2021-2022 Spring CURRENT OFFERING

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. 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The course focuses on introducing design principles and process to enable students to create graphic design work. This is NOT a graphic design software training course. Students with no prior knowledge about Adobe Photoshop (PS) and Illustrator (AI) are recommended to attend software workshops offered by the university or to self-learn the software techniques for creating digital artworks.


  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

Session 1: Introduction of graphic design
Session 2: Basic Visual Elements
Session 3: Principles of Composition 1
Session 4: Principles of Composition 2
Session 5: Color Theory
Session 6: Pictogram and icon
Session 7: Semiotic
Session 8: Typography and Layout
Session 9: Research and Ideation
Session 10: Interim presentation
Session 11-12: Tutorial
Session 12: Final presentation

  1. Richard Hollis, Graphic Design : A Concise History. Thames & Hudson, 2001.
  2. Bruce Block, The Visual Story. UK: Routledge, 2021, 1st ed. 2001.
  3. Josef Albers, Interaction of Colo. Yale University Press, 2013.
  4. E. Resnick, Design for Communication – Conceptual Graphic Design Basics. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2003.
  5. J. Wilde and R. Wilde, Visual Literacy: A Conceptual Approach to Graphic Problem Solving. New York: Watson-Guptill Publications, 2000.
  6.  Richard Hollis, Graphic Design : A Concise History. Thames & Hudson, 2001.

  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

https://www.itsnicethat.com/

https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/

https://www.creativereview.co.uk/

 

Enrolment Details

Course Registration : 26-27 Jan 2022
Add/Drop : 04-17 Feb 2022

Instructor

LAU Siu Tsang Benny

Assessment

Participation in class discussions and critiques 20%
Attendance 10%

In-class and workshop exercises

30%
Independent graphic design project with reflective learning report 40%

 

Class Schedule

Wednesday | 10:30–12:20

CYTG009A
 

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