The objective of this course is to learn the basic principles of design, and to apply these principles to practical exercises. Under the supervision of the professor students will do a series of graphic design projects that address those basic principles of design. This course will illustrate how good communication provides information that is clear and accessible.

This is an introductory level course – open to all students – and particularly those that do not intend to be a professional designer or have background in design. This course teaches basic principles of graphic design and explores methods of utilizing visual design to put together effective communications and in doing so, make a good professional impression. It provides an introduction to visual communication and problem solving, and complements other courses including business, management, marketing and communications.

This course offers practical and useful advice on how to work with graphics in reports, presentations, newsletters, and proposals in sophisticated, professional, and interesting ways. It demonstrates how to create PowerPoint files that support and enhance rather than weaken a presentation. It presents an overview of how graphic design firms further business objectives and create effective management communications.

Attention to the basic principles of design and typography, including: visual hierarchy, flow of information, composition, alignment, contrast, etc.

Document design: how to use basic page layout and typography to effectively communicate a message.

Using photos and illustrations: how to research, choose and compose photographs and illustrations to be interesting and reinforce a message, and how to integrate them with text.

Creating tables and graphs: designing graphs and tables that show data effectively and clearly.

Using color: guidelines for applying color in graphics and presentations, basic color theory, the meaning of colors, color relationships.

Working with Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, PowerPoint to create well-designed, coherent presentations.

Concept: How to develop a strong visual concept based on given communication requirements.

Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C,D, and F.

A:  Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.

B:  This is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.

There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluate theory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture and reference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.

C:  This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.

D:  This level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.

Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.

F: This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.