1

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Fundamental techniques in conceptualizing. Includes all procedures from initial research to creating strategies to finalizing a project.

Credit Hours: 3 

All courses offered in the Visual Communication department are workforce courses, and may have some transfer restrictions to other colleges. Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with our departmental advisor Jen Jones, or their Area of Study advisor.

Course Prerequisites:

No previous course is needed to take this class.

2

COURSE RATIONALE/OBJECTIVES

In this course, students learn how to apply design processes and frameworks to solve design challenges. Students can apply skills learned in this class to Graphic Media Production and Graphic Design degree areas.

3

Required Online Resources

• ACC Google apps, including gmail, docs, slides, MIRO and drive
• Blackboard
• Zoom

Tools

• Paper and Mark Making Tools (black pens, markers, sharpies, etc.) 
• A device [smart phone, digital camera, or scanner] to take and upload photographs
• Reliable access to a computer that has:
  • high-speed internet connection
  • web browser
  • webcam
  • microphone

Optional

• An Adobe Creative Cloud subscription — to access the software in the labs and for your own use.

4

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

The teaching methods in this class are based on professional experience and best practices in the area of design and advertising. These methods might include lectures, demonstrations, critiques in group and one-on-one settings, group activities, and student presentations.

We will use the “camera-ready” principle for this class, which means you should be prepared to appear on camera when you are speaking, critiquing, or presenting.

PROJECTS

Week 1

C1 | Discover graphic design fundamentals

Scavenger Hunt

Week 1-2

C2 | Discover Audience & Mood

Mood Boards

Week 2-4

C3 | Discover Concept

Pictogram & Ideogram

Week 4-7

C4 | Use Concept in the Design Process

Minimalistic Movie Poster

Week 8-11

C5 | Use Inspiration to Find Solutions

Album Cover

Week 12-16

C6 | Capstone: Develop & Present Campaign 

Mythological Figure

GRADING SYSTEM

Below is a list of assignments and their grade percentages for this course. If any of these projects or grades change, I will notify you of those changes before we continue with the project. Grades will be computed on a 100 point scale. Projects along with attendance, participation, and presentation contribute to your final grade for the class.

A=90-100  B=80-89  C=70-79  D=60-69  F=59 or below 

Assessment

Your final grade in this course will be assessed as follows:

A grading rubric is available on Blackboard for each project.

What you’ll learn to do by the end of this course: 

• Identify and define design problems
• Use design processes and frameworks to discover solutions.
• Recommend a strategy to find solutions for client needs.

What you’ll learn to do by the end of the Graphic Design discipline:

• Tools and Techniques: Students will effectively choose software, methods, and techniques to create deliverables for print and/or digital media.
• Design Process: Students will select the most effective design processes and methods to meet project needs.
• Professionalism: Students will demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills to stakeholders, clients, and peers.
• Critical Thinking: Students will analyze project goals to recommend effective design concepts and solutions to visual communication clients.
• Design Principles: Students will demonstrate proficiency in applying the elements and principles of graphic design.