Integrated Design Methods

Module Provider: Typography
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: TY1HIS History of graphic communication 1 and TY1PRA Design practice 1
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
An introduction to graphic communication through the integrated study of design practice, theory and technology.

Aims:
The module aims to develop fundamental knowledge and skills in the practice of graphic communication, integrated with and informed by theoretical and technical knowledge. By the conclusion of the module students should have acquired an understanding of the relationship of theory, practice and technics in graphic communication, and how each can be understood as extension of the others.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students should be able to:
? demonstrate an understanding of basic text typography, including the articulation of theoretical concepts, their deployment in design practice, and their technical execution;
? critically discuss and verbally articulate basic theoretical aspects of design and their application to practice;
? structure information (images and text) to achieve effective communication;
? demonstrate an understanding of basic facets of user-focused designing, and apply these to the textual and graphic presentation of instructions, actions, sequences, and processes;
? Demonstrate a basic understanding of designing for paper as well as on screen, including the practical skills required to implement design proposals.
Additional outcomes:
By the end of the module students should additionally be able to:
? move fluently between different modes of theoretical and practical-technical engagement with graphic communication;
? present and discuss their work effectively.
Outline content:
Topics covered in the module will typically involve:
? Design for reading, to include text analysis and meaning, typographic structure and articulation, factors in typeface choice, typographic detailing, basic page design; introduction to page layout applications, including the use of master pages, style sheets, and other word-/line-/paragraph-/text-level specifications.
? User-focused design, to include understanding users empirically and through basic user testing and feedback; analysis of actions, sequences, processes and their graphic presentation and explanation; instructions with words and images; legibility.
? Design for screen-based applications, to include concepts and methods for designing on-line and on-screen; web standards; web typography; basic coding for designers.
? Each of the topics and their associated content will be studied through specific practical projects that will feature a number of component elements focussing on the integrated understanding of their practical, theoretical and technical dimensions.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching methods may encompass:
? Self-directed reading and research; in-class exercises and presentations, written reports and essays, technical workshops, and practical design projects.
? Each larger project may be comprised of several component assignments that draw variously on these teaching and learning methods.
? Students will work independently, in small groups, and in full group sessions.

Contact hours:
Lectures- 3
Seminars- 10
Tutorials- 10
Demonstration- 4
Practicals classes and workshops- 20
Guided independent study- 153
total hours by term- 200

Summative Assessment methods:
Project output other than dissertation- 100%

Other information on summative assessment:
All practical projects are completed during Autumn and Spring terms and submitted according to an established schedule. Feedback is given during and after each project; a mark for each project is given after project submission. The percentage contribution of individual projects to the module mark is stated in the relevant briefing documents. A Department specific (University approved) form of step-marking is employed.
Formative assessment methods:

Length of examination:
N/A

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Practical project work that did not achieve a passing mark must be resubmitted in August/September; exact date to be notified.