Blog Topic #13: What's in the CGI-Bin?

What is the Common Gateway Interface (CGI)? What's a CGI script? What are some of the programming languages that create CGI scripts? What can you do with CGI scripts? Give some examples of how CGI is commonly used in web design.

A couple resources:

• http://www.w3.org/CGI
• http://cgi.resourceindex.com
• Can you find other resources?

Potential Points: 20 points

Blog Topic #12: Project Research

When beginning a web design project, it's a good idea to research other sites that have similar goals and objectives as the site that you plan to build. In other words, you need to check out your competitors (direct or indirect) to find both good and bad ideas, and to find ways to differentiate yourself. You may also choose to do inspirational research, finding sites (or other media) that have effective color palettes, navigational schemes, grid structures, etc.

Find and analyze one or two sites that are similar in nature to your final project site. For example, if doing a website for a cafe, find other cafe/restaurant sites to analyze.

Analyze your chosen site(s). What are the site's communication objectives? How is information structured on the site(s)? What content is emphasized? Is there a theme? How do the design elements function to reveal the theme(s) and objective(s)? Review the analysis questions in Blog Topic #9 for fuel in your analysis here. Describe what you've learned about designing your project site based on this competitor/idea research.

Possible Points: 20 points

Blog Topic #11: iPoint Critique

Review all of the iPoint Advisors sites that your fellow students designed and produced. Find two or three ideas and/or design elements that you think are particularly effective. Explain why you think these ideas/designs work and/or are effective. Conversely, find two or three elements that you don't think work as well or that could be improved. Again, provide the rationale for your thinking and perhaps some ideas for improving the design(s). Make sure you include links to the sites you are discussing. If you were the managing partner at iPoint Advisors, which of the site's would you choose to use and why?

Lastly, critique your own work. If you were to redo your site, what would you do differently?

Possible Points: 20 points

Blog Topic #10: What's a Favicon?

What's a favicon? What file format is it in? Is this a file format that Photoshop natively supports? How do you create a favicon? How do you add one to your HTML code? Where does it appear? How does it affect bookmarks? Why use a favicon?

Some resources:

• Mysteries of the Favicon -- Tutorial
• Favicon From Pics - Web Tool
• Photoshop Plugin
• Irfanview (freeware image editor)

Possible Points: 15 points

Blog Topic #9: Web Critique and Analysis

First, review each of the following sites:

• http://www.sapient.com
• http://hirshhorn.si.edu
• http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/identity
• http://www.lunabar.com
• http://www.holmleaguesthouse.co.uk
• http://tang.skidmore.edu/
• http://www.rubios.com
• http://www.groundsforchange.com
• http://www.hi-res.net
• http://www.snapple.com
• http://www.okeeffemuseum.org
• http://www.chipotle.com
• http://www.donnadelory.com
• http://www.oslaw.com
• http://www.sipa-empa.com
• http://www.flypentop.com
• http://www.wilderness.org

After looking at each of them, choose two of them for in-depth critique and analysis. Write a critique/analysis in which you compare and contrast the two sites. In your critique, you may wish to discuss the following questions:

1. What are the communication objectives of the site? Is there one purpose that is primary?
2. Who is the target audience for the site? Is there an audience who the site excludes?
3. What is your rationale for believing the communication objectives and audience are what you claim?
4. What is the aesthetic look and feel of the site? Why do you suppose the designer choose this look and feel?
5. Does the look and feel support the communications objectives? Why or why not?
6. Does the site have a theme?
7. How do the design elements (composition, use of color, choice of fonts/typographic design, use of graphics and photos, textures, animation, sound, interactivity, video, etc.) function to reveal the themes and objectives of the site?
8. How are principles of design such as harmony (repetition, consistency, pattern, rhythm, unity); variety (contrast, differentiation, elaboration); balance (symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial); movement (sense of movement, direction, rhythm); dominance (focus and emphasis, sense of hierarchy); and economy (cleanliness, clarity, ease of understanding, purity) applied to reveal the themes and objectives of the site?
9. Are the design elements and principles appropriately applied? Does the design complement (or compete with) the communication objectives? Why or why not?
10. How is information structured on the site? What is the site's basic information architecture? How are files and categories organized? Does the site apply a naming convention?
11. What is the site's navigational scheme and structure? Is the site easy to navigate? Do you ever get lost or confused? Does the interface present information clearly? Does the interface allow for a logical flow of information?
12. Can you easily accomplish any tasks that you might want to accomplish on the site? If yes, how did the site make it easy or obvious? If no, what got in your way?
13. What technologies (HTML, Flash, Javascript, CSS, XML, ASP, PHP, Shockwave, CGI forms, streaming (or progressive downloading) video or audio, etc.) does that site utilize? Does it utilize web technologies effectively?
14. Can you discover any incompatibility problems with the site for people using different browsers, platforms, screen sizes, fonts, modem speeds, etc.?
15. Is there anything unique about the site and sets it apart from other sites and/or competitors? Are there special features that the site employs?
16. How do you suppose the site markets itself? Does it do anything to drive traffic to itself (such as viral marketing) and/or provide reasons for return visitors?
17. What is your overall impression and assessment of the site? Does the site accomplish it's objectives? Can you think of design ideas or solutions that would be interesting or more effective alternatives?

Possible Points: 40 points

Blog Topic #8: Get into the process

Many design firms provide information about their process: the business, creative and/or developmental process that guides the completion of their design projects from conception through delivery. Hillman Curtis dedicates the first third of his MTIV book to process. Find and research interactive design studios/firms that provide information on their developmental process (many of the design firm websites listed in the left column of the online resources have a section describing their process). Compare the process of two such firms (remember to include links to them). What are the typical process stages in the development of a multimedia project or website? What is involved in each stage? Why do you suppose process is important?

Possible points: 25 points

Blog Topic # 7: What is Experience Design?

Many designers have found a rigid focus on usability design stifling to creativity on the Web. The incorporation of experimental navigational systems, animation, sound, high-end graphics, and multimedia elements are often left out of sites who focus on fast-loading pages and making things as easy as possible for the user. However, as broadband connections become increasingly common, so too have many designers become increasingly interested in creating user experiences on the Web; sites where users can do more than simply read a brochure or shop at a store. Companies and designers are discovering that the Web can also be a place for drama, emotion, and a branding experience. Such designers are working in a relatively new design area sometimes called "experience design."

In your own words, define experience design. What considerations would be important for you as a designer if you were designing a site that focuses on "experience." Can you find a site that is a good example of experience design? Why is it a good example and how does it differ from other sites? Like debates between form and function, designing for experience and designing for usability are frequently put at odds. Why is this? Do you think they are mutually exclusive? Or, can they co-exist in design?

One good resource:

• Glossary of Experience Design terms from author Nathan Shedroff

Possibile points: 20 points

Blog Topic #6: What is Usability

There is a lot of talk in the web design community about user experience and usability design. What is usability? What is meant by usability testing? What considerations are important for you as a designer if you were designing a site that focuses on "usability."

Can you find a site that is a good example of usability design and/or that provides resources or insights into usability?

A few resources for you to check out:

• Article on Flash usability. It points out many of the advantages and disadvantages of Flash usability design.
• The site from Jacob Nielsen, probability the best known advocate of strict usability design.
• What resources can you find?

Possible points: 20 points

Blog Topic #5: Deep Packet Inspection

Related to the Blog Topic on Network Neutrality below, is the mechanism that drives the ability of networks to discriminate between content types and providers... known as Deep Packet Inspection. What is Deep Packet Inspection? How does it relate to Network Neutrality? What is CALEA? Why does Deep Packet Inspection concern many free speech and privacy advocates?

Here's a good resource article regarding Deep Packet Inspection:

• Deep packet inspection meets 'Net neutrality, CALEA

Possible points: 20 points

Blog Topic #4: Open Access and Network Neutrality

Many attribute the meteoric growth and diversity of the Internet to early telecommunication policies and the underlying architecture of the Net, which ensured that the network was an open, nondiscriminatory platform for all kinds of communications traffic. Common-carrier regulations of telephone industry dictated that no one company or organization could maintain monopolistic control over the network because lines of transmission were open to competitors and did not discriminate between differing types of content. Beyond this, the Internet’s architecture and networking protocols — Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) — were open, decentralized, and nondiscriminatory by design. The protocols treat all information as equal, favoring neither content types nor content providers. Millions of websites sprang up as a result, each with an equal opportunity to attract an audience online.

But the democratic nature and spirit of openness that characterized the birth of the Internet is in danger of disappearing. According to the FCC, the “open access” requirements of the dial-up Internet do not apply to broadband cable, satellite, and DSL companies. The FCC has defined broadband Internet access as an “information service” rather than telecommunications, effectively exempting broadband companies from the common carrier requirements of the traditional dial-up Internet. Moreover, companies such as Ellacoya Networks are already offering hardware and software packages to broadband networks that give them “Total Service Control” of their network and the ability to discriminate between users, content types, and content providers. Such network control subverts the open, nondiscriminatory nature of the Internet’s guiding protocols.

Recently, Reps. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Chip Pickering (R-Miss.) introduced the "Internet Freedom Preservation Act" (HR 5353) to protect Network Neutrality, but the legislation may have a difficult battle against powerful corporate media and telecommunications lobbies who argue that such protections are unnecessary and bad for consumers.

What are the implications of an Internet without open access requirements? What is network neutrality? What are the repercussions of an Internet without Net neutrality to the use of cutting-edge broadband technologies such as file sharing, peer-to-peer communications (P2P), voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), Internet radio, podcasting, multimedia applications, video blogging, and Internet TV? Who stands to benefit and who stands to lose?

Some resources for more information:

• Save The Internet
• The End of the Internet?
• Free Press
• The Center for Digital Democracy
• Net Freedom Now

Possible points: 25 points

Blog Topic #3: What is RSS?

On Blogger, you have the option of publishing a site feed (which you should set to "yes" btw) which will create an XML version of your blog for RSS syndication. What is RSS? How is it useful and/or being used? How can you use the RSS feed to track updates to your fellow student's blogs? What's an aggregator?

Useful resources:

• http://www.bloglines.com
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rss

Possible points: 15 points

Blog Topic #2: Can I get a resource?

Design and development for the Internet is a dynamic and constantly changing field. As technologies and practices change, designers need to be able to keep up. The fact is, nobody can know everything. And, there's always someone out there who knows more than you. Given this, the Internet design community has always been very open to sharing information and inspiration. As a designer, it's important that you learn where to find sites of information, inspiration, and resources.

Your task: find a resource and share the love. Find a site that provides information, tutorials, forums, stock resources (photos, audio clips, movies, etc.), scripts, downloads, articles, advice, design tips, or links to well-designed and inspiring sites. Tell us what the site is about and how it is useful and include a link to the URL.

Don't know what kind of sites are appropriate? Here's a very short list of resources that I like:

• Adobe Support Center (lots of tips, tricks, and tech support right from the horse's mouth)
• Blue Vertigo (lots and lots of links to great resources for designers)
• Flashkit (for Flash tutorials and sound loops)
• Ultrashock (forums, fla source files, cool sites)
• Actionscript.org (great source of actionscript tutorials and articles)
• CGI Resource Index (great source of CGI programs and scripts for the Web)
• Lynda.com (video software training)
• CSS Zen Garden (Cascading Style Sheet info and inspiration)
• Dope Awards (links to inspiring and cutting-edge sites)
• Fcukstar Awards (links to inspiring and cutting-edge sites)
• Favorite Website Awards (links to inspiring and cutting-edge sites)
• Rhizome.org (new media arts and artists)

Possible points: 10 points | Can be repeated: 1x

Blog Topic #1: Dude, this site is the coolest!

Find a site that you think is cool or cutting edge and well designed. Explain what this is about and why you find it compelling. What makes the site cool or cutting edge and how does it differ from most sites that are out there? Are there special, unique, or interesting features to the site? Can you determine how the site was made and/or the tools and techniques that were used?

Possible Points: 10 points | Can be repeated 1x

Blogging Goals

Goals for the course blogs include encouraging student exploration and contemplation of issues related to contemporary interactive media arts and the studios and artists making it. Students will explore the Web to find, share, and discuss compelling and cutting-edge examples of interactive media design. Students will further investigate and discuss issues and practices related to interactive media including technology use; design principles and techniques; creative, developmental and business processes; and critical/theoretical analysis.

Given that all of the students in the class will be searching and exploring the Internet for design studios, artists, projects, resources, and other information that relate to interactive media design, a collaborative course blog will allow each student (and the instructor) to be exposed to more (and higher quality) projects and resources than each may have found on their own. Beyond being exposed to a wider variety of content (and points of view) students will contribute to the "collective intelligence" of the course and play a role in shaping course content and their own experience with the course.

Blogging Policies

Students are required to:

1. Remember that the purpose of the blog is academic and that they have a responsibility to contribute to the collective learning of the group. Posts should relate in some way to course content.
2. Post using their real name. Knowing that others will read their postings, students should not make comments that they would not make in person to another student's face.
3. Refrain from posting abusive or profane content.
4. Refrain from posting links to content or materials that they have not thoroughly reviewed.
5. Strive for the best writing (including grammar use) and analysis that they are capable of.
6. Include links to outside sites, sources, and reference materials, particularly resources that may be useful or interesting to other students, whenever possible.