Assignments

=DELIVERABLES=

1. Jump page
The jump page must integrate your logo/branding. This page should give access to the following:


 * Email link
 * Statement of career goals
 * Two job postings (synopsis and link)
 * Resume (pdf)
 * Business card (pdf)
 * Project 1 (synopsis and link)
 * Project 2 (synopsis and link)
 * Project 3 (synopsis and link)
 * Project 4 (synopsis and link)
 * Project 5 (synopsis and link)
 * Project(s) 6 (use appropriate medium for presentation)
 * Synopsis of presentation topic
 * Resource library

2. Portfolio review book
Prepare and package the following in a portfolio review book:
 * Business card
 * Resume

Design the resume and business card to reflect your branding. Create a PDF and also print it. While there are templates and guidelines for both, be creative while addressing the functional purposes of these documents.
 * Job postings
 * Concept notes for Projects 1 – 4.

The concept note should quickly communicate critical information about the project. It should be designed (this is an information design challenge not just a documentation exercise). The concept note should serve as an information source not just for the project but also for the challenges you faced and overcame, significant experiences and highlights, as well as any indications of success of your design.

Please keep the following in mind.
 * Put a date on the cover page
 * Start new sections on a new page
 * Put a page number on all pages
 * Use branding to establish ownership of the project and document
 * Use white space, consistent margins, appropriate headings, sub-headings, etc.,
 * Print on good quality paper
 * Professionally package the document
 * Back-to-back printing is encouraged to save paper.

3. Topical presentation and discussion
Each week, we will spend fifteen minutes discussing a contemporary topic relevant to the industry.

Please be prepared to do the following:
 * Make a five minutes presentation on the topic.
 * Share resources with more information on the topic.
 * Present more than one perspective on the topic (it cant be all good).
 * Manage the discussion on the topic with your classmates.

4.1 – 4.4 Completed projects
Projects 1 to 4 need to be interactive projects (web site, interactive application, CD-ROM or DVD). All web sites must be presented online.

4.5a Project 5
Project 5 should be a large-scale project (for example, senior project) that you worked on individually and in which you were involved through all the stages of the lifecycle. This project should be accompanied by the project report (3.5b).

4.5b Project 5 Project report
Typically, this should include the following. The documentation should be presented in the form of a printed book.
 * Cover page with project title, author, date, version, branding
 * Table of contents
 * Executive summary
 * Information architecture
 * Design concept
 * Comps
 * Technical feasibility
 * Quality assurance process
 * Usability evaluation
 * List of references
 * Appendices (if relevant)

4.6 Project 6
Project 6 can be art work, print pieces, animation clips, video, special effects, photography, comps, code library, etc., (printed and/or online)

5. Resource library
Identify online, print, video, people resources on specific topics that are relevant to the web design and interactive media field. Collate these on an online resource page and link to the page from your jump page.

6. Portfolio preview presentation and interview
Present the projects for your portfolio to a review committee. The committee will review your projects, business card, resume, and also ask you questions related to the field. Your success in the preview will depend on how well you do on all components.


 * Be on time (given the traffic patterns, plan to arrive at least half an hour before your appointed time).
 * Dress professionally.
 * Backup all projects on a CD and bring the CD with you.
 * Bring the portfolio books, other print materials and the URL for your jump page with you.
 * Bring four copies of your resume and business card with you.
 * Plan the presentation (sequence, main points, pace) and make sure your projects have been tested for crossbrowser,
 * cross-platform compatibility.

The Preview Process

 * 1) Wait outside the interview room.
 * 2) Go to the interview room when called.
 * 3) Access your online portfolio and make sure pages are loading correctly.
 * 4) Introduce yourself.
 * 5) Hand out your resume and business card.
 * 6) Hand the portfolio books to the committee.
 * 7) Start the presentation. The faculty may stop you now and then to ask questions or comment on your projects.
 * 8) After you have finished the presentation, the faculty may ask questions related to the industry or the projects you have presented.
 * 9) At the end, you will be asked to leave the room and wait outside.
 * 10) While you are outside, the faculty may go through your projects, discuss their quality and also discuss the responses you gave to the questions.
 * 11) You will be called back and the faculty will inform you of their decision and provide specific feedback to explain their decision.

Please note: If you do not present your work at the Preview Presentation and Interview, you cannot get a passing grade in this class.

=TOPICAL OUTLINE OF THE COURSE=

Week 1
Introduction to the course Review of successful portfolios Portfolio requirements Career goals

Week 2
2. Portfolio review book – draft 3. Topical presentation and discussion**
 * 1. Jump page

Upload and link all deliverables. Present the first draft of the review book. Presentation and discussion of industry specific topic – 10 mins

Week 3
4.1 Project 1**
 * 3. Topical presentation and discussion

Presentation and critique of projects Presentation and discussion of industry specific topic – 10 mins

Week 4
4.2 Project 2**
 * 3. Topical presentation and discussion

Presentation and critique of projects Presentation and discussion of industry specific topic – 10 mins

Week 5
4.3 Project 3**
 * 3. Topical presentation and discussion

Presentation and critique of projects Presentation and discussion of industry specific topic – 10 mins

Week 6
4.4 Project 4**
 * 3. Topical presentation and discussion

Presentation and critique of projects Presentation and discussion of industry specific topic – 10 mins

Week 7
4.5b Project 5 Report**
 * 4.5a Project 5

Presentation and critique of projects Presentation and discussion of industry specific topic – 10 mins

Week 8
5. Resource library**
 * 4.6 Project 6

Presentation and critique of all projects Presentation of resource library

Week 9
Dry run

Week 10
interview**
 * 6. Portfolio preview presentation and

Presentation and interview – faculty committee