WEB 260: Web Design Capstone and Portfolio Review
A portfolio project and portfolio review for Web Design majors
The Web Design Capstone and Portfolio Review class offers an opportunity to develop a multifaceted portfolio piece and hone your creative work into a polished presentation for future clients and employers.
The Web Design Capstone Project is a complete client project in Web design, from concept to the final presentation of a series of client pieces. Students work closely with the department head using a full project brief to create information design concepts, a complete Web site and associated graphics, and a banner advertisement. Students participate in Portfolio Review in weeks 9-15 of the semester. This provides students the opportunity to gather and develop a portfolio of work and present it to faculty and classmates for feedback.
Visit the Student Gallery.
About This Course
Project-Based Learning
This multifaceted portfolio project affords the opportunity to design and layout a fully functional promotional website and banner/social media campaign ads from scratch. Students will also assemble a high quality final portfolio of work for instructor review and peer feedback. Student work will be evaluated to assess the achievement of program outcomes defined for the Associate Degree in Web Design program.
What Skills Will I Develop?
Students in this course can expect to learn to:
- Research design concepts for a Web site and marketing campaign.
- Develop and present research into competitor websites.
- Develop and present a site map, home page wireframe, and home page mockup.
- Develop and present a promotional concept for a website.
- Develop a design system (color, typography, and layout) based on research and client information.
- Create or edit professional level images for the Web site project.
- Develop and present a detailed marketing plan and at least one visual advertising design.
- Develop and publish a website using standards-compliant HTML, CSS, and any other coding.
- Conduct and present basic usability testing on the site and correct any issues.
- Design professional-level web page layouts with attention to usability: consistent navigation, clear visual hierarchy, and intuitive interface design.
- Present your project utilizing critical thinking ability, professional presentation skills, and the ability to explain your creative process.
- Assemble a portfolio of work, identifying and describe strengths and weaknesses in your work.
- Develop a plan for portfolio development and identify a desired career direction.
- Develop a professional summary of your design capabilities.
- Present a finalized portfolio of creative work.
What Software and Supplies Do I Need?
- Computer with Internet connection.
- Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver or equivalent programs.
- HTML, CSS, and JavaScript experience and familiarity with the above software.
- An account with an ad-free Web hosting service.
Course Instructor(s)
The course is taught by the following instructor(s):
Piper Nilsson
Piper Nilsson is a graphic/Web designer and educator. Piper has been working with the Web since 1997, working in various roles as a designer, programmer, and information architect, Piper blueprinted sites for such global clients as MetLife, Pepsi, ETS, and Citibank.
Course Outline
Choosing a Client/Site Planning and Architecture
Students will begin the project with some site planning and architecture and a rough marketing concept, which they will submit for initial feedback.
Site Design Elements
Students will produce a mood board demonstrating their color palette, type choices, and image choices, plus a home page mockup design and a marketing plan and ad design.
Creating Your Final Deliverables
Students optimize their graphics and create a complete Web site, with interactivity usability testing. They are expected to present final work professionally and write a presentation that details their thought process and design techniques.
Portfolio Guidelines
Students are expected to create a portfolio that is useful to their future creative development, and to do so with attention to quality and detail. The final student portfolio will demonstrate professional presentation techniques and a written summary of the student's design capabilities.
Final Review
Student portfolios will be evaluated to assess the achievement of program outcomes defined for the Associate Degree in Web Design program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do The Courses Work?
Our courses are project-based and instructor-led. In each course you’ll complete a series of lectures, projects, discussions, and critiques designed to stretch your creative skills. Weekly assignment deadlines keep you on track, and with no set-logins or Zoom meetings, you can build your studies around your schedule.
Who Are The Instructors?
Our courses are developed and taught by our industry-leading faculty of creative professionals. This means that you’ll learn in-demand skills, get feedback on your work, and build a portfolio of creative work. View our Student Gallery for featured student projects.
When Can I Start?
Classes start January, April, and August, and this course is completed in a 15-week term. This course is not available for individual enrollment; it can only be taken as part of a program.
Explore our Programs: Bachelor's Degree | Associate Degree | Undergraduate Certificate
How Do I Register?
This course is not available for individual enrollment; it can only be taken as part of a program. To register for a program, complete our program application.
Is Sessions College Accredited?
Yes. Since 2001, Sessions College has been accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).