This module provides you with an introduction to effective visual communication, both theory and practice in its many different forms. The emphasis of the module will be on creative visual thinking and a clear 360 degree understanding of contemporary visual communication platforms and approaches. The intention is that this module will prompt research and experimentation into visual problem solving and methods used to arrive at solutions. It will also provide a bridge between both existing and new knowledge/skills by identifying and addressing particular individual needs towards a common goal. This module will therefore provide a solid foundation for further development in visual communication theory and practice.
You will develop an understanding of the various stages of the creative process, image making and methods of presenting information. Through group projects you will be able to explore ideas and theories in a wide range of visual forms and will gain valuable experience in teamwork.
Students will have the opportunity to follow their creative enquiry via appropriate workshops which map the exploratory path of the individual project. These workshops may be Digital or Traditional based.

This module will also introduce you to the skills needed to research, evaluate and present information in relation to both your practical design work and academic written material - skills on which the professional practice of the visual communicator and designer relies upon. This element will focus on the how and why a designer would research, how to use historical and contextual research to inform, enrich and underpin your practical work. It will also explore ways to evaluate, construct and present information in written, verbal and visual forms allowing you to articulate your views on historical and contemporary practice.

You will be introduced to resources within and outside the University that will enable you to gather information. You will learn the conventions employed to organise information and explore some of the techniques and technologies now used to present information in written, verbal and visual forms. You will be required to consider how the content of this module is applied to your practical design work, exploring the context in which your work sits and how factors such as semiotics and image deconstruction underpin your practice.

You will also learn how to use University facilities such as the Design Collection and Thompson Library as well as external resources including a design museum/exhibition visit. You will also gain the IT skills needed for the gathering and presenting of information in an academic context.

You will present for assessment a body of work as outlined in the module information pack,
this is likely to include:
Finished visuals, design development in the form of notebooks and layout pads that will provide evidence of your ability to work through the design process including visual research, creative visual thinking and the ability to communicate effectively using an appropriate visual format.

KEY INFORMATION SETS
100% coursework

Project work will integrate practical (technical, aesthetic) and theoretical aspects of visual communication.
You will be required to participate in:
Introductory lectures
Seminars,
Technical workshops/ Academic workshops (formal technical instruction sessions and library, design collection and design museum/exhibition based activities).
Group tutorials
Critique and feedback sessions
Group work
Formative assessments
Independent study in support of your practical work.

KEY INFORMATION SETS
24% scheduled Learning & Teaching activities
76% guided independent learning

1. APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNDERLYING CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF KEY ASPECTS OF CONTEMPORARY PRACTICES IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION: THE DESIGN PROCESS, IDEAS & THEORIES IN CREATIVE THINKING AND METHODS USED TO FORM MEANING.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. AQUIRE WORKSHOP SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE TO ADDRESS PROJECT REQUIREMENTS THUS PROVIDING A FIRM FOUNDATION/SKILLS-BASE FROM WHICH TO EXPAND ON IN FUTURE CREATIVE WORK.

Learning

3. ANALYSE A COMMUNICATION PROBLEM, GENERATE A RANGE OF CREATIVE PROPOSALS AND TO PRESENT SOLUTIONS THAT COMMUNICATE IN APPROPRIATE VISUAL FORM OR MEDIA.

Analysis, Problem Solving.

4. APPLY THE METHODS AND TECHNIQUES OF ENQUIRY AND ANALYSIS TO THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OF PRACTICAL OR WRITTEN PROJECTS IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION.

Application

5. ASK QUESTIONS AND DRAW CONCLUSIONS ABOUT ARTEFACTS, IMAGES AND CONTEXTUAL ISSUES IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION, EXTRACTING RELEVANT INFORMATION FROM RESEARCH RESOURCES.

Analysis, Reflection.

6. COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY USING THE CONVENTIONS OF ACADEMIC WRITING, RELEVANT VISUAL AND ORAL PRESENTATION TECHNIQUES IN THE COMMUNICATION OF INFORMATION AND IDEAS TO A SPECIFIC AUDIENCE.

Communication

Studio workspace
3D Workshops

Smart Zone
Specific skills modulettes will be assigned to this module.
Lecture theatre
Design collection
Library
IT workshops
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details
will be supplied in the module handbook.
MS Team digital platform will be used as a teaching and learning resource. Refer to your module pack and calendar for information.

Albers, J. and Nicholas, F. Interaction of Colour. Yale Press 2013.

Bang, M. 2000. Picture This, How Pictures Work: Chronicle Books.

Burnham, D. et.al 2008. Studying independently and producing better written work. Staffordshire University: Faculty of Arts, Media and Design (booklet).

Cotterell, S. 2008. The Study Skills Handbook. London: Palgrave Macmillan

Hall, S. 2007.This Means This, This Means That: A User's Guide to Semiotics: Laurence King

Hollis, R. 2001.Graphic Design: A Concise History (World of Art): Thames & Hudson

Ingledw, J. 2011. A-Z of Visual Ideas; Laurence King.

Johnson,M. 2002. Problem Solved: A primer in Design & Communications: Phaidon Press.

Male, A. 2007. Illustration: A Theoretical and Contextual Perspective: AVA Publishing

Male, A. 2014. Illustration, Meeting the Brief: Bloomsbury

McAlhone. B.& Stuart, D. 1999. A Smile in the Mind: Phaidon Press

Muller-Brockmann, Josef (2001). Grid Systems in Graphic Design: A Handbook for Graphic Artists, Typographers, and Exhibition Designers Verlag Niggli

Müller, J. The History of Graphic Design 40th Edition. Taschen 2022.

Neward, Q. 2002. What is Graphic Design?: Rotovision

Rees, D. 2014. How to be an Illustrator: Laurance King Publishing Ltd

Shaughessy, Adrian (2005). How to Be a Graphic Designer, Without Losing Your Soul. Laurence King

Shermin, D. Creative Workshop: 80 Challenges to Sharpen the Mind. F and W Publications 2010.

Spiekermann, Erik (2003). Stop stealing sheep and how type works. Adobe Press

Vartanian, I. 2003.Typo-Graphics: The Art and Science of Type Design in Context: Rotovision

Wigan, M. 2006. Basics Illustration: Thinking Visually: AVA Publishing

Zeegen, L. 2012. The Fundamentals of Illustration: Bloomsbury

This module provides you with an introduction to effective visual communication, both theory and practice in its many different forms. The emphasis of the module will be on creative visual thinking and a clear 360 degree understanding of contemporary visual communication platforms and approaches. The intention is that this module will prompt research and experimentation into visual problem solving and methods used to arrive at solutions. It will also provide a bridge between both existing and new knowledge/skills by identifying and addressing particular individual needs towards a common goal. This module will therefore provide a solid foundation for further development in visual communication theory and practice.
You will develop an understanding of the various stages of the creative process, image making and methods of presenting information. Through group projects you will be able to explore ideas and theories in a wide range of visual forms and will gain valuable experience in teamwork.
Students will have the opportunity to follow their creative enquiry via appropriate workshops which map the exploratory path of the individual project. These workshops may be Digital or Traditional based.

This module will also introduce you to the skills needed to research, evaluate and present information in relation to both your practical design work and academic written material - skills on which the professional practice of the visual communicator and designer relies upon. This element will focus on the how and why a designer would research, how to use historical and contextual research to inform, enrich and underpin your practical work. It will also explore ways to evaluate, construct and present information in written, verbal and visual forms allowing you to articulate your views on historical and contemporary practice.

You will be introduced to resources within and outside the University that will enable you to gather information. You will learn the conventions employed to organise information and explore some of the techniques and technologies now used to present information in written, verbal and visual forms. You will be required to consider how the content of this module is applied to your practical design work, exploring the context in which your work sits and how factors such as semiotics and image deconstruction underpin your practice.

You will also learn how to use University facilities such as the Design Collection and Thompson Library as well as external resources including a design museum/exhibition visit. You will also gain the IT skills needed for the gathering and presenting of information in an academic context.