Module: CCO5102-20 - Smartphone Apps

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Ron Herrema

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.herrema@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module introduces smartphone app development within the context of Creative Computing. Using current app development IDEs and languages, you draw on knowledge gained across Creative Computing to implement projects that manage user input and present rich, interactive media. Smartphone Apps introduces key aspects of the smartphone development pipeline including event handling, layouts, media playback, data storage and notifications to create prototype utility apps, games and other creative experiences. Themes of experience design and user testing are also engaged.

Beyond technical skills, you learn about the wider opportunities that mobile media presents. Such opportunities derive from advances in, for instance, location awareness, context awareness and augmented reality.

2. Outline syllabus:

Topics covered in Smartphone Apps include:

• Integrated Development Environments (IDE)

• User interface (UI) and User experience (UX) for mobile media

• Event handling

• Gestures

• Layouts and device rotation

• Menus

• Video and audio

• Data storage

• Application Lifecycle

• Notifications

• Design best practices

• Designing for multiple device types

• Testing

• App deployment

• Agile development practice

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Class Hours

Smartphone Apps is a workshop-led module. You are guided through the mobile app development pipeline via tutor demonstrations, coding challenges and mini projects. A suite of Minerva resources support in-class learning. These include written documentation, code snippets and links to tutorial videos.

Independent Learning

Smartphone app development is an extensive topic that this module can only scratch the surface of. We encourage you to conduct your own research into this exciting area of digital creativity beyond class hours. Establish a prototyping setup at home, follow tutorial videos, experiment with new techniques and have fun.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: App Review

• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Projects Collection; supporting by a 1000 word contextualising commentary

• % Weighting: 80%