99581 - Communication and Image for Industrial Design T (A-K)

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the module, students will be able to: critically observe reality through the study of selected objects and their representation in graphic works; interpret visual communication techniques; use the basic tools of graphic design and digital production; utilize representation scales; and create photographic images for the purpose of presenting industrial products.

Course contents

Communication and Image for Industrial Design T is one of two courses that make up the integrated course Representation and Visual Communication Laboratory T, along with Drawing T.

The Lab aims to develop transversal skills in the methods and techniques of representation and communication design, through a program that integrates theoretical reflection, design methodology, and graphic-visual and photographic experimentation.

Communication and Image for Industrial Design T
The course is divided into two modules:
· Module 1, focused on the theory and practice of graphic design in visual communication, through reflection and experimentation on masters, techniques, tools, and languages;

· Module 2, focused on the theory and technique of photographic representation in communication design, as a tool for designing communication artifacts.

At the end of the course, students:

· develop a critical observation of artifacts through the analysis of objects and their representation;

· they are able to understand the languages of visual communication, having acquired a critical eye on the fundamentals of graphic design (typography, color, layout, identity, images);

· they are able to manage the basic tools of graphic design, use representation scales, and create photographic images for product representation;

· they develop analytical and interpretative skills to recognize and understand the languages of visual communication;

· they experiment with the design of a communication artifact that preserves the memory of all the ex-tempore exercises completed during the course.


Representation and Visual Communication Lab T
The Lab is designed as a multifaceted program that brings together various representation techniques, graphic experimentation, and individual design practices, to offer an integrated vision of representation techniques and the languages of visual communication.

Communication and Image for Industrial Design T
Within the integrated course, the teaching is divided into two parallel and symmetrical modules, which contribute to students' development of the sensibilities, techniques, and design practices of graphic design and photography, as basic tools for visual communication.

· Module 1
Dedicated to the theory and practice of graphic design in visual communication, through reflection and experimentation with masters, techniques, tools, and languages.
The objective is to provide the technical, methodological, critical, and cultural foundations of visual design.
Through ex catedera lectures, artifact analysis, lectures with invited professionals from various fields of communication, practical activities, and group discussions, the module introduces the fundamentals of graphic design and photography.
Content covered may include, among other things, topics related to:
· History of visual cultures
· Perception and color
· Typography and type design
· Graphic composition
· Identity design and storytelling
· Media and communication.

· Module 2
Dedicated to the theory and technique of photographic representation in communication design, as a tool for designing communication artifacts.

Integration with Drawing T

The course is taught in conjunction with Drawing T, which partially complements it in the representation of the object chosen by the students.

Final Project
At the end of the course, students will develop a small-format analog editorial product containing the exercises they completed during the course, which will serve as a small manual on visual communication. Individual work will be developed based on the outputs of the exercises presented during the lessons.

Readings/Bibliography

Baroni, D., & Vitta, M. (2003). Storia del design grafico. Longanesi.

Falcinelli, R. (2014). Critica portatile al visual design. Da Gutenberg ai social network. Einaudi.

Heller, S., & Anderson, G. (2016). Il libro del graphic design. Vallardi.

Kleon, A. (2013). Ruba come un artista. Vallardi.

Munari, B. (2017, XIII rist. 2024). Design e comunicazione visiva. Contributo a una metodologia didattica. Editori Laterza.

Munari, B. (2017, XIX rist. 2025). Da cosa nasce cosa. Appunti per una metodologia progettuale. Editori Laterza.

Munari, B. (2017, XV rist. 2024). Fantasia. Invenzione, creatività e immaginazione nelle comunicazioni visive. Editori Laterza.

Falcinelli, R. (2017). Cromorama. Come il colore ha cambiato il nostro sguardo. Einaudi.

Itten, J. (1961, ed. italiana 2010). Arte del colore. Il Saggiatore.

Garfield, S. (2012). Sei proprio il mio typo. La vita segreta delle font. Ponte alle Grazie.

TwoPoints.Net, & Victionary. (2019). On the Road to Variable: The Flexible Future of Typography. Victionary.

Vignelli, M. (2012). Il canone Vignelli. Postmedia Books.

Müller-Brockmann, J. (1996). Grid systems in Graphic design: A Visual Communication Manual for Graphic Designers, Typographers and Three Dimensional Designers. Verlag Niggli AG.

Sinni, G. (2018). Una, nessuna, centomila. L’identità pubblica da logo a piattaforma. Quodlibet.

Teaching methods

The course includes lectures, exercises, research activities, and project development. The program is enriched by discussions and group reviews.
The program may include guided tours, site visits, and observation sessions in professional, cultural, or exhibition contexts.
The design process is accompanied by ongoing practical reflection and develops in close synergy with Module 2 Photography.

Given the type of activity and teaching methods adopted, attendance at this training program requires all students to have previously participated in Modules 1 and 2 of the e-learning course on workplace safety [https://elearning-sicurezza.unibo.it/].

Assessment methods

The Communication and Image for Industrial Design T course includes assessments distributed throughout the course, in relation to its two modules.

In Module 1, assessment activities are geared towards verifying students' understanding of the theoretical content through active participation, discussion of topics, review of assigned readings, and individual exercises aimed at developing graphic artifacts.

In Module 2, assessment focuses on the various phases of the representation process for the object chosen in consultation with the Drawing T professors.

Final Assessment

The final assessment for the integrated course, Visual Representation and Communication Laboratory T, will be a single assessment and will integrate the results achieved in both courses (Communication and Image for Industrial Design T and Drawing T).

The final grade will take into account the results achieved in both courses and the activities developed throughout the course.
Class attendance (mandatory) will also contribute to the final assessment.

Teaching tools

Slides, selected articles and texts, journals, catalogs, references, and case studies.

Office hours

See the website of Elena Vai

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