Module Details

Module Code: ARTS6003
Title: Design Principles - Basics
Long Title: Design Principles - Basics
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2140 - Design Studies
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This is a foundation module outlining the principles and working practices used within graphic design. This module concentrates on the development of creative thinking skills, idea generation, visualisation and mark-making techniques.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse the fundamentals of design language in visual communication
LO2 Communicate a message by exploring various creative design approaches
LO3 Generate design solutions using creative thinking and problem solving skills
LO4 Produce a design that utilizes research as a means to devise, explore and develop concepts
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
11771 ARTS6003 Design Principles - Basics
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
none
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
none
 
Indicative Content
Language of Design
Two Dimensional Space, Figure & Ground, Form Relationships, Symmetry & Asymmetry, Negative & Positive Space, Golden Section & Composition, Visual Hierarchy & Emphasis, Visualising Ideas.
Basic Studio Skills
An introduction to Making & Forming - 2 & 3 dimensional Mock-ups.
Research
Introduction to Visual, Textual & Informational Research Skills, Scrap books & Mood Boards.
Creative Thinking
Creative thinking & Problem Solving Techniques, Introduction to Visualising Ideas & Developing Concepts.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 3 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Fundamental Design Language Brief
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 35
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Description
Creative Thinking and Design Brief
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 45
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Design Project - The combination of the fundamentals of design language - creative problem solving, research, layout, colour and studio skills within a project that allows students to demonstrate knowledge and skills gained in previous exercises.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Tutorial Contact Graphic Design Exercise Every Week 5.00 5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Research & Practical Design Exercise Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Robin Williams. (2014), The Non-Designers Design Book, 4th. Peachpit, [ISBN: 0133966151].
  • Quentin Newark. (2007), What is Graphic Design?, Rotovision, [ISBN: 2940361878].
  • Ian Noble, Russell Bestley. (2011), Visual Research: An Introduction to Research Methodologies in Graphic Design, [ISBN: 2940411603].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Malcolm Barnard. (2005), Graphic design as communication, Routledge, New York, [ISBN: 0415278139].
  • Gavin Ambrose, Paul Harris,. (2008), The Fundamentals of Creative Design, [ISBN: 2940373825].
  • Gregory Thomas. (2003), How to Design Logos, Symbols and Icons, [ISBN: 1581804563].
  • Karen Triedman,. (2015), Colour: The Professional's Guide: Understanding and Mastering Colour in Art, Design and Culture, [ISBN: 1781572046].
  • Michael Bierut. (2015), How to use graphic design to sell things, explain things, make things look better, make people laugh, make people cry, and (every once in a while) change the world change the world, Thames and Hudson, [ISBN: 0500518262].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_DVICO_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Communications 1 Mandatory