Course : Interactive Media Design

At any one time, in Levels 1 to 3, you can expect* to be studying three complementary modules:

• Interactive Media Design is where people, design and technology come together, sometimes in work that is practical and easy to use, sometimes more exploratory or playful - and, best of all, sometimes both simple and radical.
• Design Studies/ Theoretical Studies will give you a deeper background in design techniques, theory and ideas, including how to talk to people you are designing for, how to present ideas and some of the biggest issues facing society, such as sustainability.
• Applied Computing gives you a foundation in digital technology, including IT and programming. But this is applied computing, not computer science, so you will learn about the way people use computers, such as accessible websites for disabled people and older people for example.

(*: all details are subject to change as the field evolves and the course with it)

Level 1 introduces you to a range of theories, practices and technologies that you will encounter as an interactive media designer:

• video as a design tool: storyboards, cameras, lighting & editing
• web design: e.g. HTML, CSS, Dreamweaver
• visual expression: presentation and communication skills

Level 2 involves deepening your thinking of graphical interfaces, user research and prototyping:

• interaction design: user interfaces and information design
• coding: e.g. Java, Flash ActionScript
• design process: user-centred design and idea generation

Level 3 introduces more novel interactions such as 'physical computing' (making objects interactive). Projects have industry involvement and students have an opportunity to find summer work placement:

• creating exhibits and interactive clothing/furniture/spaces
• physical computing: e.g. Arduino, PureData, Processing
• user research and Human Computer Interaction

Level 4 is devoted mainly to your own personal project. We will help you to specialise in a particular area of expertise.

• major personal project
• optional dissertation/computing/business project
• degree show exhibition

As a successful student, at the end of the course you will be able to:

• use a diverse range of hardware and software skilfully
• prototype new interactions with digital technology
• understand how to design for people other than yourself and to involve users and clients in the design process
• use digital media to communicate your work
• present your work and the thinking behind it professionally
• work well in a team with people of different specialisms
• be ready to help to change digital culture and the digital economy...