Monday, May 4, 2015

Week 15 — Project 4: applied communication theory website - desk crits

Due:
  • significant progress


Studio:
  • studio/desk crits


Homework:
  • Prepare for final presentation of website. 
  • Write your self-evaluation

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Week 14 — Project 4: applied communication theory website - studio day

Due:
  • significant progress

Studio:
  • studio/desk crits

Homework:
  • setting up live folders
FTP SETTINGS
 *spell your name with no spaces, all lowercase*. all are full name except chris, tori, and sam. 

Server Name: kcaidesign
Connect using: SFTP
SFTP address: design.kcai-sites.com
port: 22
username: kcaidesignstudent
password: 4b!R?dj9

ROOT FOLDER : FILE ORGANIZATION + NAMING
  • no spaces, use _ if you need separation in your text. no special characters. 
  • name your files in all lowercase. NO CAPITALS. Ex: EmmyRice v. emmyrice
  • only save images with screen resolution in this folder. 
    • NO psd's, illustrator files, etc. Keep those in a separate folder and save your web safe jpg's, png's, and gifs here. 


On Friday, everyone will meet in Irving Auditorium at 8-8:30am for a mandatory graphic design department meeting 

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Monday, April 27, 2015

Week 14 — applied communication theory website - refine wireframes & sketches, Muse, cont.

Due:
  • digital refined sketches of home page and theory page
  • in class "speed" critique

Studio:
  • refine sketches
  • Muse overview, continued

Homework:
  • Begin to build your site in Muse
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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Week 13 — Project 4: website - refine wireframes & sketches, overview of Muse

Due:
  • site map
  • wireframes & sketches

Studio:

Your ftp server information:

  • Server Name: kcaidesign
  • Connect using: SFTP
  • SFTP address: design.kcai-sites.com
  • port: 22
  • username: kcaidesignstudent
  • password: 4b!R?dj9
  • root directory:  design.kcai-sites.com/students/yourname
  • web url: http://design.kcai-sites.com/
  • overview of Muse with Trent

Homework:

  • digital refined sketches of home page and theory page
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Monday, April 20, 2015

Week 13 — Final crit, begin ACT website

Due:
Final crit
  • Whitney, Chris, Tori
  • Haas, Kristen
  • Isaac, Justin
  • Emily, Jon
  • Hev, Brendan
Studio:
  • lecture about wireframes
ACT website project brief
Create a useful & informative reference site that best displays what you learned and accomplished during this course. Show it in your sophomore reviews and keep it to use in your future coursework!

Objectives
  • communication: organized and accessible structure and content (visual and verbal)
  • theory: correctly defined/identified theories
  • form: visually cohesive, strong and appropriate design system
  • execution: refined digital craftsmanship

Other requirements
  • proper grammar and spelling
  • give credit to original designers/authors of found work
  • format: muse web site
Content: 
Semiotics
  • a: found examples of semiotics (includes: 1 icon, 1 index, 1 symbol, 1 syntagm, 1 paradigm, 1 pragmatic)
  • b: 2 studies/examples that code meaning (1 of relay, 1 of anchor) AND 2 studies/examples that change connotations (for each, list 3 connotations)
  • c: 18 definitions
    • semiotics
    • syntax
    • semantics
    • pragmatics
    • sign
    • signifier
    • signified
    • icon
    • index
    • symbol
    • anchor
    • relay
    • digital code
    • analog code
    • denotation
    • connotation
    • polysemy
    • paradigm

Rhetoric/Modes of Appeal/Social Good poster
  • a: found examples of 3 modes of appeal
  • b: 2 studies that communicate your chosen design for social good topic (for each, list the modes and tropes employed)
  • c: 3 definitions (ethos, pathos, & logos)

Rhetoric/Tropes
  • a: found examples of 9 rhetorical tropes
  • b: 9 definitions (pun, hyperbole, irony, antithesis, personification, metonymy, metaphor, synecdoche, parody)

Communication theory:
  • communication model final (includes: 2 communicators, 1 channel, 1 message, 1 noise, 1 feedback, 3 contextual factors)
  • 12 definitions
    • communicator a/b
    • channel
    • message
    • noise
    • feedback
    • context
      • perception (pathos)
      • reasoning (logos)
      • motivation (ethos)
    • technical
    • semantic
    • effectiveness


Note: You can include more examples, description, book elements and insight than the minimum required.

Homework:
  • site map (how will you outline your information?)
  • your initial wire frames (how will your organize your information?)
  • 3 concepts/sketches each including a home page and secondary page (definitions/examples)
  • install Muse on your computer (it is part of the adobe creative suites)

see 



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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Week 12 — Project 3: Communication models, critique

due:
  • digital communication process with annotations

studio:
  • work on final presentations (see below)

homework:
Prepare a thoughtful verbal/visual presentation
  • 6 minute team presentations
  • 6 minutes for feedback from one other team
  • 12 minutes total.
  • Post to blogs for evaluation.

Final crit deliverables
1. final communication model, either as digital/motion model or printed/digital model, with well-designed and clear annotations.

2. final process definitions as digitally-presented pdf file with well-designed and clear annotations.

presentation should cover the following info:
how your communication model works, using proper terminology
how the form supports your ideas about the communication model
what new insights you gained from the process model about the realities of communication

Digital Communication Model
Methods:
  • refined model (1 total)
  • with clear/correct labeling of communication theory's general components
  • plus inclusion of some insightful details that offer evidence of your understanding of the theory, applied


Defining Communication Theory
Methods:
  • clear/correct and concise definitions for each term, in your own words
  • 6 components
    • communicator a/b
    • channel
    • message
    • noise
    • feedback
    • context
  • Emmert/Donaghy’s 3 contextual factors
    • perception (pathos)
    • reasoning (logos)
    • motivation (ethos)
  • Shannon/Weaver’s 3 noise factors
    • technical
    • semantic
    • effectiveness
  • 3 specific, relevant, timely examples for each term (18 total).
  • well written, concise and insightful reflection on what you learned about communication theory and its application to graphic design practice (1-2 paragraphs)
  • thoughtfully typeset all of the above (refine what you started on day 1).

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Monday, April 13, 2015

Week 12 — Project 3: Communication models, studio day

Due:
  • Response to Davis reading
  • Final annotation on 3D models

Studio:
  • review / lecture on davis reading
  • desk crits on your final model direction with visual / verbal annotations
  • refine annotations in class

Homework:
  • Finalize your digital communication model. If it is a poster, make it at least 11 x 17, full color. If is it animation, time it appropriately.
  • Remember, BAD CRAFT IS NOISE.

Consider the audience for your communication model to be someone who is generally uninitiated with the subject matter—your mother, for example (unless she is a linguistics or communications professor, in which case, bring her in for a guest lecture). You do not want to dumb down your understanding of how the process works, but clarify as best you can the complexities and subtleties of the process. Your terminology should be correct but also clearly defined, using examples where necessary to aid in learning.


The open-ended or vague nature of abstract models such as these, as opposed to the closed-down or specific nature of examples, allow people to think in generalities and imagine their own scenarios, but may be disconnected from personal experience. Examples make use of personal experience but may hinder how broadly someone can think about the concept. So both are valid but serve different purposes. This is why it is wise to somehow make use of both techniques or perhaps find some middle-ground in some way.
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Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Week 11 — Project 3: Communication models, part A

Week 11 — Project 3: Communication models, part A
Wednesday, Apr 8

Due:
  • 3D analog communication model
  • photograph and post to blog
  • write a thoughtful description of your model, the process of the message, include mention of the communication model that inspired you.
  • finalized digital models 
  • 11x17 printed
  • post digital version to blog


Studio:
work day + desk crits: 
  • refine annotations on process model
  • refinements on chosen communication model (see below)

Digital Annotations
Select ONE (2D or 3D) direction from the in-class exploratory exercise. Translate to digital output.
Thoughtfully compose type and imagery consistently on 11x17 pages or in a motion file. (If 3D, shoot in studio, with proper lighting and composition)
Your design must correctly identify
  • 6 components
  • at least one communicator a/b
  • channel
  • message
  • noise
  • feedback
  • context
  • Emmert/Donaghy’s 3 contextual factors
    • perception (pathos)
    • reasoning (logos)
    • motivation (ethos)

Homework:
  • Read remainder of Davis reading (starting at "treatment (style, aesthetics)" to the end. Post your response to the blog.
  • Label your 3D model

  • Select one model direction, expand, detail, and iterate digitally.
    • finalize communication model, post documentation to blog with brief explanation
    • finalize process example with visual / verbal annotations to each component of your model to help clarify ideas for those unfamiliar with communication theory. (see above)
    • post to blog with brief explanation


Models should be:
  • clear communication
  • evidence of learning
  • visually engaging
  • single unifying concept.
  • bring in your refined design for next class.


Consider the audience for your communication model to be someone who is generally uninitiated with the subject matter—your mother, for example (unless she is a linguistics or communications professor, in which case, bring her in for a guest lecture). You do not want to dumb down your understanding of how the process works, but clarify as best you can the complexities and subtleties of the process. Your terminology should be correct but also clearly defined, using examples where necessary to aid in learning.

The open-ended or vague nature of abstract models such as these, as opposed to the closed-down or specific nature of examples, allow people to think in generalities and imagine their own scenarios, but may be disconnected from personal experience. Examples make use of personal experience but may hinder how broadly someone can think about the concept. So both are valid but serve different purposes. This is why it is wise to somehow make use of both techniques or perhaps find some middle-ground in some way.

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Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Bright shiny design objects 017

It's baaaaaaack! Finally feeling better and ready to share a lot of great design news! Descriptions will be brief, but please check out the greatest hits of the last few months.

Giant interactive star chart


Monica Roesner has shared this great interactive installation from B Reel, called "Star Canvas" This video share how a relatively idea and bit of technology evolves from simple exploration of interacting with a computer without using your hands to "paper, rocks, scissors," then to a fantastic interactive geodesic installation where you can create your own constellations and interact with the ones already there.

25 ideas shaping the future of design


Paul Diamond sent along this article from Fast Co. Design that asked 5 design studios (Ammunition, Herman Miller, Code and Theory ...) to share their thought on the future of design. Which ideas resonate with you? Did they miss something?

Would you eat something from a 3D printer?


Speaking of predictions, I'm not so sure that I will go for this, but the folks at Frog Design think you "will be more likely to eat something that has been 3D printed than buy something that has been 3D printed." A bold statement. 2015 is being touted as "the year you'll eat your firs 3D printed dessert." Check out their other bold predictions here.

Branding each of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes


Larry's inspiration reminded me of another ambitious site from a few years ago. Branding 10000 Lakes is an inspiring site by one designer, Nicole Meyer. Designing one lake logo a day, she figured it will only take her about 27 years to complete the project. She made it 377 days. I am still impressed. Talk about keeping your design chops up.

State plates.


Design and travel makes my heart sing, so you can imagine how happy I was when Larry Fulcher shared the State Plates Project tumblr site with me. Jonathan Lawrence asked different designers from all over the country re-designed state license plates. Drew Roper designed this for Missouri, and I wish it was on my car. Love how he took into account the mandatory stickers as well.

Motion design inspirations


Rachel Haas found this Turkish designer raised in Sweden, Toros Kose, whose motion graphic and experimental design has allowed him to freelance the globe.

LEGO augmented reality


Larry Fulcher wishes he was 10 again. (OK, I wish I was 10 again, too.) The London studio, Gravity created a project called Lego X. It converts Lego bricks with some hardware that allows a computer to track their position as you build. And you can export the 3D file is you wish. OK, sign me up.

Mmmmm ... infographic sketchbooks


Steven Heller and Rick Landers recently published the book Infographic Designers' Sketchbooks, which shares the behind-the-design-scenes look at the process of designing infographics. 50 designers, 50 processes. Read more about the book here.

Great design movies


This was my list to-be-watched (or re-watched) during "recovery time" (I still haven't seen them all, yet.) Yes, I know you have so much free time on your hands right now ...  but here are some art & design movies that will hopefully keep you inspired as you push to finals. What would you add to the list?

design master series:

art & design & printing & other cool stuff
fashion:

other movies:

self taught artists:

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Monday, April 6, 2015

Week 11 — Project 3: Communication models, part A (studio day)


Due:
significant progress on digital communication models, 2D & 3D

Studio/homework:
  • finish analog communication model
  • photograph and post to each of your blogs
  • write a thoughtful description of your 3D model
    • the process of the message,
    • the communication model that inspired you and why
  • digital models (3 tight digital sketches total — not pencils)
    • 11x17
    • clearly labeled, thoughtful definitions
    • typographically and visually strong
  • define (post to your blog):
    • 6 components
      • at least one communicator a/b
      • channel
      • message
      • noise
      • feedback
      • context
    • Emmert/Donaghy’s 3 contextual factors
      • perception (pathos)
      • reasoning (logos)
      • motivation (ethos)
    • Shannon/Weaver’s 3 noise factors
      • technical
      • semantic
      • effectiveness
  • How do these above terms relate to the models you are creating?

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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Week 10 — Communication models

On Friday, everyone will meet in Irving Auditorium at 8-8:30am for a mandatory graphic design department meeting

From the Meredith Davis reading, we find a case for thinking beyond the thing you are making.

"Individual designers, however, are obliged not only to inform their professional activity through observation, research, and various types of discourse that address a wider cultural context (beyond the domain of the individual project), but also to make sense of their work within systems of social and cultural production."

Due:
  • Your reading responses


Studio:
  • Review reading / lecture
  • Determine pairs
  • Brainstorm communications components*


Now that you have a good background in various modes of thinking about the communication process, take the rest of class to consider if and how any of these models differ from contemporary communication processes. 
  • Did Shannon/Weaver, Emmert/Donaghy, and Berlo account for the interwebs, cell phones, texting, and ipads? 
  • How might you design a communication model for today? 
  • Would your model look any different from theirs or include different factors?
  • Begin constructing your own physical communication model. Keep in mind how Meredith Davis said that models influence the way we think and act.


1. Updating Models
The latest communication model you are studying is from 3 decades ago. Generate a list of specific examples that brings the communication components* up to date. List items that are current, relevant, and unique to both graphic design and society today.
  • Collaborative effort
  • Tools: craftpaper, markers
  • Afterwards, individually transcribe for personal notes. 

*components:
  • communicators
  • channels
  • messages
  • noise
  • feedback
  • contextual factors


Homework:
Make your own model
Create your own informative, comprehensive and compelling model (aka schematic). A schematic is a model that represents elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures. In the schematic diagram, the elements are coded and arranged to be easily interpreted by the viewer
  • Produce 1 analog and 1 digital model = 2 total.
  • For analog models, start in class. Generate several quick/small studies by end of class. Document day’s progress to blogs.
  • For digital models, start with thumbnails. Post thumbs to blogs.


Each model must:
  • demonstrate your understanding of the communications process (as apropos to the present/future of visual communication discipline)
  • present a uniquely different approach to overall form and concept.
  • incorporate what you learned from both the class brainstorm and take-home lecture/readings.
  • utilize and exploit the tools/materials appropriately (e.g. analog may be more metaphorical, while digital may be more logical).

  • Bring both to next class.
  • Print digital model 11 x 17 color for quick group crit on Monday.


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Monday, March 30, 2015

Week 10 — AIGA poster final

I will be late, due to a search committee meeting until 12-12:15. Please have your posters up on the wall, so we can start as soon as I get here. You can get started on your readings, while waiting.

Due:
Have final printed at FULL SIZE (don’t forget to factor in your bleeds)

Studio:
Final critique

Homework
for next class, read & respond to

Based on the initial Davis commentary on models, bring to class a wide range of materials to use and share in a model-making session. Bring what you want and share what you want, but here are a few suggestions:
  • paper: trace, white, colored, construction, magazines, etc
  • board: chipboard, foamcore, cardboard (scraps are fine)
  • connectors: string, yarn, wire, toothpicks, etc
  • adhesive: glue stick, elmer's glue, rubber cement, etc
  • cutting: xacto, scissors, ruler
  • anything else that occurs to you
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Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Week 9 — Design Chair Candidate Interview with Erik Brandt

On Friday, everyone will meet in Irving Auditorium at 8-10:50am for a mandatory graphic design department presentation with John Foster and Martin Venezky  More about John Foster: http://designobserver.com/profile/johnfoster/275 http://www.accidentalmysteries.com


Studio

Homework:
  • Work those posters! Due on Monday
  • Have final printed at FULL SIZE (don’t forget to factor in your bleeds - It will be printed on a sheet that is bigger than 11 x 17.) Yes, that means printing at the print center. Manage your time.
  • Don’t forget to change the information in the template, so that your name is on there.

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Monday, March 23, 2015

Week 9 — AIGA Poster

Due:
  • 3 poster comps printed in color on 8.5 x 11 (they will be slightly smaller than the final). 
  • Use the template I sent last week. 
  • Be sure that you are addressing at least one of the modes (ethos, pathos and/or logos) and identify what trope you are using. 
  • Post all 3 to your blog.


Studio/homework:
  • Finalize your poster
  • Print full size (including bleeds)
  • Don’t forget to change the copy in the black bar to your name


Homework:

  • Revisions to your poster
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Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Week 7 — Midterm reviews & poster

Due:
Self evaluation

Studio:


Homework:
  • 3 tight concepts for your social good poster. (ethos, pathos and logos)
  • full color
  • 11 x 17, but you can print them on 8.5 x 11 (don’t forget the bleed.)
  • Be prepared to talk about the tropes you used, the signs, signifiers, icons, index and symbols as appropriate.
  • There might be a pop quiz on terminology.

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Monday, March 9, 2015

Week 7 — Project 2 — final deliverables & AIGA poster

Due:
  • Thoughtful verbal/visual presentation of Parts A, B, C. 7 minutes max.
  • Print work, consistently, in color, on 8.5x11 or 11x17 pages. Pin-up for critique, before start of class.
  • Post to blogs for evaluation.


Studio:
AIGA Social Advocacy poster
  • The AIGA invites designers to create social advocacy posters
  • To get started, download the design brief and poster template and video credit screen.
  • Evolve your initial design concepts – that utilizes rhetoric and modes of appeal — from phase B.
  • Due for class crit: 3/10. Print 1 or more poster design(s), full scale, full color, in template.
    • Posters should be 11 x 17 inches (portrait).
    • 0.125 inch bleed
    • All images and art are RGB.
    • All images are 300 dpi at full-size.
    • The credit band has been updated with your personal information.
    • If applicable, Interstate bold was replaced with either Univers 65 or Helvetica bold.
    • All type has been converted to outline.
    • Save as a press quality PDF. Please do not add security restrictions to your PDF. 
  • Deadline for submissions will be May 16th. Submit online.
  • Any poster that incorporates positive social impact with global, national, or local content can be submitted (Feel free to narrow this down for your class if necessary).
  • Entries that use a specific organization's logo will be disqualified. 
  • Submissions will be displayed based on creativity and effectiveness in considering environmental, economic, social and cultural issues. 
  • All students can enter regardless of AIGA membership. 
  • AIGA is responsible for all final printing.


Homework:

Please post your self reflection:
  • how do you think you are doing over all?
  • where do you think you are struggling? succeeding?
  • how do you think you will address the areas that you are struggling with? 
  • what are your goals for the rest of the semester? 
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Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Week 6 — Project 2: Rhetoric

On Friday, everyone will meet in Irving Auditorium at 8-8:30am for a mandatory graphic design department meeting 

Due:
  • Review your printed pieces. Take careful notes for later revisions.

Studio/homework:
Part A: Identifying Rhetoric (modes & tropes)
  • 3 modes x 3 found examples per mode = 9 total
  • 1 found example per trope = 9 total
Each example will be:
  • considered and well-crafted documentation of found artifacts
  • clear and consistent labeling, descriptions and citations
  • thoughtful and consistent composition of elements (type and image)

Part B: Rhetorical Combos (persuasive matrix & sketches)
methods:
  • produce studies of your chosen topic that successfully employ the theory
  • execute 3 out of 9 tropes, one from each mode = 3 total (one example each of ethos, pathos & logos, different trope for each)
  • studies are well-crafted and formally engaging
  • studies are communicative and insightful
  • clear/correct labeling
Plus, include clear and selective documentation of analog sign-mapping and matrix.

Part C: Defining Rhetoric
methods:
  • clear/correct and concise definitions for each term, in your own words (14 total)
  • rhetoric, metonymy, synecdoche, antithesis, pun, hyperbole, metaphor, personification, irony, parody
  • modes of appeal, pathos, logos, ethos
  • well written, concise and insightful reflection on what you learned about rhetoric and its application to graphic design practice (1-2 paragraphs)
  • thoughtfully typeset the above definitions and statement. Must be a new/different approach from project 1.

Homework:
  • Prepare a thoughtful verbal/visual presentation of Parts A, B, C (see above). 7 minutes max.
  • Have your keynote ready, before start of class.
  • Post to blogs for evaluation.
Kim Huynh:









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