Fall 2008, Department of Communication Studies and Multimedia
Lecture Th 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Studio Lab TBA | Room TBA
Instructor: Lori Shyba MFA PhD
Office hours: M/Wed 1:00 – 3:00 or by appointment. Location: 304 Togo Salmon Hall.
Email: shybal@mcmaster.ca
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Explores history and design of human-computer interface, focusing on the relationship between computers and people. Topics include narrative and games, interactive cinema, interface design usability and evaluation; interface and representation; and the future of human-computer interactions.
QUESTIONS AND TOPICS WE CAN EXPLORE
• Who were the visionaries of computational interactivity, art, and design?
• What are the sites of human-computer interface and how does the distance of experience between humans and computers shape our creative projects?
• What role does improv and ‘play’ have in games and other interactive playspaces? How about narrative?
• How do arts, cognitive science, and computational technology intersect to produce multi-modal media texts? Visual, Physical, Aural, Literary ... Emotional?
• Can this multi-textuality factor into the creative process of new media and game development? How about in reflexive analysis?
• Can we open our process and projects up for a final showcase of work?
• What skills can we apply to our work from computer-science HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) in terms of ergonomics, visualization, and cognitive engineering?
• What does the future hold?
Thank you for taking this class and I look forward to working with you.
RESOURCES
Required:
• Coursereader. MM3F03. Available from Copies Plus, 9 Sterling St., Westdale.
• A notebook for response writings.
Highly Recommended:
• Your own computer and your own colour printer although it is not necessary to bring either to class.
ASSIGNMENTS
Detailed instructions will be posted soon on this class wiki. See attached subjects outline for tentative schedule of readings and activities.
Group Presentation
Groups will sign up to present on and lead class discussion on the coursepack readings. You will be evaluated on the clarity of your presentation (do you bring out the main points of the article in an understandable way?), the quality of your discussion questions, and your efforts to involve the class. Creative presentations will be judged especially favorably. The group’s outline and discussion questions are due before the presentation. See the class wiki for presentation steps and tips.
Interaction Design Project
You may work independently or in small groups. The style and genre of these artistic projects will be determined early in the course and will progress through stages of development and production based upon industry standards. Components of the project will include 1) pitches, t/a charts, and mind maps; 2) sketches and/or storyboards; 3) design and technical documents, and will conclude in 4) working prototypes. Each project will also have and 5) accompanying promotional web site and/or wiki/blog and accompanying print material on a case-by-case basis.
HCI Assignment 2
Graphic User Interface (GUI) and Design Architecture Critique.
GRADING: Your final grade will be based on the following criteria:
20% — Class participation, discussions, and in-class response writings.
20% — Group presentation.
50% —Interaction Design Project.
10% — GUI and Design Architecture Critique.
See http://registrar.mcmaster.ca/calendar/year2003/sec_109.htm for the grading scale.
FINE PRINT
EVALUATION: Evaluation criteria specific to each project which will be identified as we go along. Given the nature of the artistic process, grading will include subjective assessment.
CLASS POLICIES: Attendance is crucial for succeeding in this course. Only two unexcused absences will be allowed. Positive and consistent class participation is essential. I expect to hear everyone’s voice during class discussions and I have no hesitation to cold call for responses. During presentations, you are expected to participate or observe with interest and enthusiasm.
You are responsible for completing all reading assignments, without exception, by the day they are discussed. Be prepared for regular “response writings,” five- to ten-minute in-class writing assignments that focus on the readings and studio work. Sometimes these responses will be written at the beginning of class, to evaluate your preparation; sometimes they will be written at the end of class, to gauge your participation.
Assignments must be completed and turned in at the time they are due, or they will be considered late. Assignments drop half a letter grade for each day they are late. Assignments more than three days late will not be accepted unless prior special permission has been granted. Projects will not be accepted late under any circumstances except for documented medical reasons.
Appropriate behaviour in the studio lab is a must. Please focus on classwork during class time. Checking email or working on other course material is not allowed. Web surfing or playing games is likewise not permitted if not related to course material. Unless permitted to do otherwise, during seminars, presentations, and discussions you will be required to turn off your computer’s monitor in order to give your full attention to the class proceedings. If you choose to work on your computer during this time, you will be dismissed from class.
ACADEMIC HONESTY: Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: "Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty"), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university. It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, specifically Appendix 3, located at http://www.mcmaster.ca/senate/academic/ac_integrity.htm
The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:
1. Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not your own and where credit is not cited.
2. Improper collaboration in group work.
3. Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.
Email: It is the policy of the CSMM Department that all email communication between students and instructors (including TAs) must originate from their official McMaster University email accounts. This policy protects the confidentiality and sensitivity of information and confirms the identities of both the student and instructor. CSMM department instructors will delete messages that do not originate from McMaster email accounts.
Accommodations For Students With Disabilities: If you require special accommodation for learning or have any special needs please let me know of them as soon as possible in order that arrangements can be made. Students with disabilities are encouraged to register with the Centre for Student Development.
Safewalk: For a safe walk any time, call S.W.H.A.T., 527-7070, Ext. 27500.
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