CROSS-MEDIA DESIGN: COURSE SYLLABUS & RUBRIC

Term: Fall 2026 | Duration: 15 Weeks (Live Interactive) | Level: Beginner to Advanced Portfolio Level

COURSE OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

An interdisciplinary program combining graphic design, UI/UX prototyping, motion graphics, and multi-platform visual storytelling. Students learn to build cohesive brand identity systems and responsive digital experiences.

By the end of this course, students will:

• Master grid design systems, typography hierarchy, and visual branding across print and digital media.

• Create interactive UI/UX prototypes and kinetic motion graphics for modern web/mobile apps.

• Deliver a multi-disciplinary design case study for top design school admissions (e.g., RISD, ArtCenter, Carnegie Mellon).

🛠️ REQUIRED SOFTWARE & HARDWARE

• Software: Figma, Adobe Illustrator, After Effects, Photoshop (Software onboarding provided in Week 1).

• Hardware: PC / Mac computer (Drawing tablet optional).

📅 15-WEEK DETAILED CURRICULUM

• MODULE 1: BRAND IDENTITY & TYPOGRAPHY SYSTEMS (WEEKS 1–3)

  • Week 1: Design research, brand strategy, mood boards, and target audience persona.

  • Week 2: Typography hierarchy, font pairing, and custom logo vector design.

  • Week 3: Grid systems, color palette architecture, and visual style guides.

• MODULE 2: UI/UX & INTERACTIVE PROTOTYPING (WEEKS 4–7)

  • Week 4: User journey mapping, information architecture, and low-fi wireframing.

  • Week 5: Figma component systems, auto-layout, and high-fidelity interface design.

  • Week 6: Interactive prototyping, micro-interactions, and usability testing.

  • Week 7: Responsive design adaptation across desktop, mobile, and web interfaces.

• MODULE 3: MOTION GRAPHICS & MULTI-PLATFORM (WEEKS 8–11)

  • Week 8: Keyframe animation in After Effects, kinetic typography, and motion logo reveals.

  • Week 9: UI motion design—smooth page transitions and animated vector iconography.

  • Week 10: Cross-platform campaign assets (social media graphics, digital posters, packaging mockups).

  • Week 11: Mid-Semester Case Study Audit & 1-on-1 design critique.

• MODULE 4: DOCUMENTATION & CASE STUDY (WEEKS 12–15)

  • Week 12: High-resolution product mockups, 3D brand asset placement, and photo integration.

  • Week 13: Structuring the Behance/SlideRoom design case study—rationale, process, and deliverables.

  • Week 14: Portfolio presentation slide formatting and design essay writing.

  • Week 15: Final Showcase: Multi-Disciplinary Design Case Study presentation.

📊 DETAILED ASSESSMENT RUBRIC (100 POINTS)

Evaluation Criteria

Point Value

Performance Expectations

1. Systemic Thinking & Branding

30 Points

Demonstrates cohesive visual identity, strong typography hierarchy, and clear brand logic across platforms.

2. UI/UX Execution & Usability

25 Points

Clean interface layout, intuitive user flow, responsive alignment, and functional Figma prototypes.

3. Motion Graphics & Visual Polish

20 Points

Smooth animation easing, crisp graphic transitions, high-res mockups, and refined aesthetic quality.

4. Process & Research

15 Points

Thorough design research, wireframe iterations, user testing notes, and documented process steps.

5. Case Study Presentation

10 Points

Professional layout slides, articulate design rationale, and clear project presentation.

🏆 GRADING SYSTEM

• A (90–100 pts): Exceptional Mastery — Portfolio ready for top university design programs.

• B (80–89 pts): Proficient — Strong execution across media; minor typography or prototyping polish suggested.

• C (70–79 pts): Developing — Understands core layout principles; needs practice on system consistency.