • Flexbox Worksheet and code files
  • Want more help with Flexbox? You can watch CSS:Flexbox First Look on Lynda.com. Keep in mind that the this series was produced in 2013. Since then Flexbox has experienced wide browser support and browser prefixes are generally not necessary in new browsers. Use my resources page (CSS > CSS-Layout-Flexbox) for additional up to date resources for syntax and code examples.

Homework

  • Finish Flexbox Worksheet
  • CSS for small screens for homepage of Object Blog

Feb 27 – Landing pages

Rebecca is out sick today. Use today to catch up on things (see below).

Due for Wednesday

  • Get feedback on your mockups and wireframes (specifically the HTML tags you labeled) and make revisions.
  • Complete HTML for homepage. You can get started on the CSS but focus only on typography elements that are different from your articles. Keep in mind that you will use the same stylesheet you have been using (in other words, your project should have only one stylesheet).

Feb 24 – Landing Page

Topics

Homework

  • Complete mockup for landing page for both large screen and small screen. When possible, use the styles you already have set up for the article/post pages. Only introduce new styles where relevant.
  • Create a wireframe for both the large and small screen versions of the landing page. Label each element in the wireframe with an HTML tag.

Feb 22 – Crit on Resumes and Cover Letters

Topics

  • Small group critiques on Resumes and Coverletters
  • Meet with Jenny Roxas or Rebecca for one on one sessions
  • Check in on BFA Promo materials

Homework

Feb 22 – Work Day

Topics

  • Reminders about Slack and the Class Website
  • Follow up on Interviews (finally)
  • Work Day

Homework

  • Continue to make progress on P1
  • Catch up on small assignments posted on class website and in Slack
  • Be prepared for design challenge on Friday.

Feb 22 – Critique

Topics

Homework

  • Revise CSS for posts for large and small screen sizes. Address any issues on mid-sized screens.
  • Read Article List Design Pattern. Review all 93 examples providing on the site. What five examples would work the best for your Object Blog? Why? Use these examples to sketch out 5-10 ideas (be sure to include a small screen and large screen version of each idea).

Feb 20 – Accessibility

Topics

  • Using Slack: class requirement, collaboration, dialogue
  • Printing: Prints are only to be released by the week’s assigned Team Manager (this week the printer is Claire). Prints will be released between :45-:55 of each hour (according to Apple Time). Please do not bother the designated printer at other times during class. Epson prints need to be signed for during those same periods. All students must sign for all prints.
  • Accessibility
  • Expectations for critique on Wednesday: Revised business cards, cover letters and resumes. Critique should address both content and design. The pieces should work as an integrated system.

Due for Next Monday

Feb 20 – Media Queries

Topics

  • CSS Q&A
  • CSS Media Queries
  • Designing Landing Pages
  • UI Design Patterns: Article List Pattern

    • Homework

    • Complete CSS for posts for large and small screen sizes. We will critique on Wednesday.
    • Read Article List Design Pattern. Review all 93 examples providing on the site. What five examples would work the best for your Object Blog? Why? Use these examples to sketch out 5-10 ideas (be sure to include a small screen and large screen version of each idea).

Feb 17 – Critique

Topics

  • Client Project: Client meeting from 9am – 10am.
  • Critique starting at 10:30
  • Plans for next week for Project 1

Homework

  • Work on Project 1
  • Post in Slack what Professional Development opportunity you are planning to take advantage of.

Feb 17 – Images

Topics

  • Saving Images for the Web: SVG, JPG, PNG (Alex)
  • Images in HTML: <img>, alt attribute, file structure (Alex)
  • Images and CSS: float, clear (note that elements you plan to float should have a width set. I recommend setting widths in % rather than px or em.)
  • Watch Lynda.Com Video CSS Fundamentals: Floats for a quick overview and Chapter 3: Working with Floats (Floating Elements and Clearing Floats) in CSS Page Layouts for a more detailed look.
  • Need more help with images or floats? Watch Rebecca’s video 14 Images and Floats

Homework

  • Read and take notes on Web Aim: Alternate Text then implement alt attributes on all images in your HTML files for the Object Blog assignment.
  • Validate your HTML for both blog post files AND Validate your CSS
  • Complete CSS for blog post pages on small screens (typography, layout, images, etc.).
  • Read Chapter 3 and Chapter 7 in Don’t Make Me Think

Feb 15 – Interview Discussion

Topics

  • Interview Reflections
  • Project 1 Check-in
  • Client Project:
    • Create agenda for meeting on Friday (run by Rebecca — you have only one hour, be sure to use it efficiently). Print and bring copies for everyone at meeting.
    • Plan for meeting setup in 33. Client meeting starts at 9am. Client may arrive early. Make coffee and hot water for you and guests before everyone arrives.
    • Create contract/agreement for design team and client team to sign. Agreement should include an overview of the objectives of the project, the target audience, responsibilities of client, responsibilities of design team and mutual responsibilities. Discuss this with Rebecca today.

Homework

  • Prepare for client meeting (for those involved).
  • Prepare for critique

Feb 15 – CSS Layout Basics

Topics

  • Review Questions
  • Saving Images for the Web
  • CSS Layout Basics: the Box Model
  • CSS Layout Properties: margin, padding, box-sizing, width, min-width, max-width, border
  • CSS Pseudo Classes for Clickable elements: :link, :hover, :focus, :active, :visited
  • Implementing custom CSS Classes

Homework

  • Complete Typography CSS for Object Blog and begin layout for small screens

Feb 13 – Metadata + CSS

Topics

  • HTML: Metadata in the <head>
    • <meta charset=”UTF-8″>
    • <meta name=”description” content=”Put a short description of your site here.”>
    • <meta name=”keywords” content=”search phrase 1, term2, search phrase 3, keyword4″>
    • <meta name=”author” content=”your name”>
    • <meta name=”designer” content=”your name”>
    • <meta name=”viewport” content=”width=device-width, initial-scale=1″>
  • HTML Validator
  • Introduction to CSS: selector, properties and values
  • CSS Reset
  • Typographic Properties in CSS: font-family, color, font-size, line-height, font-style, font-weight, text-align, text-indent, text-transform

Homework

  • Add Metadata to HTML for Object Blog
  • CSS for typography on small screens for Object Blog

Feb 10 – HTML

Topics

  • Go over Review Questions
  • Introduction to HTML
    • Root Element & Basic Structural Elements: <html>, <head>,<body> (note: each of these will only be used once on each page)
    • Sectioning Elements / Document Outline: <article>, <header>, <footer>, <main>
    • Content Elements: <p>, <h1>, <h2>, <h3>, <h4>, <h5>, <h6>, <figure>, <figcaption>, <img>, <ul>, <li>
    • In-line Text: <a>
  • HTML Markup Exercise

Homework

  • HTML markup for final blog posts
  • Finish any revisions to Mockups — be sure that all text uses styles

Feb 13 – UCD

Topics

  • User Centered Design
    • Identify need/purpose
    • Clarify context of use including who will use the materials, how they will use them and under what circumstances they will use them
    • Specify requirements (both business requirements and user requirements/goals).
    • Design solutions based on the above
    • Test/Evaluate Solutions
    • Clarify issues and revise
  • Resumes and Cover Letters
  • Guest Speaker: Jenny Roxas, Career Services

Homework

Reminder: We will have print bootcamp with Jenilee at the start of next class before critique.

Feb 13 – Work Day

Topics

  • Finish Practice Interviews: Alexis, Trevor, Yaneczka
  • Work on Project 1

Homework

  • Reflection on Practice Interview (if yours was today): What went well? What did not go well? What will you do differently next time? Reflect on eachs specific question asked.

Feb 8 – Visual Identity Critique

Topics

  • Discuss Job Hunt assignment
  • Visual Identity Critiques
  • BFA Team Critique

Homework

  • Revise Visual Identity
  • Start working on Business Card design — consider who the printer will be; many have templates to use for designs.
  • Bring a printed copy of your resume in its current state to class on Monday

Feb 8 – Work Day

Topics

  • Project 1 Proposal approvals
  • Submit Reading Notes and Tutorials
  • Share lessons learned from reading and tutorials
  • Work Day

Homework

  • Prepare for mock interviews on Friday

Feb 6 – Professional Package

Topics

  • Introduce Professional Package
  • Introduce Process Notebooks
  • Design Research Methods for each category:
    • Visual Research: Archives, Databases, Exhibitions, Catalogues, Annuals
    • Technical/Materials Research: Vendor Samples, Tutorials, Trade Magazines, Lynda.com, Discussion Forums, Pricing
    • User/Audience Research: Surveys, Interviews, Ethnography, User Tests
    • Business/Client/Organizational Research: Kickoff Meetings, Interviews, Competitive Analysis, Annual Reports
  • In Teams: Discuss Vocab Assessment (if you haven’t already); Discuss Work Plans/Checklists (update/edit if needed and resubmit)
  • BFA PR Team Meets: BFA Promotional Materials
  • ORI Team Meets

Homework

  • Complete Job Hunt Assignment
  • Sketches/Drafts of Logo/Mark for Critique on Wednesday

Feb 6 – Interview Prep

Topics

  • Work on Interview Design Challenge
  • Finish Lynda tutorials
  • Share lessons from A Book A Part
  • Prepare proposal for Project 1. Include:
    • Objective/Goal of Project
    • Business/Organization Goals/Pain Points
    • Define Audience and their Goals/Objects, Pain Points, Desires and Needs
    • Timeline for project including research, ideation, design with iteration and testing, and development. Project is due March 10. Plan on critiques on 2/17, 3/3 (you can, of course get more from each other on other days). Plan on UI challenges on 2/24 and 3/10.

Homework

  • Finish Lynda Tutorials and submit certificates of completion
  • Work on Interview Design Challenge.

Feb 3 – Legibility

Topics

Homework

  • Revisions to Blog Post 1 and 2. Remember to submit on Google Drive and on Lisa French. Also remember to bring the feedback you received on both posts to class.
  • Read Use of Fonts from AIGA’s Design and Business Ethics.
  • Read Chapters 1 and 2 from Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug (course textbook).
  • Choose typeface/family for Object Blog

Feb 1 – Technical Test

Topics

  • Timed Technical Test
  • UI Challenge Presentations Round 2
  • Google Drive Organization
    • Folder containing UI Challenge 1 (YourLastName_UI_challenge1)– be sure to clearly label the initial proposal and the revised proposal, also include a typed 1-page reflection on what you learned from this assignment (due on Friday)
    • Lynda Tutorial Certificates (YourLastName_certificate_lyndaCourseName.pdf) — Due Monday
    • Folder for Technical Test (YourLastName_Interview_TechnicalTest)
    • Notes on A Book A Part Selection (YourLastName_bookTitle_notes.pdf) — Due next Wednesday, be sure to label your notes by chapter.

Homework

  • 1 Page reflection on what you learned from UI Challenge 1 assignment — Due Feb 3
  • Work on Lynda course — Due Feb 6
  • Read A Book A Part — Due Feb 8

Feb 1 – Peer Review

Topics

  • Submitting work on Google Drive:
    • Certificate of completion for UX Design Techniques: Creating Personas (YourLastName_PersonasCertificate.pdf)
    • Certificate of completion for Writing for the Web (YourLastName_WritingCertificate.pdf)
    • Folder titled YourLastName_ObjectBlog containing: 2 Personas (YourLastName_persona1.pdf, YourLastName_persona2.pdf), Empathy Map (scan or type and save as YourLastName_empathyMap.pdf), Blog Post 1 (YourLastName_post1.pdf), Blog Post 1 Revision (YourLastName_post1_revision.pdf), Blog Post 2 (YourLastName_post2.pdf).
  • Review Questions
  • Peer Review
  • Work on revisions to blog post.

Homework

  • Complete Blog Post 1 Revisions. Bring two printed copies to class.
  • Write Blog Post 2. Bring two printed copies to class.

Jan 30 – Designers and their Habitats

Topics

  • Client Work
    • Oswego Reading Initiative (ORI): This team will work with Cynthia and will coordinate with the ORI committee. The materials to be generated include a Poster, Brochure, Bookmark and Digital Signage. This is a project that will have materials professionally produced for the 2017-2018 school year The poster will be complete by Quest (April 5) and all of the remaining materials at the end of the semester. A letter of interest (as a PDF) should be emailed to me but addressed to Cynthia by Friday at 5pm.
    • BFA Exhibition PR Materials: Brand Identity, Postcard, Poster, Email Announcement, Catalog, and Digital Signage. All design work for this project will be due the week before and after spring break so that materials can be printed and hung. This team must seek the input and approval of all Art 492 students. A letter of interest (as a PDF) should be emailed and addressed to me by Friday at 5pm.
  • Designer Habitats

Homework

  • Work on Portfolio Assessment
  • Respond to habitat question in Slack

Jan 30 – UI Challenge Revisited

Topics

  • Work on revisions to UI challenge. You are welcome to merge or reconfigure teams. Regardless, be sure to give each other feedback and work together.

Homework

  • Complete revisions to UI challenge.
  • Read your A Book Apart selection. Remember to take notes on each chapter.
  • Work on Lynda.com tutorial.

Jan 30 – Writing for the Web

Topics

Homework

  • Read Chapter 5: Omit needless words in Steve Krug’s Don’t Make Me Think (class textbook).
  • Write one Blog Post/Article for Project 1: Object Blog. Remember that your article must include title of article, byline, 300-500 words, and at least one image. Bring 2 printed copies to class.

Jan 27 – Personas

Topics

  • What assumptions did the Lynda.com Personas course make about its audience?
  • Vocab: UCD, Site Visit, Ethnography, User Test
  • Writing Prompt: Think of a design project you completed in the past that you consider to be successful. Who was the target audience? How did you do in your design solution to address the needs/wants of the user? How did you test the effectiveness of your solution?
  • Creating and Using Personas
  • Create 2 Personas for your object blog. One persona should reflect someone who is the same generation that you are. The other persona should be based on the generation assigned last class (via the reading assignment). In both cases, use the empathy map you created and the audience worksheet from last class to inform the content you include in your personas. Remember that personas should be realistic and not idealistic. Use this template to get started, but feel free to design as you wish. Keep to one page per persona. Bring a printed copy of each to class on Monday.

Homework

  • Finish Personas
  • Start the Writing for the Web Lynda.com course. Complete through Chapter Two for class on Monday (this will take you 30-35 minutes). You will have time in class on Monday to complete the course.
  • Brainstorm name ideas (and taglines if you would like) for your website. Generate at least 20 ideas. Narrow to five to discuss with peers in class on Monday. If you feel extra motivated or bored and want to get started on the visual side, consider sketching the names of wordmarks. The mark will need to scale on screens from 300px to 2000px without losing any quality. Be careful about names that are lengthy or hard to remember. Wordmarks will ultimately be created as scalable vectors.

Jan 25 – Skills & Jobs

Topics

  • Create Google Drive Folders and Lisa French Folders
  • Skills Assessment Exercise: You have 45 minutes to create an advertisement to promote the city of Oswego. The text you must incorporate and a selection of photos you can use in your design is available in the assets folder. Choose one of the following format options:
    • Pop-Up Web Ad: JPG or PNG at one of the following sizes: Full Banner (468×50), Square (336×280), Skyscraper (120 x 600), Fat Skyscraper (240 x 400).
    • Print Magazine Ad: 300ppi, CMYK, Tiff at one of the following sizes: Full Page (7″ x 10″), Half Page Island (4.563″ x 7.5″), Half Page Horizontal (7″ x 4.875″), or One Third Page Vertical Skyscraper (2.1118″ x 10″).

    Submit on Google Drive in your class folder following the naming conventions outlined in the syllabus.

  • Meet Design Groups: Critique Skills Assessment and Begin Portfolio Critiques.

Homework

Design Salaries

Job Titles

  • Print/Digital: Graphic Designer, Visual Designer, Communication Designer, Junior Designer, Production Artist, Digital Artist, Package Designer, Typesetter, Typographer, Pre-Press Specialist/Designer
  • Web/Interaction: Web Developer, Front-End Developer, Web Designer, Web Master, Full-Stack Developer, UX Designer, UI Designer
    Interaction Designer, Product Designer, Service Designer, Experience Designer
  • Motion: Multimedia Designer, Multimedia Producer, Video Producer, Editor, Motion Designer, Animator, 3D Modeler
  • Social Media: Social Media Coordinator, Account Manager, Specialist, Strategist, Community Manager
  • Experience Required: Senior Designer, Design Lead,
    Design Manager,Art Director, Creative Director, Graphic Design Manager, Creative Services Manager, Project Lead
  • Other: Merchandiser, Stylist, Environmental Designer, Principal, Freelancer, Account Manager, Strategist

Finding A Job

Jan 25 – Audience

Topics

Homework

Jan 23 – Intro

Topics

BFA Graphic Design Program Goals

Upon completion of the BFA Graphic Design program, students will be able to:

  1. Develop an integrated design practice/process that places value on research, critique/feedback and iteration during planning and production phases including the ability to: frame design problems in relationship to people and context, use research to make informed and strategic design decisions, implement a combination of divergent and convergent thinking during ideation phases, and develop and test prototypes, etc.
  2. Generate useful, usable, effective and desirable solutions to a variety of visual communication problems that demonstrate fluency in the elements and principles of design, visual organization, typography, the medium/technology, and, when appropriate, principles of motion and interaction.
  3. Produce design solutions that effectively respond to the relevant context(s) of a design problem including (but not limited to) the scale/scope of the project, technology, the goals/constraints of the client, needs/values/behaviors of the audience, and cultural, and economic conditions.
  4. Evaluate the form, function, meaning, experience, and the short and long-term impact of a design solution based on the concepts and principles of design (including motion and interaction when relevant), contemporary and historical practices, theory, and the demands of a creative brief.
  5. Demonstrate functional knowledge of professional business practices and ethics.

Jan 23 – Introduction

Topics

Homework