Module: CCO7003-30 Digital Storytelling

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Lee Scott

Module Tutor Contact Details: l.scott@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

Digital Storytelling interrogates conceptual and technical approaches to delivering compelling non-linear narratives within contexts such as entertainment, persuasion or education. Narratives may take a variety of forms including animation, games or web-based storytelling, yet all strive to be at some level interactive and emotionally engaging for a specific target audience.

During the module you work with a variety of computing tools and digital media to compile interactive stories that capitalise on, or address creatively, the opportunities, trends and challenges of a given emerging market. Outputs therefore may be commercial in intention or devised to meet an arising social need, but in either case must be innovative in design and method of user engagement.

A unique component of Digital Storytelling is its reliance on interdisciplinary working. You co-create with media-makers from disciplines outside of Creative Computing to enhance the quality of outputs, and as such form strategies for working in teams productively and extracting value from collaborators. In addition, you present prototype artefacts to a target audience to evaluate enjoyment, usability and potential commercial or social impact. During this process, you learn how to prepare and conduct insight sessions (e.g. focus groups), as well as apply methods of documenting and communicating responses for stakeholder review.

2.Outline syllabus

• Conceptual approaches to non-linear narratives and storytelling.
• Models of co-creative and interdisciplinary working.
• Target market research, including opportunity and needs analysis.
• Tool identification, appraisal and selection.
• Experimental prototype building.
• Product evaluation and insight generation.

3.Teaching and learning activities

Class Hours:

Digital Storytelling is delivered as a series of workshops. The majority of your time is spent forming and critiquing ideas, developing prototypes, and testing outputs with collaborators under the supervision of tutors. Sessions also include seminar components that review co-working practices, discuss strategies for market research and evaluate approaches to product evaluation.

Independent Learning:

Compelling outputs require iteration and refinement outside of class hours. You are therefore expected to meet regularly with your collaborators to review progress and assign work packages, as well as to prepare pitches and plan evaluation activities.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Project pitch.
• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Prototype artifact with supporting documentation.
• % Weighting: 80%