MM1121 - INFORMATION DESIGN AiCASD - Summer 2007 Instructor: Laura Cesari Contact: lcesari@aii.edu OR laura.cesari@gmail.com Week 1: Topics: Signs & Symbols, Iconic vs. Realistic Graphic Styles Lab / In-class activity: Story of a Road Sign, Road Sign Parody Homework for next week: 3 Public Signs, Reading: Intro & Chapter 1 Article: Immigrant Family Freeway Sign Reference: Vintage Street Sign Collection Just for Fun: Custom Sign Generator DUE WEEK 2: beginning of class 3 Public Signs (10pts) + Reading Assignment (4pts): I) CREATE 3 PUBLIC SIGNS (10pts) Create original designs for a series of 3 public signs. Choose one of the following options, or create your own series of 3 matching signs. Option 1: The US Forest Service would like a new design of the infographics it uses in Grand Canyon National Park to warn park visitors of some of the hazards of visiting the Grand Canyon. Create 3 "road signs" that include a Graphic for each message, as well as the words. There are three key messages the Forest Service wishes to communicate to visitors: * Do not feed the animals * Danger, stay back from cliff edges * Always stay on trails Option 2: You have been commissioned by a trendy restaurant to create signs for their telephone and restrooms. Create 3 unique signs for their facilities, relating back to the theme of the restaurant. (for example, if it is a Japanese restaurant, give the signs a Japanese-influenced style) * Telephones * Men's Restroom * Women's Restroom ALL GRAPHICS MUST BE YOUR ORIGINAL WORK - DO NOT USE CLIP ART! Turn in digital files of your work in .pdf or.jpg format. GRADING : PUBLIC SIGNS (10 points total) __ (2) Relevant Symbols are used to convey the sign's message. __ (2) Relevant Colors are used to convey the sign's message. __ (2) Text is legible and large enough to read at a distance. __ (2) Graphic Style is Consistent      - use unified themes & graphics      - don't mix iconic and realistic shapes! __ (2) Image Quality: signs should be 8x10" at 72dpi, or larger. II) READING #1: Introduction & Chapter 1. (4pts) Answer questions in writing - please type or write neatly. 1) How would you explain "Information Architecture" to a stranger in an elevator? (1 or 2 sentences) 2) What are some of the problems that Information Architects have to deal with? 3) How much text are you willing to read on the web? What advice would you give to an online magazine about how to present writing on the web? 4) Do you prefer scrolling or clicking? In what case would you recommend each? 5) What is a visual hierarchy? Why is it important in Web Design? 6) What does it mean to be "above the fold"? What type of items should be above the fold? 7) What does the author mean by "the susceptible moment" in a user's experience? 8) What is "requirements gathering?" At what phase of a project should you gather requirements? GRADING: READING #1 (4 points total) __ (1) Use complete sentences. __ (1) Answers demonstrate knowledge of the assigned reading. __ (1) Answers are in your own words, not copied from the book. __ (1) All questions are answered.

Week 1 - (July.13) Week 2 - (July.20) Week 3 - (July.27) Week 4 - (Aug.3) Week 5 - (Aug.10) Week 6 - (Aug.17) Week 7 - (Aug.24) Week 8 - (Aug.31) Week 9 - (Sept.7) Week 10 - (Sept.14) Week 11 - (Sept.21)