They say the pen is mightier than the sword. They also say a picture is worth a thousand words. I am positive that you have already heard this two statements; some of you, I believe, have even taken a moment to think about it. But have you already heard that by reducing the number of used colours you can express more than if you used many of them? That with their appropriate use you can evoke in the user a sense of tranquillity, or make them feel anxious? What about typography? You still swear by Times New Roman and Arial? Or Cambria and Calibri, for those of you that have been “ribbonized.” Have you ever thought that something so static as a typography can be used to express feelings? Yes, you can (and you will have to). If you are perhaps already wondering if this is not the Faculty of Computer Science, let me reassure you. Even though the norm is treating form and function as separate (at least in software development, ask around if you are in doubt) this course will show you that there are occasions when one needs to treat them jointly. Form not on the expense of function, but form that supports function. By applying principles of graphic design a simple chart can be made such that the user will easily read the most important data; it can be made such that the user will discover new knowledge; it can also be made such that will on purpose lead the user to a false conclusion. The same is true for user interfaces. What is the secret of the iOS? Why in Windows 8.1 only the close button is red? Does this invite us to close them? Why in OSX the minimize, maximize and close buttons are green, yellow and red respectively? Believe me, by the end of the semester the world will seem different.
