XD4010 - Code. Design. Make

The module will use a range of blended teaching and learning activities. Studio-based lectures, hands-on workshops, and studio practice will introduce core methods, tools and processes for the practice of exploring and experimenting with coding environments, and physical computing. Teaching on the module will be centred around making and playing with code - learning through practice and experimentation. As such the module will encourage experimentation with the technology to explore visual and creative capabilities and push the boundaries of your own understanding.

Each week, an introductory demonstration and workshop will introduce a new core topic (e.g. user input, dynamic graphics, input devices) - each building on the previous examples. Weekly tasks will be given in line with each workshop, to challenge you to explore each new concept through playful experimentation with the tools - helping you to build the core building blocks for developing dynamically generated and interactive prototypes. Weekly tasks will be consolidated into a final portfolio of work (as recordings and demos of the experiments and interactions) to demonstrate your investigations and experimentations, and which will be submitted as part of your final submission.
A final project will allow you to consolidate your learning into the presentation final piece of work.

Your module tutors will provide extensive support in various forms, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials.

Each module kicks off with a comprehensive briefing that outlines the expected learning outcomes, module requirements, and a detailed schedule.

Regular weekly sessions in a studio setting will structure your learning experience. In these sessions, you’ll participate in group discussions to receive feedback from your peers and tutors.

Studio feedback and interim presentations will provide opportunities for tutor and peer feedback on your ideas as you develop your work. You will also be given the opportunity to have feedback on your research and development in short group or individual sessions

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

KKnowledge & Understanding:
• LO1. Demonstrate knowledge of core methods and processes of using code for generating digital and physical interactive prototypes KU3

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• LO2. Show evidence of an engaged process of research and development into the technology and practice of coding interactive objects and environments. IPSA1

• LO3. Demonstrate through practice applied knowledge of the technologies and processes related to the production of digitally interactive and dynamic visuals and artefacts ISPA3

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• LO 4 Demonstrate creative risk taking and exploration through an experimental practice with interactive coding technologies PVA1

• LO5 Demonstrate ability to clearly communicate design concepts, proposals, or solutions in verbal, and visual presentations. PVA4

You will be assessed both formatively and summatively:

You will be assessed formatively, using verbal feedback during timetabled sessions at key stages of the design development process.

You will be summatively assessed at the end of the module through the submission of a:

• Component 1: 70% Digital process book (online) A portfolio of work created in response to weekly tasks.
MLOs: 1, 2, 4

• Component 2: 30% Final Creative Code Artefact: A code generated dynamic, interactive or generative artefact, created in response to a brief.
MLOs: 3, 5

At this summative stage you will receive initial verbal feedback during your presentation, followed up with additional written feedback on your design process book and final submission.

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The module will introduce you to the key concepts and principles coding as a part of a creative practice of digital making and exploration.

Using a range of supporting coding environments developed for use by visual designers (e.g. P5Js, Processing, Arduino, as well as emerging AI assistants) the module will introduce core key principles of data input and output. You will learn how to apply dynamic data and user input to prototype interactive web-based visuals, and graphics. You will also be introduced to the principles of coding for physical interaction to create interactive artefacts using sensors and input devices.

The module is supported by workshops and demonstrations which allow you to playfully explore the concepts of coding for creative visual practice: weekly challenges will allow you to explore new concept through playful experimentation with the tools.
It will give you confidence in understanding how to think about designing interactive environments for screen or physical environments and will give you the tools for you to begin to prototype your own novel interactions, graphics and interactive experiences.