Progress in computer graphics is often measured by researchers'
abilities to produce compelling imagery with innovative techniques, so
research in computer graphics requires a unique mix of mathematical
insight, artistic judgment and sensitivity to the design challenges of
human-computer interaction. These problems are especially important
in investigations that explicitly start from artistic practices, such
as shape editing, pixelization, vector graphics and line drawings. In
this seminar, we will review key papers in these areas from a
methodological standpoint. We'll be discussing their contributions,
the strength of the arguments made, and the clarity of the
explanations and diagrams used in presentations. We will translate
these methodological discussions into guidelines for research
strategies in the field, including issues in finding and attacking
research problems, designing mock-ups and prototypes, making and
measuring progress, overcoming obstacles, communicating results, and
making a convincing case for them.
Discussions will be informed by individualized course projects chosen
by students. In late November, there will be an internal "paper
submission deadline". Actual results aren't required, although they
certainly help. Rather, it's more important to lay out a vision of
where you're going. The papers will be "reviewed" by class members,
and the remainder of the course will be discussion of these "submitted
papers".