ART 273 : Advanced Web Design Studio
This course provides students with a hands-on opportunity to apply their web design skills to develop functional and effective websites that meet specific real-world objectives. It focuses on communication design issues related to the creation of complex websites, including development of content and communication strategies, information architecture, prototypes and testing site usability, and workflow management. Students integrate their application of these issues with their facility with color, image-creation, typography and composition to create a culminating portfolio-quality project. Prerequisites: ART 271. Three critique hours and three studio hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies.
Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Human Expression.
Course Outcomes
Through project work and critique, students will demonstrate their ability to:
1. Analyze client goals and target audiences to develop a comprehensive content strategy, site structure, and navigation plan that supports usability and clear communication.
2. Design and prototype responsive page layouts that demonstrate consistent branding, effective use of typography, color, imagery, and spacing, while adhering to accessibility standards.
3. Implement front-end designs in CSS and integrate them with WordPress templates, reusable code, and theme configurations to create a fully functional and maintainable website.
4. Apply more advanced WordPress functionality, including page templates, posts versus pages, widgets, and dynamic content structures, to meet project requirements and allow for future site updates.
5. Test and refine website usability, responsiveness, and navigation based on feedback, ensuring functionality, clarity, and a positive user experience across devices.
6. Evaluate and integrate design elements, content organization, and technical solutions to produce a polished, portfolio-quality website that demonstrates professional standards in both design and development.
7. Articulate and defend design and technical decisions and evaluate peers’ work, using professional web design vocabulary during formal class presentations.