Interactive Media Design

Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practice writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.

How do entrepreneurs identify opportunities that others overlook? What are the underlying beliefs and assumptions that enable them to succeed, regardless of where they begin? Entrepreneurship requires people to identify problems in the environments in which they live and work and then reconceive them as opportunities for improvement. The entrepreneurial mindset ignites the process of searching for the intersection of one's interests and abilities with the needs of fellow human-beings. Through experiential, problem-based learning, students explore specific beliefs and assumptions that enable entrepreneurs to succeed so that they can apply them to college or their chosen career path.

Students discover the capabilities of professional level cameras by exploring the functions beyond simply pointing and clicking. By using manual modes and taking advantage of the many features a professional camera has to offer, students examine the technology, techniques, and theory of photography and video. Students take photos in a variety of settings and environments, exploring best practices during production to minimize post-production issues. Ways of using photography as visual communication are delved into, with opportunities for student to showcase their ability in storytelling through their own photographs.

Designing and developing websites in browsers starts with the basics of two coding languages HTML and CSS. Students discover web development and modern web standards to build sites that work on any sized device. Students apply current best practices in web design and coding techniques as they complete responsive website building projects using industry standard tools such as Git and GitHub.

The creation of digital art requires an understanding of the modern techniques, tools and file formats the industry uses. By exploring and utilizing current software, students become familiar with the process of planning for and executing digital graphics and design assets. Students examine best practices for file size and format, optimization, and the development of assets for use both online and in print.

Through a hands-on approach to design theory, students become objective rather than subjective about good design. Through project-based learning, students discover the fundamental design rules, including principles in layout, typography, colour theory, user interfaces and interaction design. Modern industry-standard software is used interactively to explore design processes, methodologies and best practices.

Strong communication skills are a key part of professional success. Students focus on writing clear, correct and concise print and web-based content, and speaking confidently to a variety of audiences. With these skills, students can promote themselves, work well with others, sell ideas, and connect with colleagues and clients. Using workplace scenarios, students write (e.g., letters, emails, web content) and speak (e.g., presentations, meetings, phone calls, interviews) to a variety of audiences. Students also identify their own communication strengths and challenges and prepare a plan for ongoing professional development.

Prerequisites: ENL1813

Students explore the full video production life cycle, from planning and pre-production to editing and post-production. Video and audio technology and tools are introduced, building on the basic photography techniques and best practices. Through hands-on, cross-program projects, students work through pre-production and production of both video and audio. Emphasis is placed on ensuring the best quality result when transitioning to post-production to minimize corrections during editing.

Prerequisites: MTM6101

This course expands on the basic knowledge of HTML and CSS to incorporate topics such as accessibility, search engine optimization, fluid design, advanced media queries, CSS frame work, and web animation. Students explore the mobile-first paradigm, create sites that behave across a range of platforms, utilize existing CSS frameworks, and create fun, interactive and dynamic media projects.

Prerequisites: MTM6130

In the fast-paced media industry, not every project needs to be built from scratch. Content Management Systems (CMS) offer pre-built functionality that designers and developers can work with to deliver diverse, feature-rich, modern websites. Students install, configure, customize and style websites built on these systems. In addition, students assess how and when using a CMS is appropriate, when it can benefit projects and clients and how to integrate a variety of social media systems within their CMS.

A multiple-stage approach introduces the user experience (UX) design process. Students create user interfaces by applying UX strategies, user research, information architecture, interaction design, usability testing, visual design, and content strategy. Going beyond creating graphics, students focus on how responsive website interfaces must be based on user needs and expectations while aligning business goals. Students design effective interfaces that allow improved workflow while integrating user feedback and usability data collected through focus groups. Practical and effective planning for user interfaces is practised through completing interactive projects.

Prerequisites: MTM6162

Users have come to expect a dynamic, interactive experience when exploring sites; this interactivity is fundamental to creating a modern user experience. Building on knowledge of HTML and CSS, students use JavaScript and related client-side technologies to build interactivity into websites and applications. Best practices in coding are elaborated on and put into concepts including functions, conditional statements and loops as they complete dynamic interactive website building projects.

Prerequisites: MTM6201

Effective management of time, resources, clients and teams is crucial to the success of any project. Students utilize the theory of project management, following industry standard guidelines and best practices. With mock client projects, the full project cycle is explored, including planning, managing risks, intellectual property rights, client and team communication, project scope, project documentation and closure.

Prerequisites: MTM6200 and MTM6201 and MTM6231 and MTM6260

Today's interfaces should be intuitive, easy to use and satisfy customer needs so that products and services are successful. The user experience (UX) design process is introduced for tablet and mobile app interfaces. Using a practical and applied approach, students understand user experience design, from data gathering methodologies to interaction design and user interface testing. Students apply design principles and guidelines to create well- thought-out interactions and cohesive interfaces for mobile app environments, focusing on the end-user experience.

Prerequisites: MTM6260

Students work with real clients or on industry-reflective projects, using teamwork and acquired skills to build real-world applications and multimedia products. Working in teams, students plan, manage and develop a project through the full project cycle, from proposal to post-mortem while working on technically challenging client based projects. Students present final project work to classmates, clients, faculty, friends, family and potential future employers.

Students explore the creation of print and digital publication in multiple formats, building on prior layout, design and software knowledge. Students focus on preparing for graduation through projects that develop personal documents including business cards, design resumes, digital portfolios and freelance documentations.

Prerequisites: MTM6160