VISC 101 - Design Fundamentals

ENGL 095 - Integrated Reading and Writing or ENGL 075 - Co-Requisite Integrated Reading & Writing.

PROGRAM: Visual Communications
CREDIT HOURS MIN: 3
LECTURE HOURS MIN: 2
LAB HOURS MIN: 2
DATE OF LAST REVISION: Fall 2022

This course introduces students to fundamental design theory. Investigations into design theory and color dynamics will provide experiences in applying design theory, ideas and creative problem solving, critical peer evaluation, and presentation skills.

REQUIRED SOFTWARE:

This class makes use of industry-standard Adobe software. Students may not be able to complete the coursework without the use of Adobe software. Only students enrolled in Visual Communications courses that use Adobe software have been assigned an Adobe license. Not all students will have the ability to access Adobe software at home. All Visual Communications labs are outfitted with the latest Adobe software.  Review the IvyService & Support Knowledge Base article: How to Access Adobe Software at Home to learn how to access this software. 

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Please note that not every computer can run Adobe software. Verify your system can operate Adobe applications through the Adobe System Requirements website. We highly recommend computers with an Intel core processor, 64-bit support, 8GB of memory (16GB preferred), and a 250GB hard drive. All Visual Communications labs are outfitted with the minimum system requirements.

 

MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to:

1. Define and apply design process theory.
2. Create compositions, artwork, illustrations, layouts, designs, etc. that demonstrate the effective use of the elements of art and principles of design.
3. Demonstrate creative and visual problem-solving skills through exercises and/or projects utilizing vector/raster-based Adobe programs and/or other traditional art/design processes.
4. Generate ideas, notes and thumbnails manually or digitally.
5. Communicate oral or written justification of art/design intentions using appropriate design vocabulary.
6. Engage in critical peer evaluation.

• Elements of art: line, shape, space, pattern/texture, motion, value & color
• Principles of design: balance, unity, emphasis/focal point, rhythm, & scale/proportion
• Color theory
• Composition
• Concept development
• Problem-solving
• Historical application to design
• The importance of craft and execution
• The creative process
• Critiques