Interactive Media Design

Pablo

Why did you choose to study IMD at Dundee?

A drastic change of heart from Engineering caused me to reevaluate my interests. I have a huge interest in the way things work and how to make things better. IMD just fits!

Tell me about your projects 

Working with my friend Finch, our concept for the project linked urban order and rural chaos. We recorded interviews with different people and developed design boards and a website that was entirely client side, relied heavily on CSS and the principles of good design. It brought the three modules we study together.

What was the most important thing you learned?

The IMD Modules challenge the way I think about the everyday, and has opened my mind to design thinking. It encourages you to look at everything in a new light. The Computing Modules have developed my personal interest in all things techie. I’ve made some serious improvements by developing good coding practices and techniques. Design Studies is very team based. It has changed the way I deal with other designers and professionals. Something, which is important no matter what discipline you are involved in.

So, what next?

For the time being I'm letting myself get carried away in the highs and lows of the now. Before I know it I'll be thrown in the deep end. I plan on swimming.

www.hellopablo.co.uk/uni/masham/

Alison and Shaun

Why did you choose to study IMD at Dundee?

Alison: It seemed like the perfect blend of art and design and technology.  Dundee is a lot of fun!  

Shaun:  Wanted to do a digital media course that was not pretentious, and was won over by the great kit!

Tell me about the Moli Project

Oh... err... we started with just us 2, but in creating the final design, we collaborated with Textile Designers, Product Designers, Programmers, and lots more. Stressful, but a lot of fun!

We created a 1930's interpretation of a 'portable communications device', with a user guide,  'surviving archive video' and 'one great image', which put the object in context (well proud of this one).

I ended up on Radio Scotland, which was scary. We appeared on we-make-money-not-art, then we were on the BBC website, WIRED.com and Core77. After that our website count rocketed to a hit every 15 seconds.

What was the most important thing you learned?

Shaun: Working within a group of other students and crafting the physical aspects of interaction design. Plus, the importance of fun whilst working.

So what next?

Alison: Trying to incorporate all my experience to create a project, to represent me at my degree show.  We now have to think about where our place is in the business world, and how our knowledge can equip us for the rest of our lives.  Gulp.

imd.dundee.ac.uk/moli/

Ryan, Ian and Jamie

Why did you choose to study Interactive Media Design at Dundee?

Ian: I looked around, and Dundee was un-matched for high-quality equipment and dedicated working space.

Jamie: IMD gives you the opportunity to work in a studio with close friends and have guidance from industry-experienced tutors.

Tell me about the Phone| Not Phone Project.

Ryan: We made a working prototype of our m:ssage product. Which was made up of a carved wooden shell, backlit acrylic logo and a programmed circuit running off a battery. As an extra curricular activity we put on an exhibition and made a website. Then the day after the exhibition we had a mention in the press and on the bbc website. Consequently we took 20,000 hits to the site in a day and we had several offers by email to distribute our products! Our work made appearances in several other technology blogs. Ian did a radio interview for the BFBS radio for their technology slot. It felt like a great way to celebrate our hard work, when so many people worldwide showed their appreciation.

What was the most important thing you learned?

Ryan: The art of compromise. Not everything can turn out how you want it, but sometimes,  there is a better way to do it anyway. Delegation is something that’s essential when working to a deadline. If people are given tasks that suit their background or skill base, then it makes life a lot easier.

So, what next?

Jamie: In the design industry it is important to have a strong design portfolio, so I’m working on that.

Ian: Yes, I would like my work to be considered as professional quality by respected designers.

Ryan: I am looking to set up a small web-design business now, but for this semester, just want to broaden my skill range with some new software.

imd.dundee.ac.uk/phonenotphone/

Jenny

Why did you choose to study Interactive Media Design at Dundee?

I chose Interactive Media Design because it looked like a fun and very practical course that explored various types of design.  Unlike other courses I had looked at IMD was the only one that looked like you didn’t need to spend all your time writing essays.

Tell me about your final year project

For my final project I produced an interactive nuisance noise awareness campaign. The idea behind the campaign was to create a buzz feeling within the community and get them talking about nuisance noise.  The campaign consisted of the Noise Bomb, Noise Poster and Campaign Website.

I ended up on Radio Scotland then I was interviewed for T.V. by BBC Reporting Scotland. It was great for me… for IMD… for everyone really ;)

What was the most important thing you learned?

The most important skill I learned was to be more confident with my ideas and designs.

So, what next?

I’m now planning to find a job within the design industry. At the moment I have placements with advertising and graphic agencies.

www.jennykelloe.co.uk

Andrew

Why did you choose to study Interactive Media Design at Dundee?

To be perfectly honest, I fell into IMD by accident. I'd taken science and maths A-levels, but realised that my heart really lay in design. IMD was one of the only courses that I could get onto without an art/design qualification and still go to art college. This was a very lucky accident.

What was the most important thing you learned?

IMD turned me into a designer; I learned a raft of practical skills over my four years, but the most important thing that I've gained from IMD is that shift in attitude and outlook that only comes from immersion in a culture for an extended period.

Tell me about your final year project.

For my final year project, I looked at performance of electronic music, and how boring watching a man 'play' a laptop is. I ended up creating a series of musical objects that created music in reaction to more natural musical interactions. The playable branch was one highlight, as was smashing up a T.V. with a baseball bat.

So, what next?

I liked IMD so much, I vowed never to leave, ever. So I'm continuing my final year research with a PhD at Dundee under the supervision of Graham Pullin, one of the IMD lecturers.

imd.dundee.ac.uk/sixspeakingchairs