Fundamentals of graphic design and effective visual communication

Code:

FDGCVE_FDCE

Acronym:

FDGCVE

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
CNAEF	Design

Instance: 2023/2024 - 2S (of 15-02-2024 to 18-04-2024)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Continuing Education Office
Course/CS Responsible:	Graphic Design Principles for Effective Communication

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
FDCE	11	Plano Oficial do ano letivo 2022	1	-	3	27	81

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

General:
To equip the trainees with visual literacy and graphic design and communication skills, in the different technical and theoretical aspects to meet the internal and external communication needs of public and private institutions, or contemporary cultural entities, in the different formats and media platforms; to introduce the trainees to the use of specific software for editing, composing and publishing content.

Module 2 specifics:
To equip the trainees with a set of fundamental strategies of the visual language of communication design; to train the trainees in the use of the main digital tools of desktop publishing; to generate innovative solutions to current problems or challenges of cornunication; creation of innovative and speculative communication solutions that promote a current communication of excellence.

Learning outcomes and competences

Upon successful completion of the UF, students have acquired, in the context of specialization in Desktop Publishing (DTP), the following competencies:

Competencies in Tool Utilization:
Proficiency in using graphic and desktop publishing software.

Competency in Layout Design:
Ability to design impactful and organized layouts for graphic presentations, considering the arrangement of text, images, and graphics.

Competencies in Color Utilization:
Selection of appropriate colors aligned with the message and visual identity of the institution.

Competencies in Typography Utilization:
Typography management, including the selection of suitable fonts, establishment of typographic hierarchy, and achievement of effective legibility.

Competencies in Visual Elements Integration:
Meaningful incorporation of images, illustrations, and graphics to enhance content understanding.

Multimedia Competencies:
Creation of graphic presentations that work in different formats, such as print, digital projection, and mobile devices.

Competencies in Brand or Institutional Visual Communication:
Understanding and application of institutional communication principles to graphically represent the brand or identity of the organization.

Scientific Communication Competencies:
Knowledge of best practices in presenting scientific information, including data graphics, tables, and visualizations.

Competencies Related to Cultural Context:
Consideration of cultural nuances and cultural sensitivity when creating graphic elements for diverse audiences.

Visual Storytelling Competencies:
Development of skills to visually tell stories, structuring content logically and engagingly.

Presentation Competencies:
Clear and captivating presentation of content, whether in person or through online resources.

Critique and Analysis Competencies:
Ability to receive feedback, review, and improve the design project based on constructive criticism.

Project Management Competencies:
Mastery of project methodologies in Design and Production of communication materials.
Ability to organize design work, establish deadlines, and manage resources to successfully complete graphic presentation projects.

Technical and Theoretical Competencies in Graphic Design and Information Visual Design:
Technical and theoretical competencies in graphic design and information visual design for internal and external communication of cultural entities and public institutions.

And these specific ones from module 2:

Introduction to Desktop Publishing (DTP):
Understanding of the definition and fundamental concepts of Desktop Publishing.
Awareness of the historical evolution of DTP and its contemporary importance.

Tools and Software:
Comprehensive knowledge of the main DTP tools.
Proficiency in the practical use of specific software, such as Figma.

Project of Specific Publications:
Competence in the development of web pages.

Best Practices and Trends:
Updated knowledge on trends in design and DTP.
Analysis of inspiring case studies for practical application.

The acquisition and operationalization of these competencies are relevant as they allow for assuming different roles and responsibilities in small or medium-sized teams, including the simultaneous coordination of management and communication design skills for institutions and various entities, in teams of varying sizes. Furthermore, they enable a more critical and approved evaluation and selection of editorial materials, as well as the management of human resources and professional skills in larger teams. In both contexts, relevance will be evident through the editorial proficiency gained through empirical knowledge of the visual design and communication process.

The goal is to consolidate these theoretical-practical competencies with design and production strategies for institutional and cultural communication projects in a holistic design approach.

Working method

B-learning

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

The attendance of the second module has as a mandatory requirement the attendance and completion of the first module.

Program

Fundamentals of graphic design and effective visual communication

Introduction to Desktop Publishing (DTP):
Definition and basic concepts of DTP
Historical evolution and current importance

Principles of Graphic Design:
Visual composition and layout
Effective use of colors and typography

Tools and Software:
Overview of major DTP tools
Practical training in specific software (e.g., Figma)

Text Management:
Text manipulation and formatting
Text and paragraph styles

Image Handling:
Importing and editing images
Resolution and file formats

Working with Graphics and Visual Elements:
Inclusion of graphics, tables, and diagrams
Alignment and distribution

Production of Digital Documents:
Digital output for online formats
Electronic publishing and interactivity

Specific Publication Design:
Development of web pages
Adaptation to different needs and audiences

Project and Deadline Management:
Workflow organization
Strategies for meeting deadlines

Best Practices and Trends:
Updates on design and DTP trends
Study of inspiring case studies

Assessment and Feedback:
Evaluation criteria for DTP projects
Collection and application of constructive feedback

These topics can be adjusted as needed, depending on participants' prior knowledge and specific course objectives.

Mandatory literature

Ambrose, G., & Harris, P.; The production manual, AVA Publishing SA, 2008
Concepcion, R.; Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Classic CC Classraam in a Book, Adobe Press, 2021
Chavez, C.; Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book, Adobe Press, 2021
Ellen Lupton; Thinking with type. ISBN: 1-56898-448-0
Lupton, Ellen; Graphic Design: The New Basics, Princeton Architectural Press, 2008
Williams, R.; The Nan-Designer’s Design Book (3rd Edition), Peachpit Press, 2008
Williams, R.; The Mac is nato Typewriter (2nd Edition), Peachpit Press, 2008
Wood, B.; Adobe Illustrator classroom in a book, 2020 release: The official training workbook from Adobe, Adobe Press, 2020

Complementary Bibliography

Bruno Munari; Design e comunicação visual. ISBN: 972-44-0176-6
Dalva Ramaldes; Sintaxe visual. ISBN: 978-85-89858-71-7
Christian Leborg; Gramática visual. ISBN: 978-84-252-2645-8
Helen Armstrong; Graphic design theory. ISBN: 978-1-56898-772-9
Eva Heller; A^psicologia das cores. ISBN: 978-85-65985-07-9
Terry Lee Stone; Color design workbook. ISBN: 978-1-59253-433-3
Kimberly Elam; Typographic systems. ISBN: 978-1-56898-687-6
Philip B. Meggs; Type & image. ISBN: 0-471-28492-0
Stephen J. Eskilson; Graphic design. ISBN: 978-1-78627-397-0
Lucienne Roberts; The^designer and the grid. ISBN: 2-88046-814-0
Susan Doyle; History of illustration. ISBN: 978-1-5013-4210-3

Teaching methods and learning activities

The UF integrates different methodologies based on expository lessons, with the respective spaces for discussion and collective critical appreciation; the exposure and demonstration of techniques and technological practices in which students will be induced and accompanied in the acquisition of theoretical and technical-vocational skills; and the completion of exercises and project development at the end of each module, individually and in groups, in order to consolidate the skills explored and develop autonomy in the research and acquisition of new ones.

The assessment will be continuous, including lectures with room for discussion; exercises and laboratory practice individually and in groups; and the completion of a consolidation project at the end of each training module. All activities and work will be presented in a portfolio, in order to classify the set of theoretical and practical knowledge acquired throughout the training course and the evolution of the student, based on the following parameters

- Attendance (15%): through the attendance registers, being compulsory to attend at least 75% of the contact hours;

- Participation/motivation (35%): corresponding to commitment, initiative, pertinence of the interventions, correct application of the knowledge acquired;

- Portfolio (50%), which considers the criteria of visual culture, critical sense and plastic qualities: technical mastery, correct use of materials/technologies, expression, plastic unity, creativity.

The final classification is on a scale of 0 to 20. The approval, if verified, is made on a positive scale from 10 to 20.

(as stated in the Regulation for the Creation, Internal Accreditation and Accreditation of Training Courses in the Continuing Education Area of UP).

The non-approval of trainees may result from

Attendance less than 75% of the number of face-to-face hours;

Failure to submit the individual work/portfolio;

An average performance value of less than 50%.

Software

Microsoft powerpoint
Adobe photoshop

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	20,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	80,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Frequência das aulas	49,00
Trabalho de investigação	40,00
Trabalho laboratorial	73,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Compulsory attendance in 75% of the classes, except in the cases prescribed in the general law and in the regulations of the FBAUP.

Calculation formula of final grade

Continuous assessment will include lectures with room for discussion; exercises and laboratory practice individually and in groups; and the completion of a consolidation project at the end of each training module. All the activities and work will be presented in a portfolio, in order to classify the set of theoretical and practical knowledge acquired throughout the training course and the development of the student, based on the following parameters

Attendance (15%): through the attendance registers, being compulsory to attend at least 75% of the contact hours;

- Participation/motivation (35%): corresponding to commitment, initiative, pertinence of the interventions, correct application of the knowledge acquired;

- Portfolio (50%), which considers the criteria of visual culture, critical sense and plastic qualities: technical mastery, correct use of materials/technologies, expression, plastic unity, creativity.


Attendance (15%) + Participation (35%) + Individual Work (50%).

The non-approval of the trainees may result from: Attendance less than 75% of the number of presential hours; Failure to present individual work! portfolio; An average performance value less than 50%.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

As provided for in the FBAUP Assessment Regulations.