PG Certificate Web Design and Development. Course Structure. Course Overview. Web Development and User Experience - ARMC243S7 Overview

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1 PG Certificate Web Design and Development Course Overview This course focuses on a user-based approach to designing websites and implementation through standards-based, accessible code. It is also suitable for those wishing to develop a personal project. The course covers coding, user-centred planning and design, the optimisation and manipulation of images and the delivery of a final published project. The programme offers practical workshops taught by commercial developers and users, encouraging you to work creatively within an online culture. By the time you start the final module, you will have acquired the skills needed to design and produce a professional website that is both usable and accessible, and that conforms to international standards and guidelines. Sessions focus on learning the skills to evaluate, design, develop and maintain personal or business digital projects. You will gain an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the medium and will use internet tools to create web-based portfolios and projects. Course Structure Students take two compulsory modules at Level 7 worth 30 credits each: Web Development and User Experience (ARMC243S7) and Visual Design and Web Project (ARMC244S7). Web Development and User Experience - ARMC243S7 Overview This module develops students technical abilities in Web and the analytical skills to provide an excellent user experience. The module covers understanding Web authoring tools, HTML, XHTML and HTML5, principles of Web design, reverse engineering, style sheets and creating technically efficient Web designs. Students will focus on a usercentred approach to designing Web sites and implementation via accessible, standardsbased code. The module aims to develop skills to evaluate Web sites, analyse and document the needs of stakeholders, and manage and design information for the Web. It covers the importance of a user-centred approach to planning and designing websites, covering research, design and evaluation methods covering information architecture, optimal navigation techniques, evaluation techniques, (user analysis, task analysis, stakeholder analysis), project management and project costing. Students will be required to explain the reasons for the decisions made in the of their submissions. Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this module a student will be expected to: Subject Specific 1. Articulate the language and context of digital media and its application across society

2 and business 2. Understand different approaches to digital and their viability and sustainability in appropriate contexts 3. Recognise the range of images in digital media and their importance in communicating to specific audiences 4. Use information categorisation in different contexts and for different audiences 5. Understand the relevance of international standards relating to digital media Intellectual 1. Critically evaluate Web sites and recommend and justify changes 2. Understand and critique theoretical arguments, formulate research questions, evaluate responses and apply to projects 3. Assess a wide variety of data and evaluate, prioritise and discard inappropriate information in the context of their projects 4. Critically evaluate arguments and evidence, their own work and the work of others 5. Communicate ideas in different formats using a range of media Practical 1. Apply technical skills in Web via accessible standard-based code 2. Research user and stakeholder requirements though original and desk research and articulate these effectively 3. Produce associated documentation from research and forms of analysis (user analysis, task analysis, stakeholder analysis) 4. Demonstrate skills in managing sites, project management and costing project 5. Make informed decisions and analyse the effectiveness of their own creative work 6. Plan and prioritise their own learning, write clearly and document their progress and projects Personal and Social 1. Work with others and respect their views through discussion groups and team work 2. Communicate effectively using different media and appropriate interpersonal skills 3. Take responsibility for own learning and management of learning and time 4. Work under pressure and to deadlines and prioritise their own learning 5. Understand and articulate the personal relevance of the course and identify future areas for and progression.

3 Syllabus HTML, XHTML and HTML5 Reverse engineering existing Web sites Navigational tools Importance of a consistent user interface Using cascading stylesheets to separate content from formatting Validating HTML & CSS Creating accessible Web sites CSS positioning Link checking What is user experience? Organising information for the Web Understanding client objectives, stakeholders and competitors Developing prototypes and navigation systems Conducting, analysing and documenting user research Concept design User behaviour on the Web and usability Layout and typography and their impact on usability Heuristic Evaluation and Cognitive Walkthroughs, usability testing and eye-tracking Interaction design Project management and planning Costing projects, proposals, and dealing with clients Visual Design and Web Project ARMC244S7 Overview This module develops students ability in graphics design and optimisation and technical skills in Web Development. The module covers the principles of graphic design, typography and layout, screen design, Web vs other media, Web limitations and interface production using graphics tools. They will produce a sample homepage that demonstrates their use of HTML and a portfolio of images and interface designs that show their understanding of graphic design and the user experience. Students produce a Web site which incorporates the lessons learnt and demonstrates their ability and competence in implementing the techniques, skills and knowledge they have accumulated. Students prepare paper-based documentation to clarify the background to the design and approach to the project and the sources of information and inspiration. The site will be published on the Web. Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this module a student will be expected to: Subject Specific 1. Articulate the language and context of digital media and its application across society and business

4 2. Understand different approaches to user and interface design and their viability and sustainability in appropriate contexts 3. Recognise the importance of the user experience and analysis in communicating to specific audiences 4. Use information categorisation in different contexts and for different audiences 5. Understand the relevance of international standards relating to digital media Intellectual 1. Critically evaluate Web sites and recommend and justify changes 2. Understand and critique theoretical arguments, formulate research questions, evaluate responses and apply to projects 3. Assess a wide variety of data and evaluate, prioritise and discard inappropriate information in the context of their projects 4. Critically evaluate arguments and evidence, their own work and the work of others 5. Communicate ideas in different formats using a range of media Practical 1. Produce graphics and animations and manipulate and optimise images using standard packages such as Photoshop 2. Apply technical skills in Web via accessible standard-based code 3. Publish a Web site that demonstrates the skills and knowledge acquired over the course 4. Make informed decisions and analyse the effectiveness of their own creative work 5. Plan and prioritise their own learning, write clearly and document their progress and projects Personal and Social 1. Work with others and respect their views through discussion groups and team work 2. Communicate effectively using different media and appropriate interpersonal skills 3. Take responsibility for own learning and management of learning and time 4. Work under pressure and to deadlines and prioritise their own learning 5. Understand and articulate the personal relevance of the course and identify future areas for and progression.

5 Syllabus Introduction to using Adobe Photoshop Web image formats and optimising images with Adobe Photoshop HTML and images Using Photoshop to create a prototype screen design Principles of graphic design, type and colour CSS and images Background images Image replacement An introduction to GIF animation Using Photoshop to create an animated banner Domain name registration and Web hosting Analytics and Server log analysis SSIs Introduction to CGI and Forms Introduction to JavaScript Search Engine Optimisation Content Management Systems ecommerce XML RSS, Podcasting and SVG Introduction to GIT Adding Sound and Video Copyright PHP and Database-Backed Web Sites Cross-Browser Compatibility Layouts (incl. responsive design)