Introduction to Web and User Interface Design ((4 Credits))

Catalog description

This course introduces the foundational principles and technical skills required to design and build clear, functional, and user-centered web interfaces. A strong understanding of HTML and CSS is essential for designers working in digital environments, as these technologies define the structure and visual presentation of web content. Students will examine and apply core web design principles, including layout, visual hierarchy, typography, contrast, and spacing, while analyzing how these elements shape user experience and visual communication across digital environments. The course also introduces critical evaluation of web interfaces in relation to usability, accessibility, and cultural context, along with basic concepts in user experience (UX), performance, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in web design. Emphasis is placed on building a solid foundation that connects design thinking with front-end development. Students will plan and prototype web layouts, then translate those ideas into simple, functional web pages using HTML, CSS, and introductory JavaScript. Through guided exercises and small-scale projects, students develop clarity in visual decision making, usability, and code structure. These foundational skills are necessary preparation for DIGA 3025 Advanced Web Design, where students are expected to apply advanced techniques, integrate complex media, and produce dynamic, interactive, and collaborative web projects