Project 2: Zen Garden
Cultural or Critical Theory (Zen Garden Redesign)
Due: Week 11
Rationale
Designers are often required to produce an interface without being able to touch markup. This project will require you to do all your design work inside the CSS file (reemphasizing the separation between structure and presentation), and will reinforce previously learned CSS knowledge. In addition, by completing the project without touching the html file you are able to submit your design to the csszengarden.com site (publication on the site increases your exposure to other professionals in the field).
Read (before you start)
CSS Zen Garden Chapter One (by Dave Shea and Molly E. Holzschlag, ISBN: 0321303474)
Chapter Ten of More Eric Meyer on CSS (by Eric Meyer, ISBN: 0735714258)
Process
- Devise a message you want to communicate (cultural or critical theory topic)
- Download the html file - you don't change this! Just leave it as is
- Download the css file - this you change to reflect your message. You will also need to create original images.
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic principles of information architecture, and the practical application of XHTML and CSS.
- Choose a cultural or critical theory topic on which to base a "Zen Garden" design.
- Create your own original redesign of CSS Zen Garden. Do not rehash an existing design.
- Start first with a concept based on your cultural or critical theory topic, then build your redesign.
Grading
Documentation: 20% (documentation template)
Project: 80%
Course Objectives
This project supports the following course objectives:
Demonstrate the ability to integrate media into an interactive multimedia project.
Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying concepts behind, and be able to create, interactive projects using current production technologies.
Be able to develop goal-oriented media.
Apply cultural and critical theory to create work that considers contemporary cultural and social conditions.
Produce finished piece for inclusion in student portfolio.