n.
1. A surface forming a common boundary between adjacent regions, bodies,
substances, or phases. 2. A point at which independent systems or
diverse groups interact: "the interface between crime and politics
where much of our reality is to be founded" (Jack Kroll). 3.
Computer Science. The point of interaction or communication between
a computer and any other entity, such as a printer or human operator.
We are
all savvy users of existing digital interfaces: the GUI desktop, the
color wheel, the Internet Browser, the gun-toting protagonist in a video
game....each was developed using our pre-digital experience as a metaphor.
How is this successful? How is it limited?
Develop
an interesting interface that actively uses a metaphor of something
not specific to the Web itself. Think of how this may relate to the
previous assignments, your life in general. You need to collaborate
on this final assignment. No project groups larger than 3. All projects
must be interactive, using whatever tools you please.
We will
look at common and uncommon examples of interface, prioritizing both
the relevant content as well as in relation to a conceptual metaphor.
In developing the final project, you may either use your own content
for your project, or you can redesign an existing site. (i.e.. Yahoo
as a dream, a library, a stream...).
Due
on Wednesday, May 16th: One page description of your project: typed
and spell checked. Please describe what the project content will be,
your metaphor, your intended strategy, and if in a group, what each
person wants to work on. This can be revised as you develop your project,
but is a start.
Create
a project that is about a problem in Los Angeles. (Here, read
the emphasis on 'a', not the biggest and most generalized problems).
Your problem can be from any time (past, present, future) and can even
be fictionalized. Your problem can be personal, political or abstracted--this
is up to you. The only thing that is required is that you make your
project specific to Los Angles.
In thinking
about this, ask yourself what your relationship to the city is (are
you a native, a newcomer), what you think the mythology around the
city includes (your own perceptions or those of others), and things
that are unique to the city itself (what is it's history, how has
it developed, who lives here, what is it known for, what does not
one ever talk about?)
You may
choose to provide a solution, and can describe your problem in either
a linear or non-linear format. Let's not be obvious in declaring
the problem, thing of ways you can have it speak for itself. I am encouraging
collaboration for this project, but you must articulate what each persons
role in creating this project is to be.
Due
on Monday: A storyboard and project partner description, if collaborating. Due Week 6: Your project online, with some aspect of Flash. Collaborations
will go on Thursday, single authors will go on Tuesday.
What defines
the genre of the 'homepage'? How, by contrast, could you design a site
that reflects something personal about you? (a dream, a fear, your distractions,
a poem, a manifesto....). We will begin this process with a search:
1. Do
a search (google or yahoo) on your first and last name, or just your
first name.
2. Scan over your results carefully: you must keep the first link
you choose.
4. Take at least one aspect from this page to design your anti-homepage.
>>Create
a 4-6 page sequence that re-designs some aspect from this site. This
aspect can be the bg color, a letter, a section from an image. You are
expected to turn a sows ear into a silk purse!
The goal
is to take inspiration out of something small, and seemingly random.
Your sequence can be linear or nonlinear, but should be cohesive both
conceptually and aesthetically. You can use only images, only text or
both. You are encouraged to generate unique imagery, but more importantly,
find a compelling way to design your anti-homepage.
Due
next Wednesday: At least two photoshop layouts from your site, using
layers and a one sentence description of your idea and the phrase that
you searched.