Interactive Storytelling
This course isn't just about one form of interactive design, it is about all forms of interactive storytelling and interactive design across different platforms and genres.
Mary Anne flashing peace signs while sitting cross legged on the original Route 66 highway, which is now closed to traffic.
Welcome
My name is Mary Anne Funk. You are welcome to call me Mary or Mary Anne, or if you prefer, Mrs. Funk.
I'm looking down the list of all of the students in the class so far and it is great seeing people I know from previous classes and seeing new names.
I am so happy you are all in this class and I am looking forward to being on this journey with you.
To help you learn more about this course, I've created an online syllabus for you to access before the quarter begins and to use throughout the term when you need to look back on it.
Mary Anne
Course Overview & Objectives
Course Description
This course introduces the principles of interactive storytelling for nonlinear media.
It includes an overview of basic storytelling principles and how they apply to static and dynamic narratives, and hands-on experience with interactive narrative drafting/prototyping tools.
We will analyze and evaluate user experience and other human factors to engage users.
Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
Learning Objectives
Define and compare the different ways that interactive stories structure their stories, focusing on narrative structure, linearity versus non-linearity, critical path versus optional content, and other conventions of interactive storytelling.
Apply the basic principles of storytelling in treatments, including plot structure, character development, exposition, dialogue, conflict and resolution.
Use industry-standard tools used to create interactive storytelling, including games, interactive digital stories, interactive design, interactive in-person experiences, virtual spaces, environmental storytelling and more.
Explore and engage with contemporary narrative prototyping and interactive media making tools.
Evaluate user experience and engagement using analytics, telemetry, heat maps, and other tools to understand the user experience and adapt the user journey based on the data acquired.
Learn about the role of accessibility in design
Examine and analyze universal design principles and universal design for interactive and immersive experiences.
Discuss, research, and analyze accessibility across interactive and immersive platforms.
Mary's Helpful Tips
Please know that I am here for you throughout the quarter. I am available to meet with you online via Zoom, Google Meets or in person, on our regular class days, before or after class as well as during office hours. Please don't hesitate to schedule one-on-one meetings with me using the calendly link on our homepage under my instructor information.
Preparing for success in the class:
To succeed in this class or any class, I recommend setting up a regular day and time on your calendar for working on lessons and assignments, using due dates and working your way backwards on your calendar schedule for when you will work on something so you can meet the deadlines.
When you plan your weekly schedule for this class to work on module lessons, don't forget to make note of your core project assignments.
Please don't underestimate the time you think this class and your project will take you. Additional time will not be given, so it is important for you to stay on top of what you need to do.
There are specific due dates. Make note of when things are due, create a calendar for yourself, note the due dates, and add tasks into your calendar for the project assignments and the weekly module lessons when they open to help you stay on time.
No matter what class you take or what type of project you work on, it does require a lot of self-discipline and a commitment to what you are doing. It is important to always hold yourself accountable to the goals you set out for yourself.
It is important to reach out to your instructor when you have questions about an activity, early enough to get help on it and to keep in touch with your instructor when you foresee something that will cause you to be late for an assignment.