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)
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).
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.
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.
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.
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?
The Artist Series by Hillman Curtis (short films with top artists, design firms and designers ... Paula Scher, David Carson, Malcolm Gladwell, Stefan Sagmeister, James Vitore, Pentagram, Maclom Gladwell & more)
