This module is concerned with conveying meaning and information in its many different forms and deals with the practical issues of visual problem solving within the broad field of visual communication. You will be encouraged to experiment with a range of media approaches in order to discover the ways in which different media carry different meanings and to express information in visually exciting and varied forms.

Traditional and new media are supplemented with 3D and image making techniques in the pursuit of understanding visual perception and aesthetic appreciation. This module is designed to build on knowledge and skills gained in previous modules by encouraging you to review, extend, develop and apply the use of (new) creative visual thinking, visual language manipulative skills and a variety of communication methods towards fresh and innovative solutions.

You will also concentrate on the practical exploration of composition, communicating through pictures, visual metaphors, and cultural aspects of image making.

Through a range of design exercises and projects, you will explore alternative research methods and design methodologies through lateral thinking, understanding the function and use of personal visual and written recorded material, and the understanding of structure and sequences with the emphasis on meaning, navigation and hierarchy. Diverse mark making methods and techniques are explored, and you will be encouraged to adopt an experimental and investigative approach to the use of media (Digital formats - including photography) and the moving image.

This module will also provide a platform for researching potential specialization within Graphic Design. You will be asked to consider the direction your studies may take in the future (level 6). With staff guidance you will draw on knowledge and experience gained so far to select/write project briefs that exploit areas you have shown ability and understanding. This is to gain confidence within the subject and begin to develop your own personal 'voice' and confidence within your chosen specialism.

Studio workspace and seminar room with presentation and projection facilities.
Computer Workshops
Specific skills modulettes will be assigned to this module.
Library
Internet access
Design studio
Experimental workshop resources for mixed media experimentation
Controlled studio environment for life drawing classes.
Macintosh G5s
Software: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign, i-movie
Black and White A3 printer
Colour Printer (computer workshops)
Animation Workshops

Ambrose G & Harris P. (2003) The Fundamentals of Creative Design AVA publishing
Barthes,R, Mythologies. London, Vintage. 1993
Blackwell L. Soon: Brands of Tomorrow. (2001)
Bestley R. & Noble I. Experimental Layout (2001) Roto Vision
Errea, Javieir. Malofiej "12th World Infographics Awards", 2003.
Fiell C & P Graphic Design in the 21st Century. (2003) Taschen.
Freeman,M, The Photographers Eye: Composition and Design for better Digital Photos. Focal Press. June 2007
Howells,R, Visual Culture. London, Sage. 2003
Hyland, A. 2003. Hand to Eye: Contemporary Illustration. Laurence King
Johnson M. 2002. Problem Solved: A Primer in Design & Communications. Phaidon Press
Lipton, Ronnie " Information Graphics and Visual Clues: Communication Information through Graphic Design", Rockport Publishers, 2004.
Marshall,H, Art Direction. Phaidon. 1990
Meyer, E.K. "Designing Infographics", Hayden Books, 1st edition, 1997.
McAlhone.B & Stuart D. 1999. A Smile in the Mind. Phaidon Press
McLuhan, M., Fiore, Q. & Agel, J. 1967. The Medium is the Massage. Penguin
Muybridge E. 1995. 'The Human Figure in motion'. Dover Press
Noble, I. 2003. Picture Perfect. Rotovision
Odling-Smee A. 2002. The New Handmade Graphics. Rotovision
Poyner R. Vaughn Oliver Visceral Pleasures (2000) Booth Clibborn Editions
Roberts L. & Thrift J. 2001. The Designer & the Grid. Rotovision
Rudy VanderLans R., et al. 1993. Emigre: Graphic Design into the Digital Realm. John Wiley & Sons
Wildbur, P./Burke, M. "Information Graphics: Innovative Solutions in Contemporary Design", 1999.
Zappaterra,Y,Art Direction & Editorial Design. Abrams Books, 2008
Zeegen, L. 2005. The Fundamentals of Illustration. AVA Publishing
2001-2012. D&AD Annuals. Taschen

Periodicals:
Grafik: Journal of the Best in International Graphic Design, (Monthly) www.grafikmagazine.co.uk
Eye: The International Review of Graphic Design, (Quarterly) www.eyemagazine.com
Why Not Associates. Why Not (1998) Booth Clibborn Editions
Wildbur, P./Burke, M. "Information Graphics: Innovative Solutions in Contemporary Design", 1999.
Zappaterra,Y,Art Direction & Editorial Design. Abrams Books, 2008

Web sites:
www.snd.org
www.bbc.co.uk

You will present for assessment a body of work as outlined in the module information pack.
This is likely to include:
Finished visuals, together with layout pads and sketchbooks showing research containing appropriate annotation into a diverse range of traditional and digital image making techniques as well as practicing artists and designers (Learning Outcome: 1), design development work, providing evidence of your ability to: identify, research and analyse a communication problem, generate a range of creative proposals and select and present solutions in appropriate visual forms. [Learning Outcomes 2, 4 & 7]
Finished projects and tasks that utilise a range of media applications including; digital applications and moving image techniques. [Learning Outcomes
2, 3, 4 & 6]
Produce and select solutions that demonstrate a developing aesthetic judgment based on sound research and observation, [Learning Outcomes 1 & 5]
Demonstrate an awareness of creative production processes.[Learning Outcome 3]

KEY INFORMATION SETS
100% coursework

roject work will provide the framework through which learning will take place, it will integrate the practical with the theoretical and the technical aspects of your design specialism. There will be studio work, including introductory seminars/lectures, followed by group tutorials and crits to present findings/visuals. Life drawing will be available to all students to support the development of drawing and visualizing skills.

Group instruction in appropriate software will be available if required.
(Photography, animation & moving image software)

KEY INFORMATION SETS
24% Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities
76% Guided Independent Learning