What I Want from Assignments

A lot of times people will ask me, “what do I want from your assignments?”

With each assignment, I give a rubric. If you are unaware of what that is, let me explain. A Rubric is just a break down of how many points each part of the assignment is worth. That part of the grade sheet may look something like:

____ 5 Included Navigation

____ 15 Well Designed Navigation

Notice that there are two parts. Both talk about navigation, but one is did you do it, the second part is how well did you do it.

If you follow this, you will understand the majority of what I am looking for.

That Extra Something

While following the instructions is important, and will get you a passing score – there is always that something extra. Your homework assignment might be to create a navigation bar, and you put just what you need into it. It will get you a passing score, but it may not get you a great score.

Usually more points are given to how well you do something, not just if you did it. This is especially true as the term goes on, and you have more experience.

So instead of “just doing” something, ask “what else can I do?” Can you go beyond what was asked?

This is an important life lesson as well, since it will follow you on the job, whether you prefer to freelance, work for an agency, or for a company directly.

That Everything Part

Of course, since this is a design course, there is also that everyday aspect. You will want to focus on what works well for a design. I tend to focus on the simple:

• Contrast
• Repitition
• Alignment
• Proximity

Additionally you can look to shapes, lines, movement, and more design aspects if it pleases you.

Designs should be functional first, then aesthetic. I’ve seen too many “pretty” sites, that are not usable. Don’t make those.

Final Thoughts

I have one final thought, and it is the most important. A good design is delivered.

If you design the best _____ but no one can use it, then what’s the point? Imagine a Super Bowl commercial available the week after the game.

So make sure you schedule time to complete projects so that you are ready to turn something in. Have something ready, even if it is not perfect, early on. That way if computers crash, an emergency happens, etc. your project is not the next emergency.

As this is a college setting, late assignments are accepted, however, they may be penalized – so try not to let that happen to you.

What I Want from Assignments was originally found on Access 2 Learn