AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The objectives of the module are:
- to introduce students to the world of robotics, interactive devices, applications or digital devices and the internet of things by observing and studying them in relation to interaction and usability;
- to provide students the tools to understand the meaning of basic design concepts and to experience the design process dimension. 
Fundamental training moments are the communications dedicated to learning the elements of the process that goes from the analysis of needs to the conception and realisation of products and the practical exercises aimed at laying the foundations for the design of interfaces (both physical and virtual) according to the principles of Interaction Design (IxD), User Experience Design (UX) and Human Centered Design (HCD).

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The final objective of the module is for students to obtain an awareness and project methodology focused on interaction design, UX and HCD.

The module also includes a path dedicated to the development of skills for multimedia design and tools for the development of visual communication, with the aim of providing transversal skills useful for the development of visual concepts through graphics and editing software, layout management tools, as well as design experimentation on icons, moodboards and visual structures. The combined methodological approach (theory, exercises, individual reviews) is intended to foster the development of critical and operational skills in the field of design and multimedia communication.

By participating in the planned didactic activities, students will not only acquire knowledge and understanding of the notions provided, but will also attain an ability to critically process information and design application using tools such as:

- research and analysis; definition of the scenario, of the problem and of the figures of reference

- conception and concept design;

- sketches, storytelling, wireframes, mockups;

- complete illustration of the project (from conception to final form) in graphic and oral form;

- comparison, critical analysis and teamwork skills.

The practical project activities will enable students to learn to manage their social interactions with a collaborative attitude and constructive communication, and will also lead to autonomous decision-making, an aptitude for managing teamwork, coordination between several people and different skills as well as the ability to deal with uncertainty.

TEACHING METHODS

The module is mainly organized according to the scheme of the project atelier. Theory and practice are developed together with a collaborative approach and by team group. Interactive working tools and collegial self-evaluation methods are used to encourage critical thinking, discussion and collaboration in the development of project activities. Exercises on digital tools for graphic and multimedia design will be proposed alongside the design activity. The exercises will progressively accompany students in the application of the theoretical principles addressed, also through intermediate reviews and oral presentations. The module also includes a final consolidation phase, in which students will be asked to develop a design concept, useful for verifying the skills acquired and the application of theoretical principles and software to projects.

The second part of the module is expressly dedicated to the development of the project theme organised in mixed working groups and with the support of the lecturers, a theme that will be the subject of presentation and evaluation during the examination.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The module deals with:

- design thinking;

- critical approach to the analysis and improvement of existing or new interfaces, digital and phygital strategy;

- definitions and principles of usability, ID, UX and HCD also through the presentation of examples and applied experiences;

The programme also includes practical lessons dedicated to the principles of visual communication and multimedia design. The fundamentals of colour and visual perception applied to graphic, multimedia and multimodal composition will be addressed. Practical exercises will be offered on graphics and editing software for the creation of moodboards, icons, pictograms and layouts. The programme also includes a part dedicated to narrative rhythm and the effective presentation of multimedia projects.

The specific contents are defined before starting lessons and it will be communicated to students on aulaweb page for both attending and not attending students. Students with disabilities or learning disorders can make specific arrangements with teachers at the beginning of the module. Aulaweb is the main tool for communication, weekly update by professors.

The project applications involve the students' use of some of the software illustrated in other modules, including those in the Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud packages.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ferraris, S. D. (2014). Vedere per progettare. Franco Angeli.
Maeda, J. (2006). Le leggi della semplicità. Mondadori.
Munari, B. (2008). Design e comunicazione visiva (13ª ed.). Laterza.
Saffer, D. (2007). Design dell’interazione. Creare applicazioni intelligenti e dispositivi ingegnosi con l’interaction design. Milano: Pearson education – Mondadori.
Zingale, S., & Bonfantini, M. (2015). L'oggetto del progetto: Saggi, dialoghi e lezioni di semiotica intorno al design e all'inventiva progettuale. ATì Editore.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

As per the academic calendar at https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/11945/studenti-orario or https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The assessment method consists of the presentation of the final project developed during the course module, accompanied by an oral discussion. The project will be evaluated based on design coherence, the quality of documentation and presentation, as well as the student's demonstrated critical thinking skills.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Through intermediate and final deliveries of the entrusted annual project (whether group or individual) and related oral discussion.

Assignments are assessed on the basis of completeness, the ability to interpret, deepen and present the assigned topic. The oral interview, in addition to verifying knowledge and understanding of the theoretical notions delivered, is aimed at ascertaining the ability to critically re-elaborate the concepts acquired and to direct them towards practical applications.

The elaboration and illustration of a project makes it possible to check the students' learning in putting the acquired notions into practice and to verify application skills.

The illustrated mode allows the educational objectives listed above to be achieved and the level of maturity reached with respect to the topics of ID, UX and HCD.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with disabilities or learning disorders are allowed to use specific modalities and supports that will be determined on a case-by-case basis in agreement with the Delegate of the Engineering courses in the Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities. Students are invited to contact the teacher of this course and copy the Delegate (https://unige.it/commissioni/comitatoperlinclusionedeglistudenticondisabilita.html).

Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule.