As a MFADT grad from Parsons, I'll try to help a bit in response to question 3: (I'll let others take on the first two).
Classes in the Design and Technology program (now I think it's Communication Desgin & Technology from the new website http://cdt.parsons.edu/) are incredible and would definitely address your needs. ITP is cool but Parsons CDT is all about Total World Domination. You should have a look-see as to what's currently offered but the faculty and professors there are top notch so go talk with them and see what appeals to you. And most definitely hang out on the 10th floor and schmooze with students (undergrad and grad they all gather there) and get the inside goodies. You're definitely at the right place and after you've gotten your feet wet, think about transferring into the CDT undergrad program. You'll be glad you did. Best of luck and give my regards to the 10th floor! Jason Witenstein-Weaver -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Brian Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 10:32 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [IxDA Discuss] New to IXD, looking for some advice. Hi list, I just joined a couple of days ago, and I'm really glad I did. I love the in-depth conversations about all aspects of IXD. I have some observations and theories I'll be bringing up soon. Anyway, I'll try and make these questions as quick and concise as possible. I'm a 28 year old graphic designer with his associates from a community college in...graphic design. My current job (which I've held for about 5 years now) has been designing print catalog and flyer creation systems in Access/VBA/InDesign. (I've done some automation of page layout work here I'm really proud of.) About a year ago, I was trying to create an interface for one of my programs and I realized my "calling" is Interaction Design. Not having any real experience or formal study in IXD, I went back to school, hoping to get into NYU's independent study so I could take courses in their ITP grad program. As a backup, I applied to the program that looked like it would get me my bachelors the quickest: an independent study, liberal arts program at the New School in NYC. That's where I ended up and I'm in my first semester at the New School, taking 3 classes there. That's where I am. These are my questions: 1. (I realize this is somewhat similar to the freelance question asked a couple of days ago, but while those answers were helpful they weren't quite for me.) I am getting ready to move on at my job. However, I realize that I am in no way ready to take on an IXD job. At least not at a level comparable to my current salary. Every IXD ad has requirements of 6-9 years experience/degree in IXD, etc. How do I get a low-level, possibly part-time start? If I weren't supporting myself, I'd apply for an internship but I can't spare that time. 2. How can I document my interfaces in my portfolio? It seems like it would require screen shots with heavy notation and a long summary of the background of the system. Also, it's done in Access so while the interface is decent looking, I was severely limited in the form creation and so, all of the "quality" is in the behavior. 3. I'm unsure if my school will have the proper courses. I'm somewhat on my own for picking classes; when I spoke with my adviser, he just pointed me toward the psychology classes. I will (in theory) be able to take courses at Parsons School of Design (part of New School), but I can't yet. I'd love to hear some advice on what classes gave you the theoretical background you reference on a day-to-day basis. I'm more worried about not knowing the concepts than scrambling to learn a new technology. Thanks for all your suggestions! Brian Carter ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] List Guidelines ............ http://beta.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://beta.ixda.org/help Unsubscribe ................ http://beta.ixda.org/unsubscribe Questions .................. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Home ....................... http://beta.ixda.org ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] List Guidelines ............ http://beta.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://beta.ixda.org/help Unsubscribe ................ http://beta.ixda.org/unsubscribe Questions .................. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Home ....................... http://beta.ixda.org
