Create animations, visual communication, and user interface interactions in Max.
Currently Cancelled
Thanks for your interest and time. Please stay tuned in case this course returns next year.
Interaction Designers
Learn new features of Max/MSP and strengthen your Interaction Designs and Prototypes.
Artists
Advanced your skills to create more visually expressive works.
Music Software Developers
Learn new ways to design interfaces for your Max For Live projects.
What you'll learn
JavaScript Fundamentals
We start from the fundamentals of JavaScript but experienced coders can take it as far as they choose.
Design Theory & Practice
With Figma and V8UI, you'll learn how to design projects that communicate with clarity and aesthetic goals.
Interaction in Max
You'll learn how to use Max in unique, creative, and original ways. The course demonstrates techniques rarely seen before.
What are you creating?
This course will allow you to make progress in each of these categories.
✱ Max-for-Live devices
✱ Interactive visuals
✱ Prototypes
5 weeks of instruction
Each Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 AM PST / 4:00 PM GMT.
1.5 Hours for each class.
Live Instruction & Pre-Recorded Videos
Each week will present new concepts with additional pre-recorded videos.
Students will be able to review videos that dive further into the subject.
Max Project Files
Each student will have access to Max project files that they can use for their own purposes
Graphic Assets and Files
Each student will have access to graphic assets that they can use for their own purposes.
Project Feedback and Advice
The instructor will offer feedback to each student regarding their assignments, labs, and personal projects.
Do I need to know how to code?
This course assumes you are new to writing code. So pre-requisite knowledge is not required but it is encouraged that you review the free JavaScript material provided by the instructor.
I am an experienced coder. Will this be too easy?
A few classes will spend time addressing the fundamentals of JavaScript, however, if you are new to the Mgraphics API, you will still learn new concepts and you are encouraged to move at your own pace.
Do I need to buy Max 9?
Yes. We will use features that currently only work in Max 9.
Do I need to buy Figma?
You can sign up for a free version of Figma and that should be enough to get you moving forward throughout the course.
Does this course teach how to create Max For Live Devices?
This course addresses concepts that are transferable to Max-For-Live devices but it does not exclusively focus on that technology. Instead we will spend most of our time in Max 9.
Does this class teach us how to use Max 9?
This course teaches hyper-specific knowledge of Max 9. It does not offer a full understanding of the technology. Only enough to accomplish our interaction design goals.
Does this course teach us how to VJ?
The concepts presented here can be used for VJing/performance. However, the quality of frame rate performance will vary according to your computer and setup.
Will classes be recorded?
Yes. Each live session will be recorded and provided for all students in the course.
Does this teach P5.js?
No. Earlier iterations included the subject of P5.js but it is outside the scope necessary for this course. P5.js will be taught in a separate course.
LEARNING MODULES
JavaScript for Max User Interfaces
Using V8UI
You will be introduced to key concepts of the V8UI object and the Mgraphics API. Allowing you to create interactive interfaces and graphics.
Understanding 2D Form
Design Theory
A few classes will spend time addressing the fundamentals of JavaScript, however, if you are new to the Mgraphics API, you will still learn new concepts and you are encouraged to move at your own pace.
No-Code approach to Interaction
From Figma to Max
You will learn how to best utilize Max objects for custom graphics and user interfaces.
Figma Fundamentals
You will be introduced to foundational concepts and features of the Figma design software.
Developing a Project
Select a project or create your own
Students will be offered the opportunity to work through guided projects that utilize all these skills or you can propose your own project and recieve feedback.
Figma is a popular design and prototyping software and it plays an ideal role when working with Max. By utilizing it's effecient user experience and plugins, this course demonstrates the best ways to use it effectively with Max/MSP.
Max 9 provides support for modern JavaScript which allows for faster performance for graphical user interfaces and more.
Estevan is an artist and professor in the Southern California region focused on music, art, and technolgy. He has taught at the Art Center College of Design and the University of Southern California. He has also VJed for acts such as Erykah Badu and Zed's Dead.
Want to learn More?
WVFRM is not affiliated with Cycling '74, Ableton, or Figma. WVFRM provides educational content and training programs designed to help designers, music technologists, and students with their Max focused projects. Success depends on many factors including your skills, experience, work ethic, and execution.