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Process and Purpose

  • Module code: GD5001
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 5
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

The emphasis in this module is on exploring and understanding the design process, with particular focus on the relationship between research, development and the successful realisation of ideas. The module introduces students to a range of methodologies including design thinking, prototyping and iteration and through varied briefs, workshops and project work, examines how these methods inform design process and effective solutions. Projects are designed to extend design vocabularies and knowledge of materials and visual languages (including typography, photography and moving image) as vehicles for communication and to hone analytical and critical evaluation skills in the resolution and realisation of ideas.

Aims

  • To extend understanding of the relationship between research, development and realisation
  • To further explore the material and visual languages that underpin design practice
  • To encourage an explorative and experimental approach to working across a range of media and platforms
  • To develop understanding of the relationship between message, method and meaning

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate exploration and understanding of the design process and a strategic approach to research and development
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of material and visual languages and the contexts in which they are appropriate and effective
  • Demonstrate confidence and ability in the exploration of a range of media and platforms
  • Demonstrate critical judgement and understanding of the relationship between content, form and communication

Curriculum content

  • Develop and extend the visual language of primary and secondary research
  • Extend design prototyping through material, digital and visual iteration supported by workshops in film, photography, print-making, and digital media
  • Enhancing typographic skills and application as a language through appropriate digital software, such as InDesign, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, HTML, Final Cut Pro, etc
  • Develop independently and team-based working methods in the studio environment

Teaching and learning strategy

Teaching will be delivered through studio-based projects, seminar sessions and workshops. Group tutorials and critiques will take place alongside individual progress tutorials. Students are expected to undertake self-directed study and to develop work independently following formative feedback and to access specialist areas as appropriate. 

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Studio-based projects workshops, seminars, crits, reviews, tutorials. 180
Guided independent study Self-directed research and independent project development in response to formative feedback 120
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Projects, research and development work are formatively assessed in crits and project reviews and logs throughout the module. Students will be given opportunity and expected to develop work in response to formative feedback/feed forward. Project work is submitted and summatively assessed at the end of Level 5, in teaching block 2, during the summer term.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1) Demonstrate exploration and understanding of the design process and a strategic approach to research and development Formatively assessed through project reviews, crits and project logs throughout the module / Summatively assessed in project work submitted at the end of the module
2) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of material and visual languages and the contexts in which they are appropriate and effective Formatively assessed through project reviews, crits and project logs throughout the module / Summatively assessed in project work submitted at the end of the module
3) Demonstrate confidence and ability in the exploration of a range of media and platforms Formatively assessed through project reviews, crits and project logs throughout the module / Summatively assessed in project work submitted at the end of the module
4) Demonstrate critical judgement and understanding of the relationship between message, method and meaning. Formatively assessed through project reviews, crits and project logs throughout the module / Summatively assessed in project work submitted at the end of the module

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Coursework Studio Projects 100%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS a requirement that the major category of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Cross, N. (2011) Design Thinking: Understanding How Designers Think and Work. Berg Publishers

Klanten, R, Ehmann& S, Schulze, F. (2011). Visual storytelling: Inspiring a new visual language. Die Gestalten Verlag

Lefteri, C. (2012) Making it: Manufacturing Techniques for Product Design. Laurence King

Lupton, E. (2010) Thinking with Type: 2nd Edition. Princeton Architectural Press

McDonagh, W, Braungart, M. (2002) Cradle to Cradle. Northpoint Press

Flusser, V. (2006).The Shape of Things: A Philosophy of Design. Reaktion Books

Flusser, V. (2006).Towards a Philosophy of Photography. Reaktion Books

Pipes, A. (2009). Production for Graphic Designers: 5th Edition. Laurence King

Bibliography recommended reading

Freyer, C. (2010). Digital by Design : crafting technology for products and environments. Thames & Hudson. 

Muller-Brockmann, J. (2008).Grid Sytems in Graphic Design. NiggliVerlag

Reas, C. (2010). Form + Code in Design, Art, and Architecture. Princeton Architectural Press. 

Ware, C. (2008). Visual Thinking: for Design. Morgan Kaufmann

Websites:

But Does it Float

Noisy Decent Graphics

Moving Brands

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