course objectives
- Explore and understand contemporary and historical design trends.
- Practice using the design thinking process to solve problems and innovate.
- Practice the methodology of human-centered design to combine rational problem solving with emotional storytelling.
- Examine the psychology of visual communication from a narrative point of view.
- Learn how designers can use storytelling to help products and communications hook the imagination of users and invite actions and behaviors.
- Explore tools and concepts that address today's dynamic user-focused design practices.
- Discover ways to use graphics, diagrams, writing and other methods of invention and analysis.
- Recognize visuals, type and space as the building blocks of graphic design and visual communication.
- Approach functional graphic design as capturing attention, controlling eye flow, conveying information and evoking emotion.
- Demonstrate basic design and layout skills, including grid structure, across a variety of formats and platforms from digital to print.
- Practice the use of industry-standard design software.
- Apply the fundamentals of working with layout and composition, typography, color and images.
- Explore "Inclusive Design" that enables and draws on the full range of human diversity and focuses on collaborating and learning from people with a range of perspectives.
- Deconstruct the concept of design thinking and how it can be applied to interdisciplinary problem solving and leadership.
- Learn to effectively present and pitch design work in a professional manner.
- Practice constructive design criticism.
- Produce portfolio worthy work.