Welcome to DSGN 1000, Digital tools for Designing. This web site is the main location for class content, assignments and other information. If you wish to contact me, please send me a Slack direct message, or email. I can be reached at: or rcurrie@me.com or rcurrie@nscad.ca
-Robert Currie.
Communication is critical. Make sure to:
Download the official description PDF for this class in Adobe PDF format. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed on your computer to view these files.
Machine learning and artificial intelligence tools (such as ChatGPT, dall-e, midjourney, and many others) are evolving rapidly. These tools generate text, images or other media by recombining elements of existing works. These may be websites, apps, or features within applications, such as Adobe's "generative" features.
The NSCAD Academic Integrity policy is clear. Use of such tools without fully crediting the source is a violation of NSCAD's plagiarism policy. Punishments range up to a mark of zero for the assignment, failing the course or expulsion from NSCAD.
Credit is only given for work that you have created yourself.
Each assignment will have clear rules for use of media and citations. Ask if you have any questions, and keep in mind the basic rule: all work you submit must be your own, unless the assignment includes clear written instructions stating otherwise.
Your mark in this class is based on grades in several categories. Category weights are below:
| Assignments: | 50% |
| Quizzes: | 10% |
| Written assignment: | 15% |
| In-class practical assignment: | 15% |
| Class Participation: | 10% |
The only thing you will need for this class is a USB flash drive to store files. You can use a drive you already own and use for other school or personal files. I will not be collecting these USB drives so you will always have access to the files.
You do not need to have a computer for this class, but you may choose to use your own. This can be a Mac or a Windows PC, but please note that for higher level classes (at the 2000 level and above) in design, a reasonably powerful Mac laptop is strongly encouraged. See the HSELS policy attched to this outline.
If you choose to use your own computer, rather than the NSCAD lab computers, you are 100% responsible for it being usable. In case of problems with your own computer, you are required to use the NSCAD computers to complete all work. Problems with personally-owned computers are not an excuse for submitting incomplete or late work.
If you are using the lab computers, make sure to check opening hours for labs; note that not all software is installed on all computers.
If you use your own computer, you will need to pay for and install the education version of the Adobe CC suite for the duration of the class. Detail on how to do this will be sent as part of the class introduction process.
You will need a reliable internet connection. If your internet connection is restricted in any way (such as some websites being blocked) it may be difficult or impossible for you to access some course materials.
There will be some additional free software you will need to install on your computer (details will be provided later)so you will need the ability in install programs on the computer you are using.
You can find the minimum requirements for Macs and PCs here: https://helpx.adobe.com/ca/illustrator/system-requirements.html
If you have a computer already and it meets the minimum requirements, you can use that existing computer for this class.
If you are considering buying a new computer you may want to review this policy, which sets out the requirements for a computer for design courses at the 2000 level and above. It does not apply to this 1000 level class.
Make sure file extensions are visible. You want to make sure you can see the complete file names. Both macOS and Windows default to hiding some or all file extensions, the last few characters after the final . in file names, like .psd or .docx. Not having these visible will cause problems. To change this on the Mac, look here. To change this setting on Windows, look here.
Download Basic Computers handout in Acrobat PDF format PDF
If you have a Halifax Public Library login (not NSCAD University) you can access a large library of high-quality video tutorials for free. To do this you will need to apply online - it only takes a few minutes and your library login will be sent to you by email. You will need a Nova Scotia address to get a library card.