Web & Interactive Media Design

Web & Interactive Media Design

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Web students excitedly designing websites

Plan of Study: 2019-20 Plan of Study [PDF]

Study UX design, web development, creative coding, interactive media design, and more at UConn DMD.

The Web & Interactive Media Design concentration at UConn engages students in creative approaches to a wide range of interactive experiences including, of course web design, but also locative media, interactive and wearable electronics, interactive installation and performance, interactive narratives, and the Internet of Things. The concentration is an interdisciplinary area of study, drawing from fine art, design, theater, architecture, literature, and computer science. Students in this program can study the fundamentals, best practices, and emerging techniques of programming, physical computing, user experience (UX) design, and interactive project management to produce engaging, exciting work across multiple disciplines. Undergraduates in this area of study earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) upon completion of the program.

The curriculum emphasizes both conceptual and practical approaches, encouraging students to experiment broadly, and develop and refine their personal processes. Students encounter course materials both through studio classes, which engage them in hands-on making and technical problem-solving, and lecture classes, which introduce them to historical and theoretical perspectives that deepen their conceptual understanding of the field. Students are encouraged to engage in real-world experiences through internships. In addition, students receive input through guest lectures and critiques by visiting new media designers and artists.

This concentration emphasizes innovative experimentation across a range of current and emerging technologies, stressing curiosity, problem-solving, and risk-taking over conservatism. Drawing upon their experiences, graduates will be prepared to pursue careers as web or mobile designers, interaction designers, UX designers, creative technologists and programmers, interactive installation and public space artists, among others.

Curriculum

Web Design I

DMD 1070

Introduction to concepts, technologies and strategies for building contemporary websites.

Interaction Design

DMD 3035

A critical overview of interaction design (including usability, evaluation, and cultural aspects) and a practical program of website and computer software interface creation.

Introduction to Mobile Application Development

DMD 3440

Through lecture and hands-on exercises, students will be introduced to the processes, technologies, and environment of mobile applications.

Advanced Web Design & Development

DMD 3470

Intermediate and advanced web design and development techniques, covering Cascading Style Sheets, XML, dynamic HTML with JavaScript, common frameworks, and the principles of site management. Advanced design concepts in website creation, such as efficient navigation design, designing for portability and accessibility, separating content from presentation for easy site updating and maintenance, planning interactivity, and search engine optimization.

Scripting for the Web

DMD 3475

Introduces the principles of scripting and the application of scripting techniques to web-based projects.

Web III: Expert Topics in Web Development

DMD 4470

Expert topics in web design and development, including intensive instruction and hands-on development with databases and server-side programming to build web applications.

Web and Interactive Design Practicum

DMD 4475

Web technology is ever-changing and so, too, are techniques and workflows required in the production of web, mobile, and other digital products. Through the completion of real-world projects, this course examines modern workflows, emerging technologies, and the client-facing process in the world of web, mobile, and interactive design and development.