In the first year you learn about systems. These systems are man-made constructions which react to external influences. A typical system for the Creative Technologist is the Smart Environment. It is a large structure, which has been made “intelligent” by man. Think of a forest equipped with sensors to detect fire, or a coral reef that can detect pollution. In the first year you learn about such Smart Environments.

You will also learn about the internet. Not only about how it works, but also how to create web applications. An important topic is to make applications interactive, so they can serve to communicate and play with each other. Another topic is to learn how to express concepts by visual means.

Systems are controlled by software. In the first year you learn to program; especially how to program the control of systems.

Finally you learn about classical design issues. How can you explain an idea or a concept in words, and also in sketches? How do people appreciate graphics: the shape of letters, the combination of text and image, the way information is arranged, the use of colours? What makes a system “usable” for ordinary people? And is a system suited for the circumstances you have to use it in?

Course overview Year 1