Eastern Oregon University
Course Syllabus
Number of Course: MM152
Name of Course: Introduction to Web Design
Catalog Description:
MM152 – Introduction to Web Design introduces students to the underlying principles,
basic methodologies, and fundamental concepts of front-end web design. From conception
to comprehensive layout, topics include the basics of web design, developing a problem
definition, target audience, content assessment, information architecture, page design and
structure, typography, color, selecting images, and design presentation. Further, MM152
will focus on the planning, organization, and selecting the resources required to design an
effective website.
Credit Hours: 4
Instructor: Kevin Roy
Time and place of the course: online
Required Texts or Suggested Materials: Webstyle Guide, 3rd. edition.
Prerequisites: none
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course students will be able to employ creative processes of web
design, and display a conceptual understanding of their function.
1. Design, develop, and evaluate software systems of varying complexity to meet desired
user requirements.
 create a problem statement that defines the purpose and/or goals of a website.
 align the site's goals to the target audience and their needs.
2. Demonstrate ability to apply conceptual knowledge for analysis and problem solving.
 "wireframe" a page design to identify structural components of a web page.
 select and apply a "grid" that will serve as a basis for a web page design.
 select effective color palettes, typefaces, and a grids pertinent to design solution.
 combine content, structural components, and navigation interfaces into a
comprehensive layout.
3. Demonstrate effective implementation of appropriate digital media.
 create a content inventory and develop a content strategy.
 combine the content inventory and user needs into an information design.
4. Exhibit and demonstrate an understanding of information hierarchy and interactive
systems in visual and written communications.
 illustrate the structure of a website using a site diagram.
MM 152, Pg 2
Course Requirements:
This online course requires your attention for at least 8 to 10 hours a week. In this course
you will be focusing on web design as a solution to a defined problem. Students are
expected to complete all assignments and readings and meet deadlines. Each assignment
is a necessary component of the final cumulative design project.
Grading Policies:
The 10 assignments are each worth 10% of your grade.
Means of Assessment:
Each weekly assignment explicitly directs students through a step-by-step process
designed to meet each of stated learning outcomes for the course. Each of the identified
course learning outcomes addresses program learning outcomes (PLO) in two programs,
CS/MM and Media Arts and Communication.
Assignment Topics
PLO
Assignment One: Design Problem Definition
Assignment Two: Target Audience
Assignment Three: Design a Content Strategy
Assignment Four: Creating a Site Diagram
Assignment Five: Deconstructing a Webpage
Assignment Six: Construct Your Grid
Assignment Seven: Palette and Typeface Selection
Assignment Eight: Selecting Images
Assignment Nine: Secondary Pages
Assignment Ten: Deliver Final Comps
1,2
1
3
1,4
2
2
2
3
2
4
Brief Outline of Course:
 Week 1 - What is Web Design? What do websites do? Initial project considerations.
Project conception. Problem definition.
 Week 2 - Defining target audiences: Understanding what the website users expect.
 Week 3 – What is content? Linking a content strategy to your target audience.
Platforms. "Sticky" content. Content inventory and development.
 Week 4 - Information Architecture and web navigation. Designing information
structures.
 Week 5 - Page Structure: What are the structural elements of a home page?
 Week 6 - Page Design: Grid Selection and Wireframing
 Week 7 - Page Design: Palette and Typefaces
 Week 8 - Page Design: Selecting Images
 Week 9 - Secondary Page Design
General Education Category and Outcomes:
MM152 Introduction to Web Design surveys the general process and considerations that
pertain to web design. Each assignment walks step-by-step through the general planning
an implementation phases of a design project, for example, developing a content inventory.
Vocabulary is introduced in lectures and readings and reinforced in each assignment as
students complete outlined design tasks. Students are expected to create a design project
that follows general guidelines within the context of a personal interest topic that they
define at the beginning of the course. At the end of the course, students will present their
work in a public virtual space and articulate the design process that led to the results.
MM 152, Pg 3
1. Content Knowledge: Students will complete and be assessed on no less than nine
assignments that emphasize the general vocabulary, content and conceptual knowledge of
web design.
2. Communication: Web design is a creative process undertaken to convey a message
and/or information to a target audience. Throughout the course students will find design
solutions that address problems common to the discipline. Specifically, Assignment Two
requires students to identify a target audience and formulate design solutions based on
gathered information.
Statement on Academic Misconduct:
Eastern Oregon University places a high value upon the integrity of its student scholars.
Any student found guilty of an act of academic misconduct (including, but not limited to,
cheating, plagiarism, or theft of an examination or supplies) may be subject to having
his or her grade reduced in the course in question, being placed on probation or
suspended from the University, or being expelled from the University—or a combination
of these. Please see Student Handbook at:
http://www.eou.edu/saffairs/handbook/honest.html
Statement on Americans with Disabilities:
If you have a documented disability or suspect that you have a learning problem and
need accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Program in Loso Hall 234.
Telephone: 962-3081.
Syllabus Prepared By: Kevin Roy
Date:
January 19, 2013