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DESIGN COMPUTING SEMINAR: SYLLABUS
Instructor: Brian Johnson, Winter Quarter, 2008
University Course Description:
Weekly colloquium and discussion forum. Discusses design computing research and report on ongoing project progress, with demonstrations and guest speakers. Explores design computing, design thinking and design process, and inventing new computer aided tools for design.
Updated Class Description:
This course explores a selection of current topics that motivate active research in design computing. It does this primarily through presentations and discussion of research and investigations taking place around us. Speakers vary each quarter, but are drawn from the department, the larger university, the community and the profession. Presentations are intended to spark discussion and invite students to make links to their own experience and interests. The issues will range widely over the realms of communication, collaboration, data management, design cognition, design process, simulation, interface design, embedding computation in the built environment, etc.
Preparation
Experience with design activities and digital media, including 2D CAD, 3D modeling, or other design computing software is desirable, but the primary preparatory requirement is an open and inquiring mind willing to engage new viewpoints and expand personal horizons.
Expectations
The class meets once or twice each week to listen, discuss, or report. At most meetings a speaker will present their work and/or views with regard to design computing research. Students are expected to respond to each presentation through face-to-face discussion or via postings on the course web site.
Beyond participation in discussion & postings related to speakers, students are asked to make a weekly contribution to the class online environment, either in the "Site Catalog" or "Forum" area.
Each student will also be expected to identify a topic of their own to explore independently through outside reading and investigation. These investigations will culminate in a brief (10 - 15 minute) oral presentation to the class and a written report, both due at the end of the quarter.
Schedule
Each Tuesday and Thursday during the first half of the quarter we will have a presentation and discussion. A few days will be given-over to discussion of broad topics related to the class. As the schedule is necessarily somewhat flexible, the current schedule will always be available online.
Class Assignments and Grading
Grading will be based on attendance at presentations, participation in face-to-face and online discussion, and the personal investigation presented at the end of the quarter.
If you have questions, please email me, Brian Johnson (brj@u.washington.edu).
Last updated: January, 2009