Module Details

Module Code: COMP7043
Title: Visual Design Principles
Long Title: Visual Design Principles
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2130 - Multimedia
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the theory and language associated with designing for the web with an emphasis on how design principles are used to create effective solutions. In this module students will gain an appreciation and understanding of the language used by designers. They will also learn how to apply these design skills within the creative development process.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Investigate and identify design usage in contemporary web solutions.
LO2 Discuss the basic fundamentals of design language for the web.
LO3 Visually explore the role of colour and imagery for the web.
LO4 Apply the principles of layout and Typography for the web.
LO5 Create a user interface that adheres to design principles for the web.
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).
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.
No incompatible modules listed
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.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Research & Investigation
Introduction to visual research methodologies. Design thinking, HCD , user experience. Design usage: case studies demonstrating the use of design principles in relation to web design. Design language: how to communicate effectively about design and how to critically evaluate design work. Analytical skills and research skills specifically related to design. Empathic research strategies. Developing work specific to a target audience.
Typography
Key terminology relating to typography. Communicating effectively with designers. Working towards designing their own type. Fonts, typeface distinctions, letterform, tracking & Kerning, sourcing fonts, font families, type as image and designing type for web. Familiarisation with the work of leading typographers. Evaluating and implementing their own typographic solutions.
Colour
Colour theory and how it is effectively applied to design. Web colour theory, colour values, colour schemes & palettes, inspiration & resources. Evaluating existing colour strategies and how to create their own specific to their target audience / design goals.
Layout
Fundamental layout principles and strategies. How layout relates to overall functionality and user experience. Web grid structures, symmetry and asymmetry, balance, unity, space, emphasis, hierarchy, consistency and alignment with a view to creating visually and functionally strong layout patterns.
Imagery
Examining aesthetic issues around imagery relating to parameters such as target audience and tone of voice. Ssourcing, media formats, licensing, file format (e.g. .gif, .png, .jpeg, .svg, .ai, .psd) and categories of media type (vector, bitmap etc). Image editing software for interface design.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Students will study the design language and communication of a specified design work and submit a report with a critique of that design.
Assessment Type Critique % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Students will implement practical knowledge (gained in design elements and principles, and design process) to create a static user interface to solve a specific design problem for specified users.
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
Lecture Contact Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting content delivered. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent learning & study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab supporting content delivered. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent learning & study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Ellen Lupton. (2015), Graphic design: The New Basics, Revised and Updated, [ISBN: 978161689332].
  • Mark Boulton. (2009), Practical Guide to Designing for the Web, Five Simple Steps, 1st. Mark Boulton Design Ltd, [ISBN: 9780956174017].
  • Alexander White. (2011), The Elements of Graphic Design, 2nd. Allworth Press, [ISBN: 9781581157628].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Jason Beaird. (2014), The Principles of Beautiful Web Design: Designing Great Web Sites is Not Rocket Science!, 3rd. Sitepoint, [ISBN: 9780992279448].
  • Timothy Samara. (2007), Design Elements: A Graphic Style Manual (Paperback), Rockport, [ISBN: 9781592532612].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KWEBD_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Web Development 4 Elective