Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - CMPT 469 D100

Special Topics in Computer Graphics (3)

Interactive Prototyping

Class Number: 4918

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 361 with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Current topics in computer graphics depending on faculty and student interest.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:
This course introduces students to interactive prototyping by guiding them through various tools and techniques for developing a prototype for their projects. Students will learn how to employ design thinking while engaging in an end-to-end project starting from gathering requirements and using low-fidelity techniques like sketching, storyboarding, and wireframing to explore a broad range of design solutions. Furthermore, students will learn to refine the initial design solutions into medium-fidelity prototypes to gather feedback and refine them into high-fidelity interactive prototypes for mobile, web, or other interactive platforms. Finally, students will learn to test their ideas with end-users in different scenarios, preparing them for real-world applications or further study. The course includes graded in-class activities, individual assignments, and a group project. 

Course Topics:

  • Fundamentals: Design Thinking, Sketching, and Ideation
  • Exploration of Interface Types (e.g., mobile, web, ubiquitous)
  • Medium Fidelity Prototyping + Interactivity
  • Evaluating interfaces: heuristic evaluation + usability testing
  • UI design patterns + Dark Patterns



COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Course Goals:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  • Understand the principles of user-centered design
  • Describe and assess the techniques for designing interactive user interfaces
  • Apply a variety of interactive prototyping methods to build user-centered interfaces
  • Evaluate the design ideas and usability of prototypes at various levels of fidelity

Grading

NOTES:

The Grading Scheme will be shared in the first week of class.

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.