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Interactive Computer Graphics

Computer graphics can be a powerful tool for supporting visual problem solving, and interactivity plays a central role in harnessing the users' creativity. This course will introduce various interactive tools developed in computer graphics research field with their design rationales and algorithms. Examples include enhancements to graphical user interfaces, authoring tools for 2D drawings and 3D animations, and interactive computer-aided design systems. Rich live demonstrations and course assignments will give you insights and skills to design and implement such tools for your own problems.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Graphical User Interfaces

Graphical user interfaces turn computer control problem into visual problem solving. The lectures of this module introduce five attempts to enhance current GUI operations such as scrolling interfaces, management of desktop icons, pointing on a large display, digital inking, and vocal interaction.

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what should give you pause

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Provides practical insights and skills for designing and implementing interactive tools

Focuses on the intersection of computer graphics and visual problem solving

Taught by Takeo Igarashi, a recognized expert in computer graphics

Covers a diverse range of techniques from 2D drawings and animations to 3D geometric modeling

Prior knowledge of computer graphics concepts may be helpful

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Reviews summary

Broad interactive graphics overview

According to learners, this course provides a broad and fascinating overview of interactive computer graphics, covering topics from GUI to fabrication. Students found the course content to offer a solid theoretical foundation in the field. While many appreciated the knowledgeable instructor and helpful demos, a common point raised is that the programming assignments are quite challenging and require significant effort, though they are often seen as rewarding and crucial for understanding. Some learners noted that certain examples or tools discussed can feel slightly dated, suggesting a need for supplemental learning for practical application with modern industry practices. The pace was also mentioned as sometimes feeling uneven.

Strong on theory, less on modern practice.

"Content is interesting theoretically..."

"Good foundation, but you'll need supplemental learning for practical application in current industry."

"...lecture material seemed a bit academic/theoretical, less focused on modern real-world applications."

"It gives a good grasp of the underlying principles."

Assignments require effort but are key.

"The programming assignments required significant effort but were rewarding."

"Assignments were tough but fair."

"Assignments were very demanding."

"The assignments pushed my limits but were key to understanding."

"The assignments are crucial - don't skip them!"

Instructor explains complex ideas well.

"Excellent introduction to the field. The instructor is knowledgeable and passionate."

"Professor does an amazing job explaining complex ideas."

Covers a wide range of graphics topics.

"Fantastic overview of interactive graphics! I appreciated the breadth of topics covered from GUI to fabrication."

"Good course, covers a lot of ground."

"Loved the diverse topics."

"The course covers a lot of interesting areas in interactive graphics."

Course pace feels inconsistent at times.

"Some parts felt a bit rushed..."

"The pace was uneven."

"Felt like we jumped between topics too quickly in some modules."

Some examples/tools feel slightly old.

"...but some examples and tools shown seem slightly dated."

"Could use more modern library examples."

"Wish there was more emphasis on specific programming frameworks used today."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Interactive Computer Graphics with these activities:

Organize your course notes and materials

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Stay organized and improve your understanding by compiling and reviewing your course notes and materials.

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Gather all your lecture notes, assignments, and handouts.
Review and summarize the key concepts covered in each lecture.
Organize your notes into a logical structure, such as by topic or module.
Create a study guide or cheat sheet for quick reference during exams.

Review course concepts with peers

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Enhance your understanding by discussing and reviewing course concepts with peers.

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Form a study group with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss lecture materials and assignments.
Take turns explaining concepts and answering questions.
Work together on practice problems and projects.

Explore the 2D drawing and animation techniques

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Complete these practice drills to reinforce the 2D drawing and animation techniques taught in the course.

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Create a 2D drawing using the interactive diagram beautification tool.
Design a pen-and-ink texture using the provided synthesis tool.
Animate a 2D drawing using the dynamic illustrations feature.

Four other activities

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Design a 3D geometric model

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Create a 3D geometric model to apply the techniques learned in the course and enhance your understanding of 3D modeling principles.

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Choose an object to model.
Sketch the object's shape using the provided sketch-based modeling system.
Refine the model's details using the suggestive interface for architectural models.
Finalize the model and export it in a suitable format.

Attend a workshop on 3D animation

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Expand your knowledge and skills by attending a workshop focused on 3D animation.

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Research and find a suitable 3D animation workshop.
Register for the workshop and make necessary arrangements.
Actively participate in the workshop and engage with the instructors.
Apply the techniques learned in the workshop to your own projects.

Participate in a computer-aided design competition

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Engage in a computer-aided design competition to showcase your skills, learn from others, and push the boundaries of your knowledge.

Browse courses on Computer-Aided Design

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Find a suitable competition that aligns with your interests.
Develop a design concept and create a 3D model using computer-aided design software.
Prepare a presentation or documentation to showcase your design.
Submit your entry and participate in the competition.

Build a portfolio of interactive computer graphics projects

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Showcase your skills and understanding by creating a portfolio of interactive computer graphics projects.

Browse courses on Graphical User Interfaces

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Identify a range of interactive computer graphics projects that interest you.
Plan and design the projects, considering their functionality and user experience.
Develop the projects using appropriate software tools and technologies.
Document your projects, including descriptions, screenshots, and code snippets.
Present your portfolio to potential employers or clients.

Career center

Learners who complete Interactive Computer Graphics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

User Interface Designer

This course may be helpful if you intend to become a User Interface Designer. Much of the work in this field involves crafting interfaces both intuitive and seamless. The material covered in this course introduces you to interactive techniques to enhance traditional GUIs. Upon completing it, you are likely to build a solid foundation for a career in User Interface Design.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Interface Designer

Robotics Engineer

This course may be helpful if you intend to become a Robotics Engineer. This course covers topics such as robotic cleaners, command card interfaces, and style-by-demonstration for robot behavior design, and motion visualization using stick figures. These topics will help you develop valuable skills in the field of Robotics Engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Interaction Designer

This course may be helpful if you intend to become an Interaction Designer. This field is at the heart of user experience design. It seeks to define how users will interact with a particular product or service. This course covers topics such as touch screen interaction, vocal interaction, and novel interfaces. Taking this course will provide you with valuable knowledge as you launch your career as an Interaction Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interaction Designer

Animator

This course may be helpful if you intend to become an Animator. The more captivating forms of visual storytelling such as film and video games depend on the talents of Animators. This course features modules that dive into character animations, spatial key framing, and procedural deformations. Mastering the skills covered in this course will help you succeed in your desired career as an Animator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Product Designer

This course may be helpful if you intend to become a Product Designer. The constant flow of new products and services demands increasingly innovative minds to imagine them. This course goes over the latest techniques for the design of objects ranging from plush toys to furniture, garments to buildings. Enrolling in this course will help get your career off to a running start in Product Design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Graphic designer

This course may be helpful if you intend to become a Graphic Designer. The field of Graphic Design frequently requires one to create designs that blend between aesthetic beauty and functional usability. This course contains material such as digital inking, shape manipulation, illustrations, and beautification. Becoming familiar with this material will help you meet the varied needs of clients in your future career as a Graphic Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Computer Graphics Artist

This course may be helpful if you intend to become a Computer Graphics Artist. This role involves creating and manipulating digital images, often for use in films, video games, or other visual media. This course covers topics such as 2D drawings and animations, 3D geometric modeling and texture mapping. This course may be particularly useful if you are interested in a career as a Computer Graphics Artist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Graphics Artist

Motion Graphic Designer

This course may be helpful if you intend to become a Motion Graphic Designer. This field involves creating moving graphics for a variety of platforms and purposes, such as web advertisements, animations for films or television, and video games. The course covers topics such as deformation and animation. This course will provide you with a solid foundation for a career as a Motion Graphic Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphic Designer

Visual Designer

This course may be helpful if you intend to become a Visual Designer. This role requires an understanding of how to create visually appealing and effective designs, often for websites, mobile apps, or other digital products. This course includes topics such as digital inking, pen-and-ink texture synthesis, and dynamic illustrations. These topics will provide you with a strong foundation in visual design principles and techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Designer

Game Designer

This course may be helpful if you intend to become a Game Designer. This role involves designing and developing video games, often working with a team of other designers, programmers, and artists. This course covers topics such as character animations, spatial key framing, and procedural deformations. These topics may be useful if you are interested in a career as a Game Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

3D Modeler

This course may be helpful if you intend to become a 3D Modeler. This role involves creating and manipulating 3D models, often for use in films, video games, or other visual media. This course covers topics such as 3D geometric modeling and texture mapping. This course may be particularly useful if you are interested in a career as a 3D Modeler.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Modeler

Software Engineer

This course may be helpful if you intend to become a Software Engineer. This field involves designing, developing, and maintaining software systems, often for a variety of purposes and platforms. This course covers topics such as graphical user interfaces, 2D drawings and animations, and 3D geometric modeling. These topics may be useful if you are interested in a career as a Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Technical Animator

This course may be helpful if you intend to become a Technical Animator. This role involves creating and animating 3D models, often for use in films, video games, or other visual media. This course covers topics such as character animations, spatial key framing, and procedural deformations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Animator

UX Designer

This course may be helpful if you intend to become a UX Designer. This role involves designing and evaluating the user experience of websites, apps, and other digital products. The course covers topics such as graphical user interfaces and interactive techniques. This course may be useful for a career as a UX Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Web Developer

This course may be helpful if you intend to become a Web Developer. This role involves designing and developing websites, often working with a team of other designers, programmers, and content creators. The course covers topics such as graphical user interfaces and interactive techniques. This course may be useful for a career as a Web Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Reading list

We've selected 25 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Interactive Computer Graphics.

Computer Graphics

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This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of computer graphics, covering both the theoretical foundations and practical applications. It is an essential reference for students and professionals in the field.

Interactive Computer Graphics

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Broad interactive graphics overview

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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