1. Bachelor of Design - Multimedia Systems
Design for Interactive Media 1
COSC2282
About this course
DESIGN FOR INTERACTIVE MEDIA 1 is an introduction to contemporary visual culture. It is
designed to provide a broad base of exposure to a range of concepts, theories and themes that
are fundamental in developing visual literacy skills needed for design in multimedia. Lectures,
presentations, and labs will complement the readings by introducing students to a wide range of
issues useful for the creation and presentation of digital based work.
This subject also introduces students to some of the fundamentals of professional practice in
multi-media and related industries such as advertising, animation and graphic design: giving
critiques, giving presentations, project development, teamwork, scheduling and holding meetings
and presentation skills. These are integrated into the course and also form part of the
assessments for this subject.
Objectives / Learning outcomes
What can I expect to learn by studying this course?
In this course students will achieve skills in the following areas:
• visual literacy
• critical thinking
• concept development
• an appreciation of the stages involved in the process of media production
• teamwork and project development
• critiquing
• giving presentations
• basic semiotics
• analysis and interpretation of images
• film analysis
• concept, theories and methodologies of digital media
• vector graphic imaging (Illustrator)
• basic animation (Flash)
• media integration techniques
• media awareness
2. Learning activities
What opportunities does the course provide for me to learn? What will I be expected
to do?
You will learn through a range of methods, such as: lectures, presentations, computer labs,
workshops, discussions, artist’s talks, film screenings and exercises. A student-centered approach
to learning is maintained throughout the course.
In participating in this subject, you are expected to develop your ideas about visual culture and
cultural production, and to explore these in class discussions and assessments. While Illustrator
and Flash are introduced in this course, the main focus is on developing and expressing complex
and interesting ideas than on mastering programs. Students will be encouraged to challenge and
develop their creative and critical ability through class exercises and individual or team projects.
You will find the subject matter of this course challenging, but also rich and rewarding.
There is a significant amount of reading. You should anticipate spending at least 9 hours each
week on your reading, practicing Illustrator or Flash, or on your assignments and exercises.
Students are required to complete an individual project. This project will require you to devise,
design and author a short creative work that utilizes graphic and animation techniques. This
project gives students an opportunity to explore an idea of their choice. The project is to be
completed mainly during non-contact hours but support will be available on an individual basis
during lab workshops.
Class timetable
You have 2 classes per week, in addition to Learning Skills workshops and a number of additional
activities, detailed below. Each session runs for 90 minutes and you are expected to attend.
Session 1 LAB
student presentations / tutorials & exercises in Illustrator & Flash / professional
practice / assessment of reading & note-taking / mid-term tests
Session 2 IDEAS BANK
lecture / class discussion of weekly topics
Additional activities: film screenings, presentations, talks, field trips
During the semester, a series of activities relevant to this course will be scheduled out of class
time.
These include screenings of films related to this course, presentations and talks by artists, and
field trips to exhibitions. Some of these activities are compulsory, some are simply highly
recommended as means for you to get increased exposure to contemporary creative practices.
Please see the separate Course Schedule, Blackboard and your email for more detailed
information on weekly lessons.
3. Learning resources
What will I need to access and read for this course?
Please collect your Course Reader from Lien in the IT Office (1.2.05). The reader contains all
weekly readings and lists of other reading materials available to you through the LRC or the
internet.
Students are encouraged to do a wide range of reading and independent library research into all
areas of art, design, and multimedia.
Students are recommended that they have personal access to current (educational) versions of
software used in the course: Macromedia MX versions of Flash, Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft
Office. It is also recommended that you have current versions of Quicktime and Adobe Acrobat
Reader (these are free downloads on the internet).
Also recommended is that students have some variety of portable data storage media, for
example, a USB memory stick/drive or an Apple iPod that can store data and be usable on both
Macintosh and Windows PC platforms. Multimedia in general and this course in particular,
involves student’s use and transportation of large file sizes.
Assessment
How will I demonstrate my learning in this course?
Participation: reading/class participation/HELP/tests & exercises weeks 1-12
A# Description Grade % DUE
A1 Group presentation 15% weeks 4-12
A2 Visual Diary 25% weeks 3, 6 and 9 (3 submissions)
A3 Anchorage Exercise 05% week 6
A4 Film Analysis 20% week 7
A5 Flash Animation 35% week 12
Students must submit all the required assignments to pass this course.
Repeating students must submit new material for assessment.
