IAT 102: GRAPHIC DESIGN

Course Summary: This introductory design course acquaints students with the fundamentals of graphic design. Organized as a continual interplay of theory and practice, the course examines historical, philosophical, perceptual and semiotic approaches to graphic design.

Students learn about elements and principles such as the typographic grid, color theory, type styles, spacing and legibility. The hands-on coursework focuses on a series of two-dimensional design assignments in print and digital contexts. These assignments are designed to build on each other and further support larger projects in print and identity design.

Skills/Instructional Approach: IAT 102 is a unique course. comprising upwards of eight sections or 180 students. The course is taught using a 2 hour lecture and 2 hour lab.  Labs utilize demonstrations and hands-on.

There are three major projects or assignments that students complete in small groups: an identity/logo design task, a magazine spread project based on the same theme as the identity project as well as a web-based portfolio project, summarizing student's work over the term. In addition to the major projects, there are individual weekly assignments.

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this courses, students will be able to:

1. Apply sketching and drawing in the design process (e.g. rapid visualization)

2. Utilize principles of visual design to communicate clear messages across digital and non-digital forms of media to a given audience.

3. Interpret the meaning of visual designs as well as the constraints of different media (digital and non-digital) to create effective visual designs

4. Communicate, explain and critique considerations of visual design using appropriate methods and terminology.

Skills: Typography, layout (page and screen), grids, color theory, sketching (rapid visualization), font characteristics and connotations, graphic design history, visual hierarchy.