To effectively sketch and prototype interactivity, it is necessary to have a basic grasp on coding. The designer has the possibility then to be more expressive with the forms of interactivity they sketch and prototype, rather than working within constrained rapid prototyping environments.

The course introduces the fundamentals of creative coding with Javascript. We learn the language and toolset as a practical tool for bringing interactivity to life, and as a useful foundation for learning related languages and more advanced technologies.

The course is based on the notion of a “flipped classroom” in which students follow online materials out-of-class, and class time is used for coaching, critique, discussions and occasional lectures. In conjunction with a learning plan of online materials, a series of interaction design-oriented challenges are set, in which students work as pairs to apply the techniques and concepts they are learning.

After completing the course, students will be able to:

Instruction consists of lectures, laboratory sessions, and project work.

Oral exam: An individual oral exam in which the student must describe and be able to discuss a programming concept. The pool of examinable concepts is known by students two weeks prior to the exam, but each student will draw a random concept at exam time (Learning outcome 1; 1 credit)

Reflective journal: In the journal, students relate aspects of interactivity to code, write code, and describe their creative coding practice. All set design challenges must be completed. A final reflective essay on creative coding practice is included in the journal. (Learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4; 6.5 credits )

Students receive a pass (‘G’) when all learning outcomes are achieved to a satisfactory level.

Haverbeke, M. (2015) Eloquent JavaScript. No Starch Press

The University provides students who participate in or who have completed a course with the opportunity to make known their experiences and viewpoints with regards to the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarize the results of course evaluations as well as informing participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures initiated in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).