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.