Welcome to DSGN 1000, Digital tools for Designing. This web site is the main location for class content, assignments and other information. If you wish to contact me, please send me a Slack direct message, or email. I can be reached at: or rcurrie@mac.com or rcurrie@nscad.ca
- Robert Currie.
Communication is critical. Make sure to:
If you are going to be using your own computer, here are some general things you should do to prepare your computer for design classes at NSCAD:
Install Adobe Creative Cloud and the core applications we'll be using. The only way to do this is via the special link from NSCAD Brightspace. Access to Creative Cloud is included in your NSCAD fees.
Make sure file extensions are visible. You want to make sure you can see the complete file names. Both macOS and Windows default to hiding some or all file extensions, the last few characters after the final . in file names, like .psd or .docx. Not having these visible will cause problems. To change this on the Mac, look here. To change this setting on Windows, look here.
Moving files (such as photos) from your phone to you computer (or the other way round) can be tricky. Many email programs default to changing resolution of photos you send, which we never want to do. If you use Apple devices, AirDrop is the most convenient way to do this, but it does not work on the NSCAD Lab computers. For Windows users, as well as those who will be using the NSCAD lab computers for assignments, Microsoft ONeDrive is the best solution. Install the OneDrive app on your Apple or Android device, and then us the OneDrive web client or application to access the files on other computers.
Have a backup plan. Make sure the data on your computer is backed up. A good backup strategy is one where the data is backed up automatically in more than one location. For Macs, I recommend Time Machine for local backups, and Backblaze for remote backup of the internet.
Download the official description PDF for this class in Adobe PDF format. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed on your computer to view these files.
Machine learning and artificial intelligence tools (such as ChatGPT, dall-e, midjourney, and many others) are evolving rapidly. These tools generate text, images or other media by recombining elements of existing works. These may be websites, apps, or features within applications, such as Adobe's "generative" features.
The NSCAD Academic Integrity policy is clear. Use of such tools without fully crediting the source is a violation of NSCAD's plagiarism policy. Punishments range up to a mark of zero for the assignment, failing the course or expulsion from NSCAD.
Credit is only given for work that you have created yourself.
Each assignment will have clear rules for use of media and citations. Ask if you have any questions, and keep in mind the basic rule: all work you submit must be your own, unless the assignment includes clear written instructions stating otherwise.
Your mark in this class is based on grades in several categories. Category weights are below:
| Assignments: | 60% |
| Quizzes: | 10% |
| In-class practical assignment: | 15% |
| Class participation: | 15% |
Download Basic Computers handout in Acrobat PDF format PDF
If you have a Halifax Public Library login (not NSCAD University) you can access a large library of high-quality video tutorials for free. To do this you will need to apply online - it only takes a few minutes and your library login will be sent to you by email. You will need a Nova Scotia address to get a library card.