Swedish name: Visuell kommunikation
This syllabus is valid: 2011-09-05 and until further notice
Syllabus for courses starting after 2011-09-05
Course code: 5ID138
Credit points: 15
Education level: Second cycle
Main Field of Study and progress level:
Industrial Design: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Two-grade scale
Responsible department: Umeå Institute of Design (UID)
The course focuses on visual communication in the design field. It provides an overview of and introduction to the visualisation methods used in different stages of the design process, ranging from idea sketching to presentation sketches, graphic design and other digital visualisation tools. The main aim of the course is that the student shall be able to choose between different visualisation methods for different situations, and use design as a strategic tool in order to give a comprehendible view and a shared understanding of a complex problem. Emphasis is on using visualisation as a tool for communication of design problems, design methods and design concepts, using adequate methods and means in different contexts. A large part of the sub-course focuses how to use design methods and processes to understand and exemplify methods, concepts, data and relationships - design related or not. The course is structured in three sub-courses: Sub-course 1. Strategic information design, 7,5 credits The sub course introduces the field of information design from an industrial design perspective, and is run in project form. The aim of the sub-course is that the student shall apply design tools and design methodology in a context where the design process can be used to understand, problematise, explain and visualise complex problems, contexts, processes or situations. A strong focus is on working with finding design opportunities and defining design problems in large organisations, companies or societal structures or phenomena, working with methods for research, evaluation and innovation. During the project, the students work with visualisation methods and techniques related to this, mainly in the fields of graphic design and typography, with the aims of using visualisations for facilitating discussions, testing, decision making and communication. The basics of communication theory and graphic design are introduced. Throughout the project, a strong emphasis is on user participation in the design process and on the role of the industrial designer in leading design innovation and design processes. Examination through active participation in education, submission of required deliverables and visual and oral presentations of project work. Sub-course 2. Visualisation techniques, 3 credits The sub-course aims to developing a personal style and approach to visualisation of different kinds. An aim is to further strengthen the students skills in manual and computer aided sketching, also allowing for artistic explorations into visualisations of abstract concepts. Through this approach, awareness of different cultural visual codes and communication practices is highlighted, and students should be able to document their visualisation process, and explain and argue for choices, selections, references and cultural understandings in relation to this. Examination through the submission of required assignments, and through the submission of a visual sketch process documentation and an oral presentation of this. Sub-course 3. Visual storytelling, 4,5 credits The sub-course introduces the basics in visual storytelling, relating narrative techniques and different visual media to the field of design. An introduction to the basics of structuring and sharpening different kinds of narratives - visual, oral and written - is given during the sub-course. Students work with visual analysis and visual narratives in relation to identity and intention individually and in groups, finding ways to visually communicate a story or a message. Examination through the submission of required visual deliverables and oral/written presentation of these.
After completing the course, the student shall be able to: - apply user centric design methods for problem definition, research, ideation, evaluation in a strategic project with focus on information design, and reflect on the use of industrial design methods and the role of the industrial designer in the information design process. -visualise abstract concepts and complex processes, narratives or situations using adequate tools, relate the visualisations to specific user groups, cultural or societal contexts, and argue for the solutions, choices and visualisations on the basis of these understandings. - plan and carry out a design project in a structured way, using adequate methods and showing a professional attitude throughout the project in terms of planning, conducting and presenting the project. - orally and visually present the process and result of an information design project in a clear and structured way, adapting the choice of visual composition, medium and format of the presentation to the intended audience and situation.
For admission to the course, students must hold a BA degree in industrial design, or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B. (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and no individual score below 5.5. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum score of 575 and a minimum TWE score of 4.5). TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum score of 90 and a minimum score of 20 on the Writing Section). Admittance to the course is administrated locally at UID. The selection of applicants is based on portfolio and interviews with special regard to innovative and creative skills and personal motivation and maturity.
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutoring, practical assignments, and project work. Students work both individually and in groups with assignments and projects. Education is carried out in English.
Examination is carried out orally, visually and in writing, individually and in groups, in the forms of project presentations, submission of visual assignments, texts and reports, seminars, and active participation in seminars and teacher led education of assessing character. After completing the course, one of the grades Fail (U) or Pass (G) is awarded the student. Students receive a grade of either Pass (G) or Fail (U) for each assignment and sub-course as for full course. In order to obtain credit for the course, all sub-courses and assignments must be completed with a minimum grade of Pass, and the project assignments which includes applications of skills and knowledge from all sub-courses must also be completed with a minimum grade of Pass. For the grade Pass, the student must be present for mandatory education, hand in required deliverables and complete all examinations. For students who have not obtained the grade Pass, other examination sessions will be arranged. A student who for two consecutive examinations for the same course or sub-course has not been passed, has the right to have another examiner appointed, if there are no special reasons against this (Higher Education Ordinance chapter 6, 22 §). The request for a new examiner shall be made in writing to the Department board of Umeå Institute of Design. Academic credit transfer Equivalency credits for this course can only be given if it can be shown through transcripts and course plans that a similar course has been passed, and after the course responsible and director of single subject courses have evaluated and approved the students individual level of skills and knowledge.
The literature list is not available through the web. Please contact the faculty.