What mobile web users do PDF

Another good find, bit of a read, but again reinforces that mobile users tend to be on a mission (find the train time) or filling time i.e. waiting for the bus (I'll check the news).

Read it here.

This will give me some direction in the tasks I get users to complete on the mobile app versus the mobile site.

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SPP3 - education - MA in Interaction Design

University of Central Lancashire offer an Interaction Design MSc which sounds interesting through gaining a more focused knowledge of human-computer interaction.

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This course is ideally suited to students who want to specialise in usability, social aspects of computer use and the design and evaluation of effective interactive systems. It builds upon the existing and emergent research interests in Interaction Design in the School, including website accessibility, multimedia for learning and Child-Computer Interaction (see www.chici.org). The course includes modules covering analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation of interactive systems, as well as theories of Human-Computer Interaction, and a look at current trends in interactive systems.

A good honours degree (normally 2:1) in Computing or related subject

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Should I want to branch out from generic web design, perhaps into app design which is gaining a huge following, the knowledge provided through this course of user computer interaction, i.e. user interface design will be a beneficial thing to know. I am already learning this to be of value for my PRP project, where user interface is proving key and in response I am starting to develop considered pieces in response to user interaction.

Elsewhere, knowing about accessibility is always going to prove helpful in leveraging myself alongside the trending module which would help pitch me as a convincing modern day designer, aware and capable of providing what the wide range of users out there want.

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SPP3 - education - MA in Interactive Media

This Interactive Media Masters course seems to be more focused upon the management side of things, something I've always thought I would suit well. This is good, as it is a little different from what I expected that I would be doing in the future.

London College of Communication

Phase 1

You will be introduced you to the technologies that will underlie the practice of interactive media.

Phase 2

This phase concentrates on the management and intellectual skills that help you work innovatively and rigorously. You will select two electives from the following:

• Futurecasting
• Animation
• Content Management
• Multimedia Coding
• TV Studio Practice.

Phase 3

In the final stage (the MA) you will be required to undertake a group major project and write an individual thesis related to your project work.

Although not an entry requirement, you should know enough HTML, Dreamweaver and Flash to be able to communicate complex ideas with colleagues online. This is not a course that teaches software skills, or superficial styling tricks. We expect you to know or to teach yourself whatever software skills you need.

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Advantages:

• Since being at Uni I have never really considered a managerial role, instead finding real interest in web design. Nonetheless, the opportunities the course suggests for career prospects are inviting - managerial positions in departments, or creative directorships. Obviously it would take time to qualify yourself for such roles, but I think I would be well suited, with recent experience of managing a team for a group client project.
• Being one of the longest running MAs for this type of course, it shows that the course has some credibility, and should challenge me to progress further, shown by the calibre of graduates who have previously attended and gone into commendable roles

Disadvantages:

• I might miss being away from first hand experience of creativity, as this course seems to infer that it is less about exploring styles, and more about considering the design process, strategizing, and being more innovative - in general, theorising. Nonetheless, this is of importance for for the world of work.
• A thesis forms the final phase of the course, which I currently don't feel compelled to want to write. I am much more about vocational implementation or practice now, less so research and documentation.

SPP3 - education - MA in Creative Digital Media

The University of Worcester offers this post graduate course which appears to extend the knowledge you already hold, and intertwining a business/entrepreneurial basis to it.

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The Creative Digital Media Masters is aimed at practitioners in the digital arts who wish to extend their development of creative ideas within their subject to an advanced level. Building on the successful model offered in the digital arts undergraduate programme, the course is characterised by its diversity and the opportunity offered for interdisciplinary investigation. The modules are designed to encourage innovative practice within the student’s discipline and participants will also be encouraged to work collaboratively.

In the Independent Study module, students will pursue an in-depth exploration of the critical, theoretical, creative and practical aspects of their specialist field. In addition, there will be the opportunity to acquire knowledge of entrepreneurial and business skills applied to their practice.

Key features and benefits

• Creativity and innovation applied to the real world
• Digital media convergence
• Commercial applications for innovative digital media
• Effective design and communication strategies
• Entrepreneurship
• Digital film production
• Research and development techniques in Digital Media
• Managing the creative and technical balance
• Effective design techniques and strategies
• Effective research, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of digital media
• Interdisciplinary team working and project management
• Experimental digital media production and interaction
• Industrial links

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Advantages:

• Would allow for more in-depth progression of my studies. There are still areas in which I wish to develop - search engine optimization, e-commerce, Javascript, so this could provide the perfect opportunity to do so, with guidance or peer support which is encouraged
• Would create more work pieces for my portfolio
• The inter-disciplinary nature of the course that characterises the course would also allow for an expansion of my transferable skills, such as communication: persuasive, interpretative, listening, along with management: time, project based, team management/diplomacy, whilst also broadening my creative thinking: opening up problem-solving, analytical thinking through the different approaches of different disciplines
• Perhaps most importantly, through the entrepreneurial inspired modules I should gain a stronger hold on good business sense, imbuing confidence which should allow me to set up my own business, find a niche and innovate within this

Disadvantages:

• The one year course costs around £3600, which will increase when including accommodation and living costs. Obviously this will add to my student debt and delay repayment, yet as reports go, a Masters may now be the necessary factor in obtaining better jobs
• Starting out once again by having to settle in a new location, make new friends etc - a disruption that could be avoided through living at home and attending a closer University
• The skills that I wish to pursue on the course could equally be achieved through on the job employment, where learning will be validated through real world use

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SPP3 - education - MSc in Mobile Computing

The London Met University have a rather compelling post graduate course which ties in nicely with my Personal Research Project.

Course type Full time Start This course last started in Sep-09 . Please contact the college to enquire about new start dates. Duration 1 year

Course Description The course consists of 6 essential modules and a final practical project; the modules include: web design and mobile technology; emerging mobile applications; mobile and evolving services; research and development skills; advanced topics in mobile technology; assessment methods include written reports, software development projects, presentations and examinations.

Fee Course fees are subject to change and you are advised to check the current details with the course provider before enrolling on this course.

Qualification MSc in Mobile Computing

Entry Requirements Lower 2nd Class Honours degree in any discipline and demonstrate an existing interest in multimedia and an acceptable level of computer literacy; applicants are expected to have a basic C++ experience or other object-oriented programming experiences but willing to learn C++; those with no 1st degree but who have an appropriate relevant professional qualification or previous experience may also be considered; interview.

Study venue London Metropolitan City Campus

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Advantages:

• Interest in the subject supported by my research into mobile web design, specifically for touch screen devices in PRP.
• The assessment criteria involves written documents, software projects and exams, all of which I am comfortable at doing after A level and degree study
• The course would offer the ability to further my knowledge and experience but in a much more focused, and arguably, lucrative upcoming market

Disadvantages:

• Would require living in or around London - costly, especially when factoring in the £5400 tuition fee.
• My current skill-set caters for the type of role I am after: web designer, so this may be an unnecessary venture
• Have no C++ experience which is requested, however I come with an alternate understanding of AS3 and am willing and receptive to learning

SPP3 - employment -graphic web designer #4

This next role is more graphics oriented, but with web responsibilities as well. When I come to think on it, a large part of what I do is graphics anyway. I don't just put together the site, I create the visuals and graphics that go into it.

Graphic Web Designer in Market Harborough

Advantages:

• Alongside a keen attention to detail in my technical output, I pride myself on strong aesthetics. Being a new graduate, I should have the fresh, optimistic drive that could assist the company progressively, introducing contemporary techniques and modes of working I have learnt through degree study.
• I've recently become proficient and explorative with Wordpress which this job advertisement lists as the company's primary CMS. I can therefore fulfil this job requirement whilst continuing to expand and explore within the role - gaining for both myself and the company by increasing revenue with more advanced projects.
• I am also an accomplished user of Photoshop, with continued experience in image optimization - it is an important role in web design, so to enable quick loading pages.

Disadvantages:

• Market Harborough is a little while away from home, but if it meant getting myself on the career ladder it would be a worthwhile investment to make. The advertisement mentions the opportunity to build yourself in graphic and web work, which I am increasingly looking forward to as graduation draws closer, bettering my technical prowess and capabilities I can provide for the company, taking on more advanced roles. With web, you are never done learning, so should these opportunities be available, I would take them whole heartedly.

SPP3 - employment - web designer #3

A job search today has resulted in an exciting opportunity in Northampton.

I used totaljobs.com to search for available positions, you can view the job information.

Advantages:

• Working within an agency environment is something I have experienced and agree with. I much prefer the idea of "going to work" - a place in which to be professionally creative. Furthermore, agencies tend to be much smaller than large corporations, and so enables strong relations with co-workers, increasing productivity through inspiration and assistance - something my amiable and approachable persona lends well to
• Great renumeration package - £25K
• Multi-project management is something I can demonstrate to handle well. Being a disciplined and organised worker the concurrent modules I am undergoing in my degree act as perfect evidence of project management
• I can more than happily provide the capabilities they seek - XHTML and CSS being my key area of expertise and preference, backed up by a strong eye for design (required), utilising contemporary techniques within Photoshop or Illusrator (required)
• A strong attention to detail, which I enact, is good in a commercial environment - not missing any detail means clients requests are suitably catered for, whilst also meaning errors are limited, not wasting time, or money, alongside proving necessary for validation and accessibility (required) by being able to pinpoint solutions to problems

Disadvantages:

• Northampton would require a trek up and down the M1 everyday, so it would mean early starts and not getting home until early evening. However, being an organised individual means this isn't a problem, for example, getting up on time and being ready to leave