Revised Portfolio Assignment

I. Change in assignment

The hands-on labs haven't quite evolved as planned; I'd intended them to be more exploratory, but so far we've tended mainly to walk through a standard build each week. To re-introduce the creative element, I'm now asking you to submit not a working version of each lab/demo, but rather a version that includes some significant modification or expansion of the original concept.

Each week I will suggest ideas for these variations and extensions. Variations for the first four labs are suggested below. You are welcome to introduce your own ideas, but be sure they meet the test of signicance: how much do they add to the original concept? Consult with me if necessary.

To keep the work load reasonable, I am requiring a portfolio of FOUR revised and expanded labs, out of seven possible projects. All four are due at the final deadline, December 18. Each project must be accompanied with a brief (1-3 paragraph) discussio of the additions and changes you have made.

In evaluating your portfolio, I'll be more impressed if you distribute your selections over the course rather than choosing the four earliest, and hence simplest projects.

II. The labs and some suggested modifications

1. Ball-in-box scripted animation (Week 1): introduce a second bouncing object and script for collisions between the objects as well as the walls; change the appearance of the object on collision; make the object respond to mouse position or movement; rewrite this project using classes and objects.

2. Image browser (Week 2): redesign the browser with clickable thumbnails, as in the Deluxe version; using multiple image planes and alpha (transparency) adjustments, create an image mixer; rewrite the original image browser using classes and objects.

3. Scene scroller (Week 3): introduce multiple image planes moving at varying rates for a perspectival effect; add a character, perhaps under keyboard control; introduce obstacles and/or prizes to create a simple game; rewrite the original project using classes and objects.

4. Tree trimmer (Week 4): add some feedback when the player places an ornament on the tree; add feedback when all ornaments are placed; try one of the variations on tree trimming (time constraint, automatic competition) suggested in the original assignment; rewrite the tree trimmer project using classes and objects.