This module aims to give students an in-depth understanding of the concepts and requirements involved in developing practical social media applications. Client/server networking concepts will be discussed, alongside theoretical models of online social interaction (e.g. egocentric/object-centric) and the use of digital media content as a communicative tool. User testing methods in the context of the module are examined. Full training in modern web development technologies will be given, notably in the development of rich client interfaces that leverage server side processing and data connectivity, with the aim of producing a fully functional application by module end.
Mobile application architectures
client/server models, networking and data management. Hybrid vs web application development strategies, web connectivity with AJAX and JSON.
Mobile application design
Interaction patterns, mobile design patterns, constrained affordances, layout and content management, Social Media concepts, information modelling.
Interaction and Events
handling user input in multiple modalities, combining user input effectively, event handling strategies and responsive interaction design.
Client application development
Working with JQuery/Jquery Mobile controls, Phonegap, Webkit and Blink.
Working with data objects
Formulating server requests for effective data retrieval. Making AJAX calls to servers and processing results.
Working with Social Media data
making calls to 3rd party API’s, formulating effective requests, working with 3rd party data, aggregating data sources, integrating and combining social media streams.
Hybrid and native development
using a combination of 3rd party technologies like Phonegap with web display layer technologies.
Hybrid Development
Working with Objective C jScript bridging and Google Blink to interface with client hardware.
Learning and teaching will combine lecture material that covers the core concepts of social media development with tutorial sessions that demonstrate example code in a practical context.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |