COMM 102 - Design Organization I

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This is a foundational course for the visual communication degree programs. The Gestalt principles, as they relate to design, and the principles and elements of design are learned and put into application in a series of projects. Also covered is color theory, the psychology of color, typography, working with a client, idea generation, and the application of basic studio procedures and materials. Additionally, peer review and collaborative work is regularly employed within the class. This course meets the General Education competency of Critical Thinking (CT).

Text
None. 

Objectives
The student will be able to: 

A. Identify the Gestalt principles of design, as well as the principles and elements of design. 

B. Utilize the Principles and Elements of Design within various layouts. 

C. Identify the basic anatomical parts of types and the six basic categories of fonts. 

D. Apply color theory and the psychology of color in layouts. 

E. Incorporate basic layout techniques and proper presentation to projects. 

F. Demonstrate skillful use of required graphic design tools and materials in class and on projects. 

G. Evaluate a diverse collection of visual materials related to the specific case study. (CT) 

H. Synthesize the materials and draw conclusions. (CT) 

I. Compile a series of visual representations applicable for case study that acknowledges alternative explanations and views. (CT) 

J. Apply appropriate technical skills and proper presentation in layouts. 

Content
A. Introduction to and application of the Gestalt principles of design and the principles and elements of design. 

B. The basic anatomy of text, the six basic categories of fonts. 

C. Rules and principles of typography. 

D. The use of thumbnail sketches, rough sketches, comprehensive detailed presentations, and dummy layouts. 

E. Proper tool usage and demonstration of appropriate project presentation. 

F. Law and copyrights as pertaining to graphic designer. 

G. Researching and interviewing a client and competitors to fulfill design needs. 

Student Evaluation
A. Readings, Homework, and Tests  

B. Projects 

C. Readings, Homework, and Tests 

D. Readings, Homework, Tests, and Projects 

E. Projects 

F. Projects  

G. Projects 

H. Projects 

I. Projects 

J. Projects Bibliography
Arntson, Amy E. Graphic Design Basics. 6th ed. Wadsworth Engage Learning, 2003. 

Golombisky, Kim, and Rebecca Hagen. White Space Is Not Your Enemy: Graphic Design as Visual Communication in a Multimedia World. CRC Press, 2017. 

Goodman, Allison. The 7 Essentials of Graphic Design. Cincinnati, OH: How Design, 2002. 

Landa, Robin. Graphic Design Solutions. 4th ed. Wadsworth Engage Learning, 2011. 

Salz, Ina. Typography Essentials: 100 Design Principles for Working with Type. Beverly, MA: Rockport, 2011. 

Stritzver, I. Type Rules: The Designer’s Guide to Professional Typography. 4th ed. Wiley, 2013.