About the class

I was invited by the School of Design at the University of Illinois at Chicago to teach a digital class. We used programming and graphic design knowledge to drive connection and build portfolios. I developed a website that includes the projects, calendar, and resources as well as links to each student GitHub account to utilize the internet as a tool for connection and learning. This website became a major advantage during the following semester, when instruction became remote.

Understanding UX and UI concepts

As a class, we programmed a simple, JavaScript-based calculator. Starting with pure code without any styling allowed the class to agree on what functionality means for the project: the idea that the calculators can accept input, calculate and display the results. Next we focused on the UI. We discussed how each decision impacts the usability: from organizing the buttons, to typography and graphics.

Creating responsive grids

Next, we investigated how the traditional Swiss design ideas of the grid and content organization work to inform how websites are organized and laid out. Students re-interpreted the 10 principles of design by Dieter Rams into an online poster using only type and color elements that matched their personal design style. Their posters were also responsive, presenting information tailored to a user device.

Code as medium

Our class investigated the use of code as another medium for creation, creating parallels between coding and using a printing press as an example. The students created self portraits by layering divs and styling them in CSS. We then added coded animations to bring these to life.

Impact





Wins

Re-contextualizing HTML as a form of expression is a great success story with the class. Understanding code as a language, rather than approaching design as static images is paramount in creating accessible and truly creative solutions to design problems. While not every student goes on to code in their careers, the understanding of basic code concepts brings greater conversations between the practices of design and programming.



Learnings

Learning how to provide guidance and leave room for self-expression has been the greatest lesson in teaching. The programming class is advanced, so allowing students to explore and find their own design language while supporting them technically as well as conceptually is a constant lesson for me to learn each semester. Teaching and seeing the work of students come to life has been one of my greatest joys professionally.