Modules

Design & Layout for Electronic Media

In this module students conceptualise, design and code the front-end of a sophisticated website-often for a real-world client

Graphic design skills have been rated as the #2 creative skill required by interactive media professionals and in this class, taught by Neil Thurman, students are given an intensive grounding in the theory and practice of web design.

Lectures on composition, typography, graphic design grids and other design principles are complemented by instruction in the tools-like Photoshop-used to prototype web sites. The second half of the module focuses on front-end web development skills, to enable students to produce well-formed and standards-compliant XHTML and CSS.

Students usually work with a real client to a real brief and, if their work meets the client's expectations, can see that work used for real.

The professional nature of the work students undertake makes this module excellent preparation for the job market. In past years students have worked with clients such as:

Mercedes-Benz UK
on the prototype of a new e-commerce site.
Rokpa Trust
on a site redesign for a London community centre.
The Mundus Journalism
consortium on a new site to promote a prestigious international degree programme.
The Apex Trust
on a site to help ex-offenders into work.
Old Town
on a prototype site for this British manufacturer of high-quality traditional clothing.
Drukpa Trust
on a new site for a school for underserved children in Ladak, India.
PHD
on a prototype site to promote a new range of clothing for this innovative outdoor equipment manufacturer.

Students' Feedback

Alumni

Students taking this module who have gone on to successful careers as web designers include:

Indicative Reading