2014-15 Spring

Introduction to Graphic Design

(HART 1036)



1 Credit | Can be used to fulfill Common Core Requirement (Core Elective: Arts Area)
Teaching Medium: English

Course Description

Graphic design is the art of communication through the combination of images and words into a unified form to convey a clear message to an audience. Common uses of graphic design include logos, signs, publications, posters, print advertisements, product packaging and web sites, etc. This course aims to introduce students to what graphic design is and the design process. The basic elements, principles and process of graphic design will be explored and illustrated by works of famous graphic designers. Through the problem-solving approach, students will learn how to apply the design basics to create graphic design solutions. Although the course is focused on printed matter, design for the screen such as web sites will be discussed. Class time is devoted to lectures, exercises, and critiques where students are asked to evaluate each other’s work. Such evaluations are very important in the development of analytical thinking and communication proficiency.


  1. Describe what graphic design is and its role in society
  2. Identify and describe how the use of design elements and principles contribute to the visual communication of ideas
  3. Apply the basic principles of graphic design to communicate a message visually to an audience
  4. Develop self-analytical judgment by exchanging critical and supporting ideas in a peer group setting

Week 1-2: Elements of graphic design

Week 3: Principles of graphic design

Week 4: Visual Communication of ideas

Week 5: Word and image

Week 6: Layout design

Week 7: Design Process: Project briefing and research

Week 8: Design Process: Ideas generation

Week 9: Design Process: Ideas development

Week 10: Design Process: Interim ideas presentation

Week 11: Professional practice of graphic design

Week 12: Design Process: Visual refinement

Week 13: Design Process: Final presentation

  1. Resnick, E. (2003). Design for Communication – Conceptual Graphic Design Basics. New Jersey: Wiley & Sons

  1. McAlhone, B. and Stuart, D. (1996). A Smile in the Mind. London: Phaidon Press Ltd
  2. Elam, K. (2007). Typographic Systems. New York: Princeton Architectural Press
  3. Wilde, R. (1986). Problems: Solutions – Visual Thinking for Graphic Communicators. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold
     

E-resources

  1. www.designcouncil.org.uk/knowledge-resources/search/im_field_design_discipline/graphic-design-31
  2. www.complex.com/art-design/2012/03/20-graphic-designers-you-should-know
  3. www.thegoodagency.co.uk
  4. https://sagmeisterwalsh.com/
  5. www.alanchancreations.com
  6. www.anothermountainman.com
  7. http://socialdriver.com/2013/06/50-best-responsive-website-design-examples

Enrolment Details

Course Registration : 04-04 Oct 2024
Add/Drop : 04-04 Oct 2024


Instructor

Alice LO


Assessment

Participation in class discussions and critiques 30%
Workshop exercises 30%
Major graphic design project with reflective learning report 40%