Introduction to Digital Tools

Code:

IFD101

Acronym:

IFD

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
CNAEF	Design

Instance: 2019/2020 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Design
Course/CS Responsible:	Communication Design

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
DC	72	Plano Oficial do ano letivo 2017	1	-	4,5	60	121,5

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

* To provide a socio-cultural framing of digital media and tools in current design practices;
* To consolidate theoretical and practice-based knowledge regarding digital graphics editing in order to underpin the individual practice of Communication Design, providing a scientific and technical understanding of the fundamental principles of digital image;
* To create, to promote and to refine work methodologies for the conception and production of design projects that rely on digital tools.

Learning outcomes and competences

* Basic expertise in operating digital graphics editing tools;
* Fundamental and applied understanding of the technical and scientific principles regarding digital image and surrounding media;
* Development of an autonomous and conscientious work practice and methodology based on the exploration of digital tools.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Not required

Program

The Introduction to Digital Tools course will perform an introduction to the role of digital tools and media—the computer, more specifically—in the practice of Communication Design in its technical and scientific, practical and theoretical aspects. The fundamental principles of digital imaging will be studied, taking into account the technological attributes of bitmap image and of vector image, using WYSIWYG interfaces and parametric and procedural systems, with parallel focus on the exploratory study of contemporary graphical grammar and language—from basic elements such as point, line, plane and colour to the exploration of more complex dynamics such as rhythm, modularity, patterns, grids, randomness.

Each module will explore a set of digital tools dedicated to computer assisted graphics editing, in order to introduce students in their practice.

Mandatory literature

Ambrose, Gavin Harris, Paul; The production manual, AVA, 2008. ISBN: 978-2-940373-63-5
Lupton, Ellen; Graphic Design: The New Basics, Princeton Architectural Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-56898-702-6

Complementary Bibliography

Ceruzzi, Paul; Computing: A concise history, The MIT Press, 2012. ISBN: 978-0-262-51767-6
Chapman, Nigel; Chapman, Jenny; Digital Multimedia, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2005. ISBN: 978-0470-85890-5
Lupton Ellen 340; Graphic design thinking. ISBN: 978-1-56898-979-2
Smith, Christopher; AGI CreativeTeam; InDesign CC Digital Classroom, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2013. ISBN: 978-1-118-63964-1
Smith, Jennifer; AGI CreativeTeam; Adobe Illustrator CC Digital Classroom, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2013. ISBN: 978-1-118-63971-9
Smith, Jennifer; AGI CreativeTeam; Adobe Photoshop CC Digital Classroom, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2013. ISBN: 978-1-118-63956-6
Muller-Brockmann Josef; Sistemas de retículas. ISBN: 968-887-201-6
Andrew Haslam; Book Design, Laurence King, 2006. ISBN: 978-0-8109-9220-7

Teaching methods and learning activities

Presentation, analysis and discussion of relevant materials in order to establish a permanent discussion forum within the workgroup.

The classroom will be organized according to a laboratorial structure for the development of design projects. Thereby, will be set in place the idea of the creative lab as a space of experimentation and exploration, where students, individually and collectively, will develop class projects in order to implement scientific contents and consolidate technical skills.

Software

Adobe InDesign
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	10,00
Trabalho laboratorial	90,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Elaboração de projeto	25,00
Estudo autónomo	25,00
Frequência das aulas	45,00
Trabalho laboratorial	26,50
Total:	121,50

Eligibility for exams

Positive weighted average evaluation in the exercises and projects developed, as well as in the other evaluation parameters.

Calculation formula of final grade

• The final classifications will be calculated from the weighted average of the exercises performed in each module. Modules 30%, Final project 70%;
• Undelivered projects will be rated 0 (zero);
• Unaccompanied projects will not be evaluated;
• All projects delivered outside the established deadlines will be penalized in their classification by a minimum of 20%.
• Attendance, participation and participation of students in projects, classes and other activities will be valued.

Classification improvement

Only by frequenting classes in the following year.