Assigned:

March 31

Due:

April 7

Percent of Total Grade:

10%

Description:

Create simple digital image in Flash. The result should be created for display at 1024x768 resolution. The subject matter of the image is the choice of the student, and the work must be of a high aesthetic quality.  Technically, the piece must fulfill the following requirements:

• One or more vector graphics, created using Flash drawing tools
• One or more raster graphics, imported into Flash
• At least one of the imported raster graphics must incorporate an alpha channel
• Organized use of timeline layers and folders
• At least one use of a mask layer
• The exported SWF file must not exceed 2 megabytes in size

Grading Criteria:

• 3 points for visual design
• 1 point for the creation and use of a vector graphic
• 1 point for the importation and use of a raster graphic
• 1 point for the importation and use of a raster graphic with an alpha channel
• 1 point for the use of timeline layers
• 1 point for the use of a mask layer
• 2 points for the export and submission of a SWF file

Project 2: Storyboard

Assigned:

April 7

Due:

April 14

Percent of Total Grade:

5%

Description:

Create a storyboard that describes a 5-10 second animation. The storyboard must offer a scene-to-scene account of the proposed animation through scene sketches accompanied by text descriptions of each key scene. The storyboard should not only describe visual cues but audio cues as well.

Grading Criteria:

• 3 points for the storyboard format (scene sketched and text descriptions)
• 2 Points for one or more audio cue.
• 2 Points for the planned use of at least two animation principles
• 3 Points for thoroughness and quality of the storyboard

Assigned:

April 14

Due:

April 21

Percent of Total Grade:

20%

Description:

Produce the animation described in the storyboard created for the previous assignment. The animation implementation should follow the planned flow provided in the storyboard as closely as possible. Final animations will be compared and contrasted to the initial storyboard in order to discuss differences between the proposed animation and the finished piece. Differences between the planned product and the result will not be viewed as a failure unless justification for the difference cannot be provided. Technically, the animation must include the following items:

• The frame rate must be at least 24 frames per second.
• The movie resolution must be 800X600. The movie must run at the base 24 frames per second at this resolution without dropping frames.
• The animation must incorporate at least one nested MovieClip animation sequence.
• The piece must incorporate at least two animation principles.
• The animation must use at least one background sound, and two sounds, which are synched to an action.
• The SWF file size must be less than 2 megabytes.

Grading Criteria:

• 2 points for the aesthetic quality of the animation and final SWF export.
• 1 point for the use of at least two animation principles.
• 2 points for presentation of the storyboard and animation, and participating in the class discussion
• 1 for an exported SWF file at or below the proper file size
• 1 point for acceptable playback performance at the selected frame per second setting
• 2 points for the use of sound
• 1 points for the use of a nested movie clip animation

Assigned:

April 24

Due:

April 28

Percent of Total Grade:

5%

Description:

Produce plans for an interactive application. Plans should include the path of user flow through the application screens and pertinent wire frames for each screen. The plans should also include a brief written description of the application’s functional goals, required media dependencies, the application’s target audience and planned accommodations for that audience.

Grading Criteria:

• 5 Points for user flow and screen wire frames
• 3 Points for the written application description
• 2 Points for the quality of the documents

Assigned:

April 28

Due:

May 12

Percent of Total Grade:

20%

Description:

Create a simple interactive Flash movie. The movie should include elements that are controlled or alterable by the end user. Some example project include:

• An interactive scene in which users can cause visual or audible elements to change through mouse interaction
• A simple game, like a drag-and-drop puzzle or “whac-a-mole”
• A simple calculator

Technically, the piece must incorporate the following items:

• At least one button symbol with up, over, and down states defined.
• The button(s) must cause and use an event.
• A minimum of four points of user interaction.
• At least three sound effects that are triggered via a user interaction.
• Use of simple ActionScript commands. For example, playback control methods such as “gotoAndPlay”
• The SWF file must be less than 2 megabytes

Grading Criteria:

• 1 point for a button with defined states.
• 2 points for at least four areas of user interaction
• 1 point for the use of at least three sounds
• 1 point for the use of an event
• 1 point for the use of ActionScript to control movie playback
• 3 Points for visual design and interface layout.
• 1 for an exported SWF file at or below the proper file size

Assigned:

May 12

Due:

May 19

Percent of Total Grade:

5%

Description:

Proposal for the final class project. The final project for the course must be a fully interactive experience, which incorporates vector or raster visual elements, animation sequences, and user interaction. Examples for final projects include:

• A media gallery
• An information presentation with uses interactive means to convey information to an end user in a meaningful way
• An interactive game with animated sprites
• An interactive artwork that visually changes based on user input

The final project proposals must include a brief text description of the proposed piece. The proposal must also include storyboards for all animation sequences, interface sketches for all scenes, and a user flow that describes the path of a user through the interactive piece. The purpose of the proposal is to allow for an open-ended final project, while ensuring that the project demonstrates mastery of the concepts presented in class.

Grading Criteria:

• 2 points for a text proposal summary.
• 5 Points for relevant storyboards, interface sketches, and user flow diagrams, and example work.
• 3 points for presentation and discussion of the proposal.

Assigned:

May 19

Due:

June 2 5:30 - 7:30pm

Percent of Total Grade:

25%

Description:

Implementation of final project proposals. The final project must demonstrate mastery over the three main areas of the course: utilizing Flash to create and manage graphics, using Flash to create keyframe animation, and using Flash to create interactive media. Final projects will be critiqued in the following areas:

• Implementation versus the approved project proposal.
• Aesthetic quality.
• Interactive experience.
• Quality of an incorporation of animated assets.
• Overall project quality.

Grading Criteria:

• 2 points for an implementation which accomplished the vision set forth in the project proposal.
• 2 points for aesthetic quality
• 2 points for use of animated assets.
• 2 points for use of interactive elements.
• 2 points for overall project quality.

Attendance and class participation are 10% of the final grade for the course. Students will be expected to attend class as well as act as active participants in class lectures.