Summer 2025
I363/I590: Visual Design for the Web

• Course Dates: First 6-week Session | May 13, 2025 — June 20, 2025
• Course Delivery: Web/online, asynchronous, 6-weeks, weekly modules with set deadlines

I-363/I-590 is an asynchronous, online, 6-week course, where you will learn about Visual Communication for the Web.

• The class is self-paced with a series of lectures, readings, discussions, and assignments you need to watch/read and complete. 
• You will submit these in Canvas, all with set submission deadlines throughout the class duration.
• If you have a Question, please go to Inscribe and post it on the Inscribe dashboard.
• We do not use the Canvas Messenger, so please avoid contacting us there. Please use Inscribe instead.

Please do these things first:

• Go to the Getting Started Module and work through all items and each page,  in a sequence.
• You must complete all items by marking them as done to proceed to the Week 1 Materials. 

Questions? Go to Inscribe: https://iu.instructure.com/courses/2234349/external_tools/468604

Your Instructors

Jenny El-Shamy, Senior Lecturer, Department of Informatics
E-mail: jelshamy@iu.edu
Office Hours: Tuesdays 10am-11am on Zoom and/or by appointment. E-mail me to arrange a time: jelshamy@iu.edu. Zoom: https://iu.zoom.us/my/jennyelshamy 

Samiksha Pawar, Associate Instructor
E-mail: sampawar@iu.edu
Zoom Office Hours: by appointment. E-mail me to arrange a time.
Zoom Link: https://iu.zoom.us/my/samikshapawar

Namrata Dharmadhikari, Associate Instructor
E-mail: namdharm@iu.edu
Zoom Office Hours: by appointment. E-mail me to arrange a time.
Zoom Link: https://iu.zoom.us/j/2732728729?pwd=JAG9X2asqKx05qPGb1TAYNa7TfAxUc.1

Contact Us

You can reach out to us in many different ways. 

• Please post any class-related, non-personal questions on Inscribe
• We do not use Canvas messenger/inbox.
• If you have a matter of personal nature, feel free to email us directly or come to an office hour (see above for office hours and emails)

 Course Format

This class is asynchronous and self-paced with set submission deadlines throughout the class duration. If you are sick, it is your responsibility to review the missed materials, hand in your assignments, and reach out to the instructional team if necessary. This course is divided into 6 weeks, as listed in the Modules tool in Canvas. Each week will include Lectures and Assignment Introductions to watch and review, Readings and Discussions, and Assignments.

Modules will unlock on the Friday before each week begins for students who want to get started over the weekends.

 Course Description

Visual design for the web is the process of creating the aesthetics and visual elements of a website or web application. It involves a variety of design principles such as layout, imagery, colors, typography, and user interface (UI) elements to construct a user-friendly and visually engaging online experience. Visual design is important because it directly affects how users perceive and interact with a website. Effective visual design enhancing user experience, usability, and accessibility. Designers need to consider factors like user behavior, cognitive psychology, and the goals of the website to create a design that not only looks good but also effectively communicates the intended message and provides a positive user experience.

In this project-based introduction course, we will explore the principles of visual design through a series of lectures, readings, in-class activities, creative projects, and Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop training. Students will learn about color theory, grid systems, logo design, perception, balance, line, repetition, composition, branding and Gestalt principles, and apply these principles to screen-based user interfaces.

Students will learn how to evaluate visual design, how to take better photographs, how to select content, how to edit and manipulate images, how to create basic geometric illustrations, and original digital designs. In the final project, students apply these collective skills and concepts to create a brand and web interface design.

 Learning Outcomes

After this course, you will be able to:

• Identify and apply visual components and design principles
• Analyze a photograph based on both quality and appropriateness
• Optimize and crop a photograph using Photoshop
• Make informed photographic decisions to compose better images
• Create illustrations within Adobe Illustrator using various tools and techniques
• Apply color theory and typographic principles to digital designs
• Compose a visual design layout using a grid system or modular components
• Sketch designs for interfaces, paying attention to the overall visual design and interface usability

 Course Requirements

You will need the following in order to participate in this course:

• Computer or tablet; 
• Reliable internet connection;
• Access to IU granted software offered via IUWare -- or similar level software that allows students to complete their Individual Projects
• Access to Canvas using a supported web browser.
• There are no required textbooks for this course.

IU has partnered with LinkedIn Learning to provide current IU staff, faculty, and students with access to an online library of more than 15,000 expert-led video tutorials and courses. Expand and improve your business, technology, and creative skills on your schedule, from any device, anywhere!

For additional help with technical issues:

• University Information Technology Services (UITS) (human support)
• IU Knowledge Base (IUKB) (guides)
• IUware (download free software)

 Units

The course material is divided into 3 Units:

Unit 1: Introduction to Visual Design + Imaging (Photoshop)
Unit 2: Foundations and Principles of Visual Design 
Unit 3: User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Branding, and Web/Screen Applications

 Assignments

This class does not have a final exam.
*The instructor reserves the right to change assignments dates as deemed necessary. Students will be given advanced notice.

 Learning Assessment and Grading

This course is divided into Modules: 

• In the Summer class, each module represents approximately 2 weeks of the regular 16-week semester class.
• Each module may include:
• Lecture material for you to read, watch, and/or explore
• Weekly discussions
• Assignments
• Occasional extra credit opportunities

You will need to put in consistent effort throughout the entire 6 weeks. You will need to engage and demonstrate active learning, not passive absorption.

Assignments should be submitted via Canvas unless otherwise specified. It is your responsibility to check the work that you submit. Only the work you submit to Canvas within the assignment window will be graded.

How Will I Know How I’m Doing in This Course? Grades will be posted in Canvas approximately 1-2 weeks after the due date. Since Canvas keeps track of all of your grades, you can always calculate your current course grade. Please contact your AI if you need assistance.

 Grading Scale

**The instructor reserves the right to change assignments, as deemed necessary. Students will be given advanced notice.

 Course Policies and Resources

Late Work

• Please submit your assignments to Canvas by 11:59pm on the day the assignment is due.
• I will accept late work* within 24 hours (1 day) past the due date, with no penalty.
• Late work submitted beyond the 24-hour grace period is eligible for half-credit.
• *No Late Work will be Accepted for Project 4.

Accommodations
Our aim is to create an inclusive learning environment where everyone feels welcome, and equal learning opportunities are provided. I care about your success, so if you need assistance please contact me at jelshamy@indiana.edu. 

If you have a documented disability and require accommodations for this course, please let me know during the first week of the course so we can collaboratively design a solution to support your success.

Students requiring accommodation requests should work with Accessible Educational Services (AES).

Eigenmann Hall #0011
900 E 10th St.
Office hours: Monday—Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 812-855-7578
Email: iubaes@iu.edu

https://studentaffairs.indiana.edu/student-support/iub-aes/index.htmlLinks to an external site.

Note that services are confidential, may take time to put into place, and are not retroactive. Please contact the campus office as soon as possible to ensure the proper accommodations are available. 

Service Animals at IU

Service animals are welcome in the classroom. Students with emotional support animals should contact the Office of Disability Services for Students (DSS) for assessment and guidance.

What’s the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal? If the service animal’s (dog or miniature horse) mere presence provides comfort, it is not a service animal under the ADA. But if the dog is trained to perform a task related to a person’s disability, it is a service animal under the ADA. For example, if the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and take a specific action to help avoid the attack or lessen its impact, the dog is a service animal.

For more information see IU Service Animals on CampusLinks to an external site. or ADA Frequently Asked Questions about Service AnimalsLinks to an external site.

Online Classroom Conduct

“Be excellent to each other. Look out for your classmates. Be self-aware. Make sure you are allowing other people space to speak. Be intellectually generous to each other. We are here to learn together. For our discussion to be open and engaged, everyone needs to know that they will be heard by a respectful audience. When you encounter disagreement and confusion, work through it together in a cooperative and respectful fashion.” (©Jacob BossLinks to an external site.).

Our learning community can expect me to:

• Acknowledge the diversity of student experiences and the larger world. 
• Strive to create a safe teaching environment where all students feel like they belong.
• Create engaging learning experiences by using a variety of instructional strategies that are active and collaborative.
• Support diverse learning styles and ensure that everyone can be successful: clarity, transparency, and accessibility are prioritized in all communication and course materials. 
• Offer flexibility policies to help students meet their academic, familial, personal, and employment needs.
• Connect students to services and resources at IU that support them academically, personally, mentally, and physically (*see tables).

Our learning community can expect you to: 

• Take your peers’ ideas seriously and recognize that many points of view can co-exist.
• Ask clarifying questions rather than making assumptions.
• Strive for responsible communication when encountering differences, disagreements, and challenges in our class-wide discussions and small-group projects. 
• Hold an open mind to growth and learning, including a willingness to make mistakes and take risks in the process. 

Email Etiquette

Please give us at least 2 days to reply to your emails, and we will do the same for you. We do not respond to emails on Saturday or Sunday.  Please put the course number in the subject line and remember to sign your email with your name.  We expect the language and structure of your emails to be professional. This includes punctuation, salutations/signature, etc. Thank you in advance for following these guidelines.

Grade Review

If you have questions about the grade you earned you should contact the instructional team in person. Please be aware that a grade review may result in the grade you earned staying the same, increasing, or decreasing.

The Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering follows the official grading system of Indiana University. For more information see the Informatics Bulletin Grading PoliciesLinks to an external site.

Incomplete Grade

In accordance with IU policy ACA-66Links to an external site., an “I” will “be assigned to a student who, in the judgment of the instructor, has performed at a satisfactory level during a majority of the course but has not completed all the required work by the end of the term due to hardship or other good cause that the instructor deems would make it unjust to penalize that student for not completing the required work on time.”

Student Support

The Dean of Students Office provides wide-ranging support to all students in times of challenge, crisis, or when faced with concerns and struggles. Please ask for help!

https://studentaffairs.indiana.edu/dean-students/index.shtmlLinks to an external site.

Withdrawal 

The final date to drop the course with a W will follow the official Registrar calendar for the university. After that date, a student may withdraw only with the permission of his or her dean. This approval is normally only for urgent reasons related to extended illness or equivalent distress.

Crisis Line Information

• 24/7 Crisis line: 812-855-5711, option 1
• Also offering telehealth services, to schedule, call 812-855-7688.
• 24/7 Trevor Project Crisis Line (LGBTQ support), call 1–866-488-7386, text ‘start’ to 678-678, or chat online, thetrevorproject.org
• 24/7 Crisis Line – 1-800-832-5442
• Also offering intakes, therapy and such via telehealth. Call 812-339-1691 to schedule.
• IU CAPS  812-855-5711
• Centerstone Crisis Line - (800) 832-5442
• National Text Crisis Line 24/7 – 741-741
• Go to the nearest ER or call 911

Student Support Services (academic, personal, mental, and physical)

TIMELY CARELinks to an external site.. Indiana University has partnered with TimelyCare to provide free, 24/7 virtual mental health support to IU students through the TimelyCare platform, which is designed for college students.

Indiana students have FREE, 24/7 access to virtual care services with TimelyCare — the virtual health and well-being platform from TimelyCare, designed for college students. Students do not need insurance to access TimelyCare services.

Visit the TimelyCare website HERELinks to an external site.. https://www.iu.edu/mental-health/find-resources/timely-care.html

Links to an external site.

CARE REFERRAL. GET HELP FOR YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSELinks to an external site.. A Care Referral is another easy way to request help with an issue or concern, especially if you do not know which office or department to contact. Submit a Care Referral for yourself or another person related to academic/administrative, personal, health/wellness, behavioral, or bias issues. 

812-856-CARE (2273)
dsacare@indiana.edu

COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICESLinks to an external site. (CAPS). It doesn’t matter whether you’re having a serious mental health crisis or you just want to discuss a problem with someone–CAPS will customize your care to your situation.

Call to schedule appointment. After hours? Select option 1 for 24/7 crisis line. 

812-855-5711
IU Student Health Center
600 N. Eagleson Ave., 4th Floor 

GENDER-AFFIRMING MEDICAL AND COUNSELING SERVICESLinks to an external site.. The Gender-Affirming Care Team helps create an inclusive environment at IU Student Health and provides specialty care for more diverse and LGBTQ+ students. A name and pronoun form allows you to list your chosen name after dead (or legal) names. If you are not comfortable with this or experience problems, you can contact the care team at 812-955-6511 to talk to someone who can help best meet your needs. 

812-855-5002 (to schedule appointment)
IU Student Health Center
600 N. Eagleson Ave.

FOOD INSECURITY RESOURCESLinks to an external site.. If you are struggling with hunger, IU has resources that can help.

• Shop at Crimson CupboardLinks to an external site. for free, healthy food. They will never ask for financial information.
• Request Meal PointsLinks to an external site. to get food immediately. For use at McNutt or Forest Eateries.
• Submit a Care Referral Links to an external site.for yourself or someone else to find extra help
• Fight Food InsecurityLinks to an external site.: Donate your meal points directly to fellow students experiencing food insecurity.

Crimson Cupboard: 812-855-1924
Main Location: Campus View Apartments, 800 N. Union St. 
Satellite Location: Indiana Memorial Union, 900 E. 7th St., next to Biddle Hotel Lobby

THE COLLEGIATE RECOVERY COMMUNITYLinks to an external site.. The Collegiate Recovery Community at IU is dedicated to supporting students in recovery. They offer connections and referrals to local and campus resources, a supportive community for students seeking or maintaining recovery, a sober space for students to spend time and feel supported, sober events and activities for students, and other recovery, academic, and social supports. 

812-856-3898 
crcs@indiana.edu 
506 N. Fess

STUDENT ADVOCATES OFFICELinks to an external site.. Student advocates are retired IU faculty and staff members who volunteer their time and expertise to assist students in resolving academic, financial, and conduct problems. No matter what your situation is, Student Advocates are here to listen nonjudgmentally, provide unconditional support, and help you resolve problems so you can successfully maintain progress towards your degree.

812-855-0761
Eigenmann Hall West 225 1900 E. Tenth St.
General Inquiries: advocate@indiana.edu 
Emergency Funding Inquiries: emrgfund@iu.edu  

 University Policy, Services, + General Information

Academic Integrity: As a student at IU, you are expected to adhere to the standards detailed in the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct (Links to an external site.) (Code). Academic misconduct is defined as any activity that tends to undermine the academic integrity of the institution. Violations include cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, interference, violation of course rules, and facilitating academic dishonesty. When you submit an assignment with your name on it, you are signifying that the work contained therein is yours, unless otherwise cited or referenced. Any ideas or materials taken from another source for either written or oral use must be fully acknowledged. All suspected violations of the Code will be reported to the Dean of Students (Office of Student Conduct) and handled according to University policies. Sanctions for academic misconduct may include a failing grade on the assignment, a reduction in your final course grade, and a failing grade in the course, among other possibilities. If you are unsure about the expectations for completing an assignment or taking a test or exam, be sure to seek clarification from your instructor in advance.

This syllabus, nor course, reviews the entire university policy on academic honesty; it is the responsibility of the student to be cognizant of and adhere to all requirements in the code.

Familiarize yourself with and follow University Policy.
Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, & Conduct: Indiana University (iu.edu)
Links to an external site.

I will respond to acts of academic misconduct according to university policy concerning plagiarism; sanctions for plagiarism can include a grade of F for the assignment in question and/or for the course and must include a report to the Dean of Students Office. 

Adaptive Technology ServicesLinks to an external site.
Herman B Wells Library Media Reserve Center
(812) 856-4112

Student Academic CenterLinks to an external site.
316 N. Jordan
(812) 855-7313

Writing Tutorial Services:Links to an external site. For free help at any phase of the writing process—from brainstorming to polishing the final draft—call Writing Tutorial Services (WTS, pronounced “wits”) at 855-6738 for an appointment. When you visit WTS, you’ll find a tutor who is a sympathetic and helpful reader of your prose. To be assured of an appointment with the tutor who will know most about your class, please call in advance. WTS, in the Information Commons on the first floor of the Wells Library, is open Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-in tutorials are available when WTS has an opening, but the appointment book often fills in advance. WTS tutors are also available for walk-in tutorials (only) in the Academic Support Centers in Briscoe, Forest, and Teter residence halls, open Sunday-Thursday 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

English: If English is not your native language or you are otherwise shy about speaking in class, please do not worry. You will not be penalized in any way for making contributions to the class in less than perfect English or for taking time to compose your answers. The instructor will frequently emphasize to the class the need for all of us to be supportive of each other when it comes to contributing to the discussions. There is no need to feel rushed when responding to questions in class—an important part of the class is the construction of a feeling of community with the faculty, the AIs, and your peers. You are encouraged to utilize the free writing tutorial service provided by the university. You can learn more about it at http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/Links to an external site.

Bias-Based Incident Reporting: Bias-based incident reports can be made by students, faculty, and staff. Any act of discrimination or harassment based on race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability can be reported through any of the options:
1) fill out an online report at https://reportincident.iu.edu/Links to an external site.
2) email biasincident@indiana.edu
3) call the Dean of Students Office at (812) 855-8187.

Reports can be made anonymously at https://reportincident.iu.eduLinks to an external site.

Counseling and Psychological ServicesLinks to an external site.. For information about services offered to students by CAPS, please visit their websiteLinks to an external site..

Accessible Educational Services: Accessible Educational Services (AES) is dedicated to ensuring that students with qualifying medical conditions, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have the tools, support services, and resources that allow equal access and reasonable accessibility measures (accommodations) to be successful at Indiana University Bloomington.

We work with you and appropriate university personnel to offer equal access to learning, educate the IU Bloomington community about diversity and inclusion, and link you to essential resources for success.

Eigenmann Hall #001
1900 E 10th St.
Office hours: Monday—Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 812-855-7578
Email: iubaes@iu.edu

https://studentaffairs.indiana.edu/student-support/iub-aes/index.htmlLinks to an external site.

Title IX and IU’s Sexual Misconduct Policy: As your instructor, one of my responsibilities is to create a positive learning environment for all students. IU policy prohibits sexual misconduct in any form, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation, and dating and domestic violence. If you have experienced sexual misconduct, or know someone who has, the University can help. If you are seeking help and would like to speak to someone confidentially, you can make an appointment with the IU Sexual Assault Crisis Services at (812) 855-5711, or contact a Confidential Victim Advocate at (812) 856-2469 or cva@indiana.edu.

It is also important that you know that University policy requires me to share certain information brought to my attention about potential sexual misconduct, with the campus Deputy Sexual Misconduct & Title IX Coordinator or the University Sexual Misconduct & Title IX Coordinator. In that event, those individuals will work to ensure that appropriate measures are taken and resources are made available. Protecting student privacy is of utmost concern, and information will only be shared with those that need to know to ensure the University can respond and assist. I encourage you to visit http://stopsexualviolence.iu.edu/index.html to learn more.