This module introduces you to the background and the need to present ideas and information in two and three dimensions and its role within the professional practice of designing and making.

You will be introduced to different approaches to visual communication, including the importance and relevance of visual research to the designer. Various drawing methods and mark making techniques will be explored, with attention being paid to scale, colour and composition in which you will begin to appreciate the synergy between drawing and CAD.

You will use both observational and analytical methods of working to express and interpret visual information through a broad range of drawing and image making, as well as supporting materials such as research notebooks and/or sketchbooks.

Practical work weighted at 100%:

Typically including thumbnail sketches, development sketches, digital renderings, sketch models, copycat renders, digital portfolio and video (minimum 40 pages).

[Learning Outcomes 1-3]

Watching demonstrations of various drawing, rendering and layout techniques and then regularly practise the techniques demonstrated in guided independent study.
Experimenting with a number of techniques for visual representation in 2 and 3 dimensions.
Independently developing own visualisation and layout skills in the studio, workshop, other parts of the university and at home and organising own workload.
Presenting work in a competent, professional and organised manner.
Rapidly generate multiple ideas from different sources of visual inspiration. (Such processes are applied to creating solutions in future design work.)

Module Learning Outcome
1. Understand visual representation techniques and develop an appreciation of their role within the design process.
University Learning Outcome
Knowledge and Understanding

Module Learning Outcome
2. Produce a body of design work demonstrated by the successful use of skills gained and undertake further training to develop transferable skills necessary for employment and/or further study.
University Learning Outcome
Application
Reflection

Module Learning Outcome
3. Respond to project briefs coherently and creatively, evaluate and interpret concepts and principles, and communicate the results accurately with well-structured reasoning.
University Learning Outcome
Analysis
Communication

Dedicated Design Studio
Specialist 3D Workshop facilities
Smart Zone – 3D Printing, Laser cutting, VR, 3D Scanning
Clay Modelling studio
CAD Labs
Seminar & Presentation Rooms
Access to relevant software (to include: Alias, Rhino, SolidWorks, Adobe CC, Microsoft Office, Keyshot, Keynote)

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module.

In addition to the suggested reading list below, you should determine your own extended reading list appropriate to your discipline and work. You are expected to take advantage of the extensive physical and digital library resources available within the University.

Your extended reading list should include websites, journals, magazines and newspaper articles, as well as texts relating to your appropriate discipline and the wider creative industries.

Our full course reading list can be found on Blackboard.

Eissen K. & Steur R. [2007] Sketching: Drawing Techniques for Product Designers. BIS Publishers.
Eissen K. & Steur R. [2011] Sketching: The Basics. BIS Publishers.
Powell, D. [1994] Presentation Techniques: A Guide To Drawing and Presenting Ideas. Little, Brown & Co. Brown, C. and C. McLean [2004] Drawing from life. Wadsworth/Thomson.
Gregory, D. [2008] An Illustrated Life: Drawing Inspiration from the Private Sketchbooks of Artists, Illustrators and Designers. F+W.
Smagula, JH. [2002] Creative Drawing. Laurence King.

N/A

Visual communication is a key skill to becoming a great designer. You will learn how to improve your drawing and rendering in 2D so that in future you will confidently communicate your ideas effectively and with flair. With daily practise you will become accomplished in a variety of drawing and rendering styles in different media, master different levels of visual information while understanding the remit of designers in the future. Visual communication skills will be used and improved on all future modules, they are an efficient and rapid way to progress multiple ideas to quickly explore a range of practical solutions to any given brief.