Course Outlines

University of Winnipeg Continuing Education

DIT 15521 Web Design Level 2: Web Design Principles

Don't Make Me Think!: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 
Second Edition
By: Steve Krug
Publisher: New Riders
Pub. Date: August 18, 2005
Print ISBN-10: 0-321-34475-8
Print ISBN-13: 978-0-321-34475-5
			

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• identify good and bad web design in relation to visual appeal, usability, and accessibility,
• apply basic principles of grid design: contrast, alignment, repetition, and proximity (CARP),
• explain and apply basic colour theory and web safe colours,
• describe typography and the limitations of the Web, and
• plan and implement navigation, information architecture, and site maps.

Prerequisites

The following may be required before taking this course:

Application Programming Technologies

15969 Programming Technologies Level 1.1: Introduction to Programming

This is intended for use as an introduction to programming concepts for students who have no prior experience. It is required knowledge for several other topics, such as JavaScript, PERL, PHP, Visual Basic, Java and more. While code examples for several different languages will be shown, this course is language-neutral, and can be used as a basis of learning many different programming languages.

• Learn more about the Programming Technologies Level 1.1: Introduction to Programming course.

Web Design Certificate

15519 Web Design Level 1: Photoshop (Introduction)

When it comes to creating and editing graphics for both print and Web, many professionals use Adobe Photoshop, one of the most popular software applications for working with digital graphics. Students will learn about digital graphics in general, how to use the program interface and tools, and save files for display for Web pages.

• Learn more about the Web Design Level 1: Photoshop (Introduction) course.

Course Format

This course follows a lecture format. During class time, we will present material, draw your attention to key points that you should pay attention to, answer questions you may have, and manage class discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises.

There will be daily assignments and required reading. It is the responsibility of the student to get copies of any assignments missed due to absence.

Students are strongly advised to use the reference material. For every hour of class time the student should budget at least two hours of self study to cover all the material in this course.

Student Deliverables

Class 1

Requirements Analysis
Assignment 1 given

Class 2

Information Architecture, Usability, Accessibility, and Navigation
Assignment 2 given

Class 3

Content Organization, Layout
Assignment 3 given

Class 4

Interface Design
Assignment 4 given

Class 5

Development
Assignment 5 given

Class 6

Critique
Assignment 6 given, due by end of class

Evaluation

Assignments: 100%

There will be no tests or quizzes in this course. Evaluation will be based on six assignments. Details on each assignment will be given in class.

• Assignment 1: 5%
• Assignment 2: 10%
• Assignment 3: 10%
• Assignment 4: 25%
• Assignment 5: 40%
• Assignment 6: 10%

Topic Outline

• Requirements Analysis
• Information Architecture, Usability, Accessibility, and Navigation
• Content Organization, Layout
• Interface Design
• Development
• Critique

Grades:

Letter Graded Courses:

A+ =    96 - 100% Outstanding
A  =    91 -  95%
A- =    83 -  90% Very Good
B+ =    75 -  82%
B  =    70 -  74% Average
C+ =    66 -  69%
C  =    57 -  65% Pass
D  =    50 -  56%
F  =    Failure
VW =    Voluntary Withdrawal

Pass/Fail Courses:

P  =    Pass
F  =    Failure
I  =    Incomplete
VW =    Voluntary Withdrawal

Audited Courses:

CP  =   Certificate of Participation (based on >75% attendance)
NCP =   No Certificate of Participation (based on <75% attendance)

Note: Final percentages containing a half-point will be rounded up to the next full point (e.g., 69.5 would be rounded up to 70), and then converted to the letter grade (i.e., from C+ to B).

Late Assignments

Unless otherwise stated, late assignments are penalized 10% per calendar day. No assignments will be accepted more than 2 days late without permission.

Attendance

While class attendance may not be taken for marks, your attendance is required for each class to participate in quizzes, homework, and assignments.

Considerations

Please consider turning off any cell phones and pagers while in lectures or seminars. If you need to be available (on call for work, for example) please set your cell/pager to vibrate. Also, please remember that checking email, typing instant messages, or surfing the Web may be distracting to others.

A Statement on Plagiarism and Cheating

The Modern Language Association Handbook for Writers of Research Papers defines plagiarism as:

the act of using another person's ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source.

Copying words or ideas from any source, including another student, constitutes academic 'theft', and may result in loss of marks for the assignment, loss of marks for the entire course, or even expulsion. The same penalties will result if a student is found guilty of cheating or contributing to cheating on any test, exam or assignment.

Students should familiarize themselves with University of Winnipeg policy concerning plagiarism and academic honesty.

Other Plagiarism Resources

• uwinnipeg.ca
• keele.ac.uk
• umanitoba.ca
• bucknell.edu

More Information

Here are links to more information that you may find helpful:

Winnipeg Transit

The Winnipeg Transit site includes links for fares, the free Downtown Spirit service, schedules and more.

Exchange District BIZ

The Winnipeg Exchange District BIZ site has maps and information about the area around our campus.

Downtown Winnipeg BIZ

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ site includes links for parking, restaurants, and the BIZ Patrol.

Notice

The contents of this page are given as a guideline only and are subject to change.