Abstract

Today, interaction design is applied to multiple areas of visual communication and instructional design. Interactive elements can be found in websites, apps, and kiosk terminal equipment. Through the integration of interactive content such as step-by-step tutorials, the user can acquire a variety of different types of information efficiently and effectively to learn about historical events.

China has one of the longest and continuous cultures today. Its own unique charisma attracts many history buffs to learn more about important historical events. Kiosk terminals in history museums have successfully provided a learning environment for users to learn about China through interaction design. This thesis project will take advantage of these museum kiosk terminals and turn them into a more widely used tool via an online website. Specifically, my thesis will focus on designing interactive content regarding the history of the Tang Dynasty.

The Tang Dynasty is the best-known dynasty of ancient China. The goal is to discover how people could learn about it through interesting interactions without having to read historical books. How could people become familiar with history through a non-linear interactive website, instead of watching documentaries or reading textbook which follow a linear story? How can the author design a historical timeline about the Tang Dynasty that is convenient to use and learn from without the user having to go to museums? These are the problems the author intended to solve using interaction design. The goal of this thesis is to make an interactive website to learn about the Tang Dynasty.

Web design offers a wide range of interactive possibilities. So my thesis project will focus on:

1. User interface layout: well-designed site with a functional timeline

2. Integrated content: designed modularly into small topics for better retention

3. Interactive informational graphics: assist in explaining complex historical events

4. Motion graphics: animated historical events that lead to the rise and fall

5. Audio narration: compliment the visual elements to assist in learning

Library of Congress Subject Headings

China--History--Tang dynasty, 618-907--Interactive multimedia--Design; Web sites--Design

Publication Date

2-20-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Visual Communication Design (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

School of Design (CIAS)

Advisor

Daniel Deluna

Advisor/Committee Member

Shaun Foster

Advisor/Committee Member

Chris Jackson

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at DS749.3 .L4 2017

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

VISCOM-MFA

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