Welcome to our little piece of the Web…

I hope this blog, though required, will be an enjoyable exercise this fall. Throughout the term it will be a means through which you can continue the discussion beyond class and also learn from your peers. After this course, you’ll start looking at everything in a different way, and if you happen to see something online or in print that catches your eye/reminds you of something here, POST IT!

Each week there will be one required post, and part of your grade will be based on your adherence to deadlines and post instructions. Before the end of the semester you’ll also be required to post at least 2 comments on the projects uploaded by your classmates. Project comments should be substantive, critical analyses of projects completed for class.

You’re not limited to the required posts! Please feel free to post as often as you’d like, provided you’re sharing relevant information to the course/projects/principles of design.

Have FUN and enjoy this class! This class is a lot of work, but think of it as a creative outlet to relieve the stress of your other courses. You may end up a design nerd after this experience. That’s not a bad thing.

More importantly, this class is one of the only instances in which it is perfectly fine to be sketchy.

By that I mean prepare early and often. Sketches/conceptualizing is crucial before you even step into the lab. Projects really do rise and fall on the quality of your planning. Brainstorm through sketching it out. Prof. Taylor, your lab IA will be better able to help you when searching for your vision on a project if you have several ideas/concepts sketched out.

Never underestimate the importance of strong hierarchy and organization in the lab. When you’re working, set up a folder structure that will make it easy for you to access and use your files for these projects.

I’m looking forward to working with you and getting to know you. Don’t be afraid to stop by my office hours if you have any questions or if you just want to talk. I’ve been through the graduate level course structured the same way and am happy to offer advice.

It’s going to go by fast, but I hope this semester is fun for everyone involved.

And don’t forget to blog it like it’s hot!

Cheers,
paul