YEAR 2 // SEMESTER ONE
Multimedia Technology [COM311J1]
Rationale
This module provides the student with knowledge and understanding
of the technology that underlies multimedia systems. This allows the student
to make informed decisions when designing and constructing multimedia
systems and/or specifying hardware and software. To do this effectively,
it is necessary to understand the operating characteristics and limitations
of multimedia hardware, software and associated algorithms.
This module aims to provide students with a context for the use of multimedia hardware and software in the solution of real-world problems. In particular, students will be made aware of an appropriate suite of tools, techniques and methodologies prevalent in the subject area. They will be exposed to a range of problems and shown how these may be solved and implemented effectively and efficiently.
Assignment(s)
Coursework 1: This assignment required the student to
apply a number of different image compression techniques to a variety
of image types and to present the findings in a written report. The assignment
was assessed against the following criteria: quality of sourcing relevant
images and compression algorithms, design of solution, implementation,
evaluation of results and quality of report.
Coursework 2: The student was to create a Flash CD-ROM catalogue for a fashion company, where customers could browse different examples of clothing. The images used in the presentation had to be in the best suited image format. There was also a movie to be produced for the catalogue, as well as corporate identity design.
Programme(s)/Technologies Used: Macromedia Flash 5; ActionScript; Adobe Premier 6; Adobe Photoshop 6; Adobe Illustrator
Professional Issues [COM312J1]
Rationale
Following this second year of the course students will be entering
the professional working environment either on a placement year or as
DipHE graduates. They will be working as, and with, professionals and
will need to be aware of the various kinds of responsibilities which this
status implies.
This module is designed to integrate professional, industrial and wider cultural practices of multimedia design. Production and presentation techniques and effective management skills will be highlighted during this module. The module is designed to make students aware of the nature of the professional working environment; the procedures, practices and relationships which their role will require, and to provide practice in presenting themselves to others and in managing their working practice.
Most of the other modules concern the development of knowledge of, and expertise with, the various techniques employed in multimedia production. This module provides knowledge of the context within which the student will be expected to employ these techniques. This includes an understanding of laws in reference to the computing world (for instance, the Data Protection Act).
Aims
- To develop the student’s awareness of their responsibilities within the work situation and of possible conflicts of interest
- To develop effective communication skills in relation to tasks such as job applications and dealing with clients.
- To develop awareness of appropriate business practicalities and constraints related to their work
- To develop effective job management and presentation techniques.
Assignment(s)
To produce a Business Plan for an imaginary multimedia company.
Using the Business Plan, we then had to present our facts and figures
and convince a panel it was a plausable plan for the proposed company.
Programme(s) Used: Microsoft PowerPoint; Micosoft Word; Adode Photoshop 6
Design Application [DES310J1]
Rationale
This module is a series of lectures, seminars and project work.
Building on previous knowledge and skills students will confront the problems
of designing interfaces for interactive products. The principles and creative
aspects of interaction design will be explored by critical analysis of
a variety of Operating Systems, CD publications, software titles and WWW
sites. The module is positioned in the first semester of the second year.
This module isolates interaction design, it develops a critical appreciation and allows students to experiment creatively with interaction design proposals. In the course of undertaking this work students will apply elements of design methodology.
Aims
- To introduce the concept of Interaction Design
- To put students through the design process
- To demonstrate to students the problems of idea generation, notation and evaluation
- To explore elements of design methodology
- To enhance the quality of students thinking, concept development and production skills
Assignment(s)
The assignments here were a range of short assignments, such
as Flash movies and web page mock-ups. They were concerned with screen
ergonomics, use of colour, shape and form as appropriate to the design
problem presented.
Programme(s)/Technologies Used: Macromedia Flash 5; ActionScript; Adobe Photoshop 6
YEAR 2 // SEMESTER TWO
Human Computer Interaction [COM350J2]
Rationale
To educate students in the principles and implimentation of HCI
standards.
Assignment(s)
To create an application, following HCI principles, for a video
rental store using VisualBasic 6. The application should allow users to
access data on videos the store currently has on record, and to find out
if these videos are on loan or still present in the store. Users should
also be able to change the status of a title (whether it is or not on
loan), to add new titles and to alter the data of a title.
Programme(s) Used: VisualBasic 6; Microsoft Access
Multimedia Authoring [COM314J2]
Rationale
The Multimedia Authoring module has been developed in response
to industry demand for preparing students with multimedia authoring skills.
Most of the companies involved in Software Development, Communications,
Advertising, Marketing and related industries use computer technologies
as part of their information processing procedures. This module will provide
students with multimedia authoring scripting skills necessary for implementing
design skills using multimedia technology taught in other modules. It
will train students for a productive role in commerce and industry wherever
computer-based interaction systems are present. Students will acquire
such understanding of the basic principles that an appreciation of future
developments will be facilitated. Practical work will develop the student's
ability to work as part of a team. The social context issues of the use
of multimedia in education, business communities and the entertainment
industries will be considered through the applications developed.
Aims
- To provide a pro-active approach for students who need to use multimedia authoring scripting concepts within applications
- To encourage a dynamic approach to authoring interactive applications
- To expand the student's awareness of the social implications of developing multimedia applications through authoring practices.
Assignment(s)
This assignment required a website that took users on a virtual
tour of the University of Ulster's Jordanstown's campus. This included
a drag-n-drop Flash interface, rollover buttons, JavaScript image swapping
and Flash animated elements.
Programme(s) Used: Macromedia Flash 5; Macromedia Dreamweaver; HTML; CSS; JavaScript; Adobe Photoshop 6; digital photography
Website: University of Ulster, Jordanstown tour.
Information Design [DES311J2]
Rationale
This module is positioned at the point where students are preparing
for placement exit. It is designed to prepare them for the industrial
reality of the market sector they intend to enter. Each student will be
given the opportunity to research and develop a short Multimedia presentation.
Students will research the assignment, present story boards, scripts,
production planning and rationale for their concept finally producing
same in the authoring tool of their choice. Sound and vision are treated
here as elements of the multimedia statement, with each being used as
an integral part of the appropriate design solution.
Aims
- To develop an awareness of the research, production and design skills required to successfully complete a simple multimedia production
- To prepare the student for the discipline of the multimedia working environment
Assignment(s)
Here we were to create a multimedia website, based around the
idea of attracting a certain group of people to an area of Belfast, that
used most of the technologies we had been taught over the first two years
of the course. In addition, design was a major aspect; we had to create
a brand that would appeal strongly to our target audience.
In addition to a large number of graphically appealing web pages, the website had to contain a number of different features:
- A drop-n-drag map interface, using Flash. When the user dropped the object on a specfic area on the map, a new window would open with more information on the chosen locale.
- A 360degree QuickTime VR movie that the user can control.
- A video of the chosen area.
Programme(s) Used: Macromedia Flash 5; ActionScript; Macromedia Dreamweaver; HTML; CSS; JavaScript; Adobe Photoshop 6; digital photography; digital videoing; Adobe Premier 6