<s5>Æliens</s5> -- slide(s)

_ .. / ... / art(s) / game(s) / idea(s) / cycle(s) / _ / .

The goal of the course visual design is to get you familiar with various aspects of design, as detailed in the original proposal.

You may well understand that the Faculty of Exact Sciences is not the natural habitat of such a course, and these guidelines and regulations are provided, not only to give you an idea of what the course will offer but also to counter-act against the potential risks involved.

In general the course aims at establishing aesthetic awareness, by providing suitable exercises and assignments. In addition, you are supposed to become familiar with the craft of design, which necessarily involves the use of tools and techniques.

track(s) -- perspective

styling -- concept and presentation
digital content -- material, animation
tech track -- special effects

process

spectrum -- sketch ... finalize
ignore/exploit -- the rethorics of the material

As a rule, try to master the material, and do not let the material master you.

cognitive modes

reflect -- sketch
experience -- finalize

tools

sketch -- paper & pencil, text editor, simple drawing program
finalize -- photoshop, maya, rendering engine, etcetera

guest speakers

game(s) -- concept(s) & realization(s)
art -- to provide (a change of) perspective
concept(s) -- to establish an alternat(iv)e (approach) to reality
visual design -- styling, design, aesthetics, management

These experts will also take part in judging your portfolio.

products

web site -- e.g. conference, campain (browse)
2D/3D animation -- promotion/ad (temporal sequence)
virtual space -- game/infotainment (navigate)
ebook -- story (sequential experience)

As indicated between brackets, each of the products favors a particular mode of interaction.

portfolio -- design as a product

concept(s)
sketches & explorations
finalized products
evaluation & reflection

Note, that the portfolio itself must be regarded as a product (of design).

themes and variations

design a house style for ...
non-linear visual storytelling
game design -- style, content and effects

game design

style -- develop concept, plot and visual assets for a game of choice
content -- develop environments, models and animations for a game of choice
effects -- develop models, textures and special effects (shaders) for a game of choice

assignments -- basic exercises

text-only logo -- 3D text
story plot -- with sketches
visual workshop -- experiment with graphic features

templates

portfolio page -- content & layout
visual labs -- text, images, movies
tech lab -- shaders, models, ...

rules

be present -- 2 omissions max.
be in time -- hard deadlines
be online -- have your portfolio available
be creative -- don't steal without a reason/mentioning
be smart -- there is no 2nd chance

At the risk of stating the obvious, please show respect to the guest-speakers. They are experts in their own field, although they may not be as computer-wise as some of you.

remarks

if you cannot make it, fake it
you may (have to) reverse engineer your design
deliver -- silence is lethal
be authentic -- but only if possible

final remarks

... postmodern design is of a highly reflective nature ... appropriating design of the past ... in other words, sampling is allowed but no plagianarism

essay topics

2D vs 3D aesthetics
animation -- stills, sequences and stories
elements of style -- diversity and confluence

Or, if you think of a better topic, try to get it approved by your supervisor.

peer review

creativity, productivity, quality

You will also be asked for a self-assessment!

recommended literature

David Dabner, Design and Layout: Understanding and Using Graphics, Quarto Publishing Inc.
Simon Danaher, Digital 3D Design, Thomson 2004
David Santiago Creating 3D Effects for Film, TV and Games, Thomson 2005

A. Eliëns (nov 2004)

Æliens

Creative Technology 2009

_ .. / ... / art(s) / game(s) / idea(s) / cycle(s) / _ / .

recommended literature