UM1LED10 Level Design

UM1LED10 Level Design

  • Course description
    • NQF Level
      Bachelor's degree (Level 6 1. Cycle)
    • Area of Study
      Interactive Media
    • Program of Study
      Interactive Media: Games
    • ECTS
      10
    • Campus
      Kristiansand, OnlinePLUS - Oslo, Online
    • Course Leader
      Joshua Griffin
Introduction

Language of Instruction and assessment: English
May be offered on Campus and Online.
May be offered as a separate course.

Included in the following bachelor's degrees:

  • Interactive Media: Games
Course Aim(s)

The course aims to provide theoretical and practical understanding of level design, architecture, environmental storytelling, level psychology and player interaction with consistent thematic focus.

Course Learning Outcomes
Knowledge

The student has knowledge of

K1 visual representations of architectural structure and form to level design.
K2 cultural and historical connection between architectural design and level design.
K3 the pipeline and industry standards techniques needed in iterative level design.
Skills

The student gain skills in

S1 designing and constructing structures and areas for interactivity.
S2 using spatial design and architectural reference for developing interactive levels.
S3 lighting and rendering of areas to create mood and atmosphere.
General Competence

The student can demonstrate

G1 asset management and implementation of various asset types.
G2 producing and understanding working level designs that are conducive to gameplay within specific platforms and genres.
G3 Intentional design and player communication through visual methods.
Course Topics
  • Iterative design processes
  • Spatial Design
  • Asset Management
  • Lighting and Rendering techniques for environments
  • Player communication through visual methods
Teaching Methods
  1. Teaching will be based on a hybrid-flexible approach. Instructor-led face-to-face learning is combined with online learning in a flexible course structure that gives students the option of attending sessions in the classroom, participating online, or doing both.
  2. All activities require active student participation in their own learning.
  3. Learning delivery methods and available resources will be selected to ensure constructive alignment with course content, learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
  4. Students will be taught using a mixture of guidance, self-study, and lecture material. Topics will be introduced in a series of weekly lectures. The guidance sessions will be directed practical exercises and reading in which students can explore topics with support from a teacher. This material will also require students to self-manage their time to ensure tasks are completed and the theory is fully understood. This will allow the students to fully engage with lectures and with their peers.
Resources and Equipment
  1. Learning resources are available in the LMS and include, but is not limited to:
    • literature and online reading material (essential and recommended)
    • streams, recordings and other digital resources, where applicable
    • video conferencing and communication platforms, if applicable
    • tools, software and libraries, where applicable
  2. Students must have access to an internet connection, and suitable hardware.
    • Accessing live streams and virtual laboratories requires a minimum broadband connection of 2Mbps (4Mbps recommended).
  3. Students working on their own laptop/computer are required to acquire appropriate communications software, e.g., webcam, microphone, headphones.
Prerequisite Knowledge

UM1PBL05 Problem Based Learning and Research Methodologies, or equivalent course(s).

Reading List

The reading list for this course and any additional electronic resources will be provided in the LMS.

Study Workload

250 nominal hours.
Study workload applies to both Campus and Online students.

ActivityDuration
Teacher-led activity
24
Teacher-supported work
48
Self-study
178
Work Requirements

There are no mandatory assignments in this course.

Assessment Strategy

This course has one (1) exam contributing towards the overall and final grade of the course.

The exam must be assessed as passed to receive the final Course Grade.

Form of assessmentGrading scaleGroupingDuration of assessment
Portfolio of Work
A-F