Visual Design Prototyping, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course provides both theoretical and practical knowledge related to digital filming and editing, visual storytelling and knowledge of the necessary software for creating motion graphics for digital visualization of a product, to visually be able to express and show the intended interactive user interface.

The course contains both parts that overlap and follow each other. These parts consist of introduction to practical thinking and practical methods for recording and editing digital cinema, either as rapid research documentation, or as staged shooting under controlled conditions. Other areas covered include introduction to the methods and techniques used for visual narration, visual storytelling, and the software that enables the creation of motion graphics and visual effects. The last part of the course involves a creative task where students, individually or in groups, will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills, using digital media to visualise and explain the concept of a virtual interactive design that convincingly supports and enhances the physical design of a selected product.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course students will be able to:

• describe the main methods and opportunities of digital filming and editing.
• independently plan visually and verbally presenting an understandable storyboard that explains the intended effect the student wants to achieve with the moving graphics.
• demonstrate acquired skills and knowledge of the software through the realisation of graphics, visual effects and sound for both film and video.
• practically creating and implementing design ideas of virtual user interfaces, initially planned and visualised through a storyboard, and choose the appropriate tools to be able to apply this virtual design visualisation for a specific product.
• produce materials in a format suitable for web publishing.

Required Knowledge

Univ: In order to be admitted to the course, students must have completed a BA in Industrial Design or the equivalent as well as all previous courses in the Advanced Design program at Umeå Institute of Design or the equivalent.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and no individual score below 5.5. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum score of 575 and a minimum TWE score of 4.5). TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum score of 90 and a minimum score of 20 on the Writing Section).

Form of instruction

The course is conducted in the form of practical and inspiring lectures and exercises supervised by lecturers, as well as creative projects tasks. Instruction is in English.

Examination modes

Assessment is carried out in the form of smaller presentations, verbal and visual, at specific times during the course, as well as a presentation of the students project work at the end of the course.
After completing the course the student will be assigned one of the following grades Fail (U) or Pass (G). Students are graded Fail (U) or Pass (G) for each of the different presentations during the course, and for the final presentation. In order to receive credit for the course, the student must have produced an initial storyboard, implemented approved presentations during the course, and created a final oral and visual presentation of the final dynamic visualisation, which also includes the submission specified assignments.
For students who have not obtained the grade Pass, other examination sessions will be arranged. A student who for two consecutive examinations for the same course or sub-course has not been passed, has the right to have another examiner appointed, if there are no special reasons against this (Higher Education Ordinance chapter 6, 22 §). The request for a new examiner shall be made in writing to the Head of Department at Umeå Institute of Design.

ACADEMIC CREDIT TRANSFER
Students have the right to request that previous studies, or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in a professional, work-related capacity, be validated and transferred into credits on an equivalent course or programme at Umeå University.  Applications for credit transfer should be addressed to Student Services/Degree Evaluation Office. More information can be found at the Umeå University student web site (www.student.umu.se/english) and in Chapter 6 of the Higher Education Ordinance.  Appeals may be made to the Higher Education Appeals Board (ÖNH) against a decision by the university not to approve an application for credit transfer (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 12), even in cases where only a part of the application has been rejected.