2016-17 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. 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.

IMPOARTANT 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. Supplementary workshops on extensive functions will be arranged outside class. Students are encouraged to attend if they wish to learn more.


  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: Elements of graphic design
Session 3: Principles of graphic design
Session 4: Word and Image
Session 5: Layout design
Session 6: Design Process: Project briefing and research
Session 7: Design Process: Ideas generation
Session 8: Design Process: Ideas development
Session 9: Design Process: Interim ideas presentation
Session 10: Professional practice of graphic design
Session 11: Design Process: Visual refinement
Session 12: Design Process: Final presentation

Remark: Supplementary workshops on Photoshop and AI will be arranged outside class. For details, please refer to the course syllabus distributed in class.

Books
BookMcAlhone, B. and Stuart, D. (1996). A Smile in the Mind. London: Phaidon Press Ltd.

Elam, K. (2007). Typographic Systems. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.

Wilde, R. (1986). Problems: Solutions – Visual Thinking for Graphic Communicators. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Enrolment Details

Course Registration : 23-26 Jan 2017
Add/Drop : 01-14 Feb 2017


Instructor

Alice LO


Assessment

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

Class Schedule

Wednesday | 10:00-11:50
Library LG4 Multi-function Room


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