Course Title: Graphic Design
Course Code: Ele/SE-427
Credit Hours: 3 (3+0)
Prerequisites: None
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- CLO1: Understand the fundamental principles of design, including color theory, typography, and composition.
Domain: Cognitive
BT Level: 2 (Understanding) - CLO2: Develop and apply design concepts using industry-standard software tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Domain: Cognitive
BT Level: 3 (Applying) - CLO3: Create visually appealing and functional designs for both digital and print media.
Domain: Cognitive
BT Level: 3 (Applying) - CLO4: Critically analyze and evaluate design work, including peer and self-assessments.
Domain: Cognitive
BT Level: 4 (Analyzing) - CLO5: Produce a comprehensive design portfolio that demonstrates a range of graphic design skills.
Domain: Cognitive
BT Level: 5 (Creating)
Course Contents and Weekly Breakdown:
Week 1: Introduction to Graphic Design
- Overview of graphic design and its applications
- Introduction to design principles: balance, contrast, emphasis, and unity
- Reading Material:
- “Graphic Design: The New Basics” by Ellen Lupton
- Assignment: Create a mood board representing different design principles.
Week 2: Color Theory and Its Application
- Understanding color theory, color schemes, and the psychology of color
- Reading Material:
- “Interaction of Color” by Josef Albers
- Assignment: Create a color palette and design a basic logo using the palette.
Week 3: Typography and Font Selection
- Fundamentals of typography, font types, and their impact on design
- Reading Material:
- “The Elements of Typographic Style” by Robert Bringhurst
- Assignment: Design a poster focusing on typography.
Week 4: Introduction to Adobe Photoshop
- Basics of Adobe Photoshop: tools, layers, and image editing
- Reading Material:
- Adobe Photoshop User Guide (online tutorials)
- Assignment: Edit a photograph using Photoshop tools and present before/after versions.
Week 5: Image Manipulation and Digital Painting in Photoshop
- Advanced Photoshop techniques: image manipulation and digital painting
- Reading Material:
- “Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book” by Andrew Faulkner
- Assignment: Create a composite image using multiple photos.
Week 6: Introduction to Adobe Illustrator
- Basics of vector design and Adobe Illustrator
- Reading Material:
- Adobe Illustrator User Guide (online tutorials)
- Assignment: Design a vector-based logo.
Week 7: Vector Illustration and Branding
- Creating vector illustrations and applying them to branding projects
- Reading Material:
- “Logo Design Love” by David Airey
- Assignment: Create a branding package including a logo, business card, and letterhead.
Week 8: Mid-Term Review and Exam
- Review of material covered in Weeks 1-7
- Mid-Term Exam
- Reading Material:
- Review all previously covered chapters
- Assignment: Compile a mini-portfolio of all design work completed so far.
Week 9: Introduction to Adobe InDesign
- Basics of layout design using Adobe InDesign
- Reading Material:
- “Adobe InDesign Classroom in a Book” by Kelly Kordes Anton
- Assignment: Design a magazine cover and a two-page spread using InDesign.
Week 10: Layout Design for Print Media
- Techniques for effective layout design for print media
- Reading Material:
- “Making and Breaking the Grid” by Timothy Samara
- Assignment: Design a brochure or flyer.
Week 11: Digital Media Design and Web Graphics
- Designing for digital media: web graphics, banners, and social media posts
- Reading Material:
- “Designing for the Web” by Mark Boulton
- Assignment: Create a set of social media graphics for a campaign.
Week 12: UX/UI Design Basics
- Introduction to user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles
- Reading Material:
- “Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug
- Assignment: Design a basic wireframe for a website or mobile app.
Week 13: Packaging Design
- Principles of packaging design and 3D mockups
- Reading Material:
- “Packaging Design: Successful Product Branding from Concept to Shelf” by Marianne Rosner Klimchuk
- Assignment: Design packaging for a product.
Week 14: Portfolio Development
- Curating and presenting a graphic design portfolio
- Reading Material:
- “Show Your Work!” by Austin Kleon
- Assignment: Begin compiling a professional portfolio of completed works.
Week 15: Final Project Preparation
- Final project work and individual consultations
- Reading Material:
- Review all previous course materials
- Assignment: Finalize and present a major design project.
Week 16: Final Exam and Portfolio Presentation
- Presentation of the final project and design portfolio
- Final Exam: Comprehensive exam covering the entire course
- Assignment: Submit the final design portfolio for evaluation.
Teaching Methodology:
- Lectures: Covering theoretical aspects of graphic design
- Written Assignments: Applying design concepts through hands-on tasks
- Practical Labs: Engaging in practical exercises using industry-standard software
- Semester Project: A comprehensive design project showcasing learned skills
- Presentations: Student presentations of design projects and portfolios
Textbook:
- No specific textbook: The course relies on practical exercises and supplementary materials from various graphic design blogs, online tutorials, and industry-standard software guides.
Reference Materials:
- Various online tutorials, design blogs, and articles
- Software user guides (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
Assessment and Marks Distribution:
- Quizzes (10 marks): Unannounced quizzes throughout the semester to assess understanding of recent topics.
- Assignments (10 marks): Weekly assignments to apply and reinforce design concepts.
- Mid-Term Exam (30 marks): Covers material from Weeks 1-8.
- Final Exam (50 marks): Comprehensive exam covering the entire course.
- Class Participation (10 marks): Active participation in class discussions and activities.
This outline is structured to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in graphic design, using industry-standard tools and techniques.