3D Creativity: Real & Virtual Justin Magee, Snr. Lecturer, School of Creative Arts

Content

The content for this module will change from year to year, addressing where possible the most recent technological advancements and 3D design application trends or identifying new opportunities. General parameter guidelines will be set, however scope for individual direction will exist.

Rationale

This module covers all the various aspects of the design process, project management and practical production. While many of the skills imparted are general, the emphasis is on the design process within the broad field of 3-Dimensional design application.

Aims

• To encourage Innovation and exploration of interdisciplinary content through creativity and technology
• To help prepare students, through practice for project management using the design process, for their Research Project COM865M4.

Learning Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

1. Harness creativity to think laterally and generate new concept proposals, and show examples of innovative problem solving
2. Illustrate an ability to communicate through visual grammar and narrative as a tool for art direction.
3. Have developed an understanding of the design process from concept generation through to production.
4. Have explored current IT trends and applied these technical skills in an appropriate manor. Secondly to apply them artistically.
5. Manage the project, successfully to final production, to meet deadlines.
6. Work efficiently and constructively in a team environment.
7. Defend final outcomes, through visual and oral presentation.

Summary Description

The Module covers all of the various aspects of project preparation, management, and delivery. While many of the skills imparted are general, the emphisis is on the design process within the broad field of information technology.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The mechanism for learning will be project based. Lectures will outline the various design methodologies used as part of the design process. There will be a series of Lectures merging with Practical tutorials addressing software and virtual 3D theory and history. Group critiques will assess progress during the semester and assessment of final coursework submission will take place at the end of the semester. The critiques offer an opportunity for students to reflect on design decisions and engage in both peer and self-questioning relating to developing project content and design decisions. Tutorials submitted weekly will keep quality control of technical skill proficiency. These will take priority at the start of semester. The design work content will mature from around the middle of the semester and from this point, will take priority in the form of Tutorials and seminars, problem solving and presentation being explored. Students will be directed to read appropriate literature on software techniques as part of their comprehension and practical growth. They will also be directed to current review and practices in the relevant industries, and journal articles in developing research.

Assessment

Assessment is through coursework exclusively, by staff appraisal of project prototype material, written reports, and student presentation according to a schedule laid down in advance by the Module coordinator and the project supervisors.

Course work 1:

The first is technical skills, to ensure proficiency in relative software. This will be in the form of set tutorials. · These set tutorials will cover the basic practical principles involved with 3D virtual world building. They will account for 20% of the final assessments. Factor of 3 in assessment criteria·

This assignment will measure the student’s achievement of module learning outcomes 1, 2, and 3.

Coursework 2:

The second will focus on project content and will reflect the individuals design ability, vision and productiveness. · It will focus on the quantity and quality of design work both in theory and in practice. It will assess the creative and entrepreneurial synergy of the project. It will account for 66.67% of the final assessments. Factor of 10 in assessment criteria·

This assignment will measure the student’s achievement of module learning outcomes (1) – (5)

Course work 3:

The third will be in relation to attitude and effectiveness as a team of problem solvers.

This will reflect the student response to team involvement, their ability to manage and delegate activities and quality of practical work integration.§ It will account for 13.33% of the final assessments. Factor of X2 in assessment criteria.

This assignment will measure the student’s achievement of module learning outcomes (5) – (7)

Reading List

Woods C, et Al. Mastering 3D SMAX 4, SYBEX, 2001, ISBN 0-7821-2938-2

Demers, Owen. - [Digital] texturing & painting / contributing author & edited by Christine U. - Indianapolis, Ind. : New Riders, 2001. – 0735709181, Shelf Mark T385.D47

Mealing, Stuart, 1946-. - Principles of modelling and rendering using 3D studio / Stuart Mealing, Bria. - Exeter : Intellect, 1998. – 1871516706, Shelf Mark TR897.7.M42

Indicative

Hill, Francis S. - Computer graphics. - 2nd ed. - Upper Saddle River, N.J.; London : Prentice Hall, 1999. – 0023548568 Shelf Mark T385.H54 1999

Chismar, John P. - 3ds Max 4 Media animation. - Indianapolis, Ind. : New Riders, 2001. – 0735710597, Shelf mark T385.C55

The art of 3D computer animation and publishing / Kerlow, Shelf mark T385.K47 2000

Steed, Paul. - Modeling a character in 3ds Max / by Paul Steed. - Plano, TX : Wordwave Pub, 2001. – 1556228155 Shelf Mark T385.S74