Outline

Overview

This unit introduces students to the web technologies they will need to design and prototype web-based user interfaces. In this unit students will prototype screen-based designs using scripting and markup languages such as HTML, CSS. This unit provides foundational skills in web-design that can be used to implement and communicate design ideas using various media and platforms, such as desktop computers and mobile devices. On completion of this subject students will be able to program dynamic web-based user interfaces and interactive designs. Students will engage with principles of web layout and common design patterns used in web-based interfaces.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Design Lab
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	DECO1012
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Joel Flanagan, joel.flanagan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	[A1] Weekly Lecture Quizzes Weekly quizzes assessing the topics covered in lecture videos.	20%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes each	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	[A2] Coding Challenges Code Submissions	10%	Multiple weeks	To be completed within 2 hour workshops.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	[EFT] Lecture Quiz Early Feedback Task assessing the topics covered in lecture videos. #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 02 Due date: 11 Aug 2025 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	[A3] Web Proposal Video presentation	30%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 23:59	20-30 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	[A4] Web Prototype Code Repository	40%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	30-45 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

[EFT] Lecture Quiz: Students will complete an initial practice quiz designed to familiarise themselves with the format of the "[A1] Weekly Lecture Quizzes" and topics covered in the course.
[A1] Weekly Lecture Quizzes: Students will complete weekly quizzes embedded within the lecture videos. These quizzes will test their understanding of the material as it is introduced and promote active engagement with the content.
[A2] Coding Challenges: Students will apply their knowledge of HTML and CSS to solve a series of coding challenges. These challenges are integrated into the workshop content.
[A3] Web Proposal: Students will generate a proposal, presenting a design solution to the given brief. The proposal should be a video presentation, displaying background research and concept ideation.
[A4] Web Prototype: Students will implement their proposed designs as an interactive web prototype using the techniques and technologies introduced in the tutorials. The prototype should take the form of a website, coded using HTML and CSS. Students are also required to submit design documentation, containing design justifications and further reflections on any iterations made based on feedback.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Mapping the web	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to Web Languages	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 03	HTML: Content	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 04	CSS: Styles	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 05	Planning, Process and Proposals	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 06	Design Principles and Patterns	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 07	Layout and Responsive Design	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 08	User Input	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 09	Accessibility Considerations	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 10	Prototyping, Testing and Documentation	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 11	Transitions and Animations	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 12	Web Optimisation and Conversion	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 13	Web Wrap-up	Workshop (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Attendance in this unit is mandatory, and unexplained absences will result in penalties to your final grade. Specifically, if you miss more than one class and do not provide an explanation, your overall grade for this unit will be penalised by 3% per additional unexplained absence.
Absences may be explained by emailing your tutor with a valid reason for your non-attendance, which includes illness, caring responsibilities, misadventure, unexpected work requirements, or other personal circumstances, but not conducting regular paid work.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. assess the structural and navigational requirements of web sites and mobile applications
LO2. conduct research to explore, inform and critique multiple perspectives on a design problem/solution
LO3. demonstrate a practical understanding and application of user interface design principles and methods, within an iterative, increasing-fidelity design process
LO4. develop web sites and mobile applications using modern web design techniques and technologies
LO5. evaluate the performance and user experience of a web design solution

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to feedback from students and staff the unit has undergone adjustments to enhance both the learning experience and the sense of community. Students will have more unstructured face-to-face time with tutors, providing an opportunity to consult in a relaxed environment and interact with their peers. This fosters a collaborative learning community while ensuring students receive the support they need.

Additional information

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

DECO1016: Introduction to Web Design

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links