73465 - Graphic Communcation T (L-Z)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, the students have the ability to apply the set of techniques and processes learned in the "Elementi di Grafica" module within a real case of communication project, during which the professional design process will be simulated.

Course contents

The course “VISUAL COMMUNICATION LABORATORY” is divided into two modules: “GRAPHIC ELEMENTS” (Prof. Tommaso Monaldi) and “GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION” (Prof. Ilaria Ruggeri).

The two modules are dedicated to the acquisition, study and experimentation of the tools, techniques and historical / cultural and methodological knowledge necessary for the design of complex graphic systems (typography, photography, visual design, layout management, creation and organization of contents) with the aim of training integrated skills for the development of a design process and a visual communication project.

The course aims to train designers aware of the languages of the contemporary and able to combine specificity and aesthetic skills with good design practices capable of putting the client's needs and their own attitudes into dialogue.

Students will find themselves faced with problems similar to those that the designer usually faces in the profession: the evaluation of a complex situation that involves strategic decisions, not limited to just the graphic elaborate, but rather in search of an adequate solution, of original contents, a tone consistent with the reference brief. Specific attention will be paid to understanding the brief and the ability to amplify the meanings around the theme, both from a formal point of view and from that of the theoretical approach.

The aim of the course is to experiment the work phases that must be faced to produce a graphic project by stimulating the development of a personal and original design method, experimenting with coordination and group design. A learning model centered on confrontation and critical discussion will be preferred and alternating moments of comparison and sharing of the stages of progress of the papers to the design.

"ELEMENTI DI GRAFICA" module (Prof. Tommaso Monaldi)

The objective of the module is to provide the technical and theoretical tools to manage the creation of a graphic project, independently and in a group. The module has a preparatory character characterized by a teaching methodology based on observation, research and experimentation, aimed at developing in the student a personal grammar of seeing.

By alternating theoretical and instrumental lectures with practical exercises, students acquire theoretical notions and tools related to:

> Basic design

• Theory: Ulm School, Bauhaus, Giovanni Anceschi;
• Practice: Fundamentals of Adobe Illustrator software (Introduction of the software, technical language related to design, specific glossary. Dimensions, settings, X and Y axis references on the work plane, drawing tools, vectors, etc.)

> Gestalt Psychology

• Principles
• Laws
• Real truth and factual truth

> Typography and typesetting

• Modular, single-base and single-alphabet typography
• Character classification
• Structure and construction of the letters
• The fonts
• Typometry
• Choice of fonts

> Use of images

• Theory: Dada and use of images
• Basics of photography
• Practice: Fundamentals of Adobe Photoshop software (Introduction of software, technical language related to design, specific glossary. Photo editing, image manipulation, File management and color profiles.)

> Basics of publishing and layout

• Theory: Cage and grid (Vignelli Canon, Josef Müller-Brockmann, Emil Ruder). Layout of text and images.
• Practice: Basics of Adobe Indesign software (Introduction of the software, technical language related to design, specific glossary. Graphic cage, master pages, management of a document for editorial graphics, composition and construction of the text area, creation of a graphic package , rhythm.)

"COMUNICAZIONE GRAFICA" module (Prof. Ilaria Ruggeri)

The objective of the module is to provide the cultural knowledge and design methodologies to develop the skills necessary for the creation of effective graphic designs consistent with the project brief.

In synergy with the “graphic elements” module, the module will consist of hours of theoretical lectures, hours of design laboratory and individual and group reviews aimed at developing a design methodology applied to a concrete project.

The first part of the course will be dedicated to providing students with the tools to outline contexts and stimulate the gaze through which to make their projects effective:

> Analysis of the theme

> Desk research: theoretical, bibliographic research, case studies (analysis and systematization), etc.

> Evaluation and analysis of the data collected, elaboration of the theme and evaluation of possible connections with other reference themes

> Definition of areas of action

> Definition of characteristics and quality of the project

> Development of the concept

The second part will serve to define the set of tools suitable for the definition and application of a design method useful for the subsequent phase of implementation of a visual communication project consistent with the needs expressed by the brief.

In this phase, the key steps of the design process that precedes the implementation phase in working groups will therefore be identified:

> Brainstorming techniques

> Concept development

> Visual research and definition of the moodboard

> Definition of design guidelines

> Definition of tools, documents and communication channels consistent with the project concept

> Design and production of prototypes

 

Readings/Bibliography

Mandatory readings valid for both modules:

• Dispense teoriche approfondite in aula.
• Baroni, D., Vitta, M., Storia del design grafico, Milano, Longanesi, 2003.
• Bringhurst, R. (2001). Gli elementi dello stile tipografico. Sylvestre Bonnard.
• oppure
• Hochuli, J. (2015). Detail In Typography. Éditions B42.
• Falcinelli, R. (2011). Guardare, pensare, progettare. Neuroscienze per il design. Stampa Alternativa.
• Falcinelli, R. (2017). Cromorama. Come il colore ha cambiato il nostro sguardo. Einaudi.

Recommended readings valid for both modules:

Tipography

• Lupton, E., (2004). Thinking with Type : A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students. Princeton Arch.
• Thomas, D., Lupton, E., (2017). Never Use Futura (The history of a typeface). Princeton Architectural Press

Layout

• Müller-Brockmann, J., Malherbet, P., & Passerini, L. (2017). Systèmes de grille pour le design graphique. Entremonde.
• Ruder, E. (2001). Typographie: A Manual of Design (7th Revised ed.). Verlag Niggli AG.

Methodology

• Rawsthorn, A., & Dirié, C. (2018). Design as an Attitude (Documents). JRP | Ringier.

Notion

• Josef Alberts, Interazione del colore. Esercizi per imparare a vedere. Il Saggiatore, 2013
• Munari, B. (2017). Design e comunicazione visiva. Contributo a una metodologia didattica. Laterza.
• Frutiger, A., (1996). Segni & Simboli: Disegno, progetto e significato. Stampa Alternativa.
• Sagmeister, S., Walsh, J. (2018). Beauty. Phaidon.

Teaching methods

Mixed teaching; Ex cathedra lessons; Distance lessons; laboratory; Frontal lessons, Guided Visits lessons, Project Work.

Assessment methods

The verification methods include classroom exercises and the creation of graphic artifacts. Group reviews will be provided to take care of the development of the exam project work.

Teaching tools

Theoretical notes / slides

Sitography / Bibliography

Case studies

Video Lessons

Office hours

See the website of Ilaria Ruggeri