DI105-15 Visual Practice and Curiosity
Introductory description
In this module students will engage in a diverse array of visual explorations to further their understanding and capabilities in visual communication, research and proposal. As part of this, we will be exploring principles in graphic design, engaging in explicating and contextualising branding, as well as exploring different methods and techniques in developing cohesive visual explorations and professional standard proposals.
Module aims
The aims of this module are to introduce students to visual research and making methods commonly found in graphic and interactive design to support their learning journeys towards building a professional and academic design skillset and mindset. Furthermore, this module aims to develop student's capabilities in visual reasoning, compositing, curating and rendering to support their further practice and prepare them for a specialisation process starting on L5.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Week 1 - Introduction and Principles of Visual Design
Week 2 - Manifestos and Systems
Week 3 - Presenting & CRITs
Week 4 - Dieter Ram
Week 5 - 9 will be an exploration of different materials, techniques, and process to help students develop their own visual practice
Week 10 - Live Assessment
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- To demonstrate an understanding of visual languages, their processes and use in creative and professional practices.
- To develop essential skills in graphic design and visual compositing.
- To develop design crit skills.
- To visually articulate design principles and demonstrate curiosity in their exploration.
Research element
Student will be undertaking auto-ethnographic explorations of their personal practice and methodologies which will equip them to write and disseminate their own design manifesto.
Interdisciplinary
This is a pluralist and holistic exploration of essential visual communication principles in graphic and interactive design.
International
Our content is strongly developed with an EDIAB ethos to promote global practitioners, authors and contributors to present a diverse and rich overview of practice and methodologies in visual practices.
Subject specific skills
Visual research methods.
Essentials of graphic design and interactive design practice (analogue and digital).
Essentials of fabrication (wood, metal, 3D printing, laser-cutting, printmaking and printing).
Design ethics and ethos.
Branding.
Graphic visual identity.
Design crit.
Networked leadership.
Professional and creative pitch.
Visual storytelling.
Transferable skills
Visual research methods.
Design ethics and ethos.
Branding.
Networked leadership.
Professional and creative pitch.
Visual storytelling.
Empathetic and compassionate feedback.
Co-design and Participatory practice.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 3 hours (20%) |
| Private study | 40 hours (27%) |
| Assessment | 80 hours (53%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Private study is linked with students process development and responses to the design briefs through asynchronous engagement.
Costs
| Category | Description | Funded by | Cost to student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment and project costs |
Materials will be supplied for workshop inductions and course-based teaching sessions. While there will be some provision of basic materials, students will drive their own practice and therefore may require a broader set of materials and/or tools than can be provided. This is individual and will be at the student’s cost. |
Department | £0.00 |
| Printing and photocopying |
Whilst not necessary for this module, students have the option to print their work using University printers by purchasing print credit. This is not covered by the department. |
Student | £0.00 |
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
|||
| Design Manifesto | 40% | 30 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
This Design Manifesto will visually and textually capture and present students ethical considerations and stance on design practice considering responsive practices and global sustainability goals. |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Assessment component |
|||
| Visual Identity | 40% | 30 hours | No |
|
This part of the assessment is going to demonstrate student's developed visual identities which resulted as a response to their auto-ethnographies and critical reflections on design ethics, politics and responsibility. |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Assessment component |
|||
| Sketchbook - Archive of Tests | 20% | 20 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
This part of the assignments captures the process of students explorative stages and is a part of the assessment used to determine student's development in standardised, prescribed and inventive methods to visual exploration. |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Feedback on assessment
Formal and informal, class-based, live assessments and written feedback in line with rubric.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of UDIA-H1L8 Undergraduate Design and Global Sustainable Development
This module is Optional for:
- Year 1 of UIPA-L8A1 Undergraduate Global Sustainable Development