Alexis Ortiz’s Profile Student Toggle navigation

Course Description This course will offer an in-depth introduction to communication design theory, examining theoretical perspectives of design practice within the larger discourse of design and visual culture. Communication models, the nature of representation, the dimensions of context and semiotics will be explored through critical readings from key documents written between the early decades of the twentieth century and the present. In this context, “theory” doesn’t mean “a hypothesis to be tested” (as in the sciences), but rather points to a set of working beliefs about how the world—or in this case, visual communication—works. Some aspects of certain visual communication theories are based on observable “facts,” but the way these facts are woven together says more about how we construct meaning than it does about empirical answers to factual questions. So why does a design professional—typically an eminently practical, hands-on person working toward a specific end for the benefit of a specific client—want or need to engage with visual communication theories? First, “doing theory” promotes a sophisticated level of reflection about design work—far beyond the touchstones of “did they like it?” and “did it serve its purpose?” Second, it encourages designers to think holistically about the contexts for their work—beyond the immediate job at hand to the larger contexts of the social, the cultural, and the historical. And finally, it recognizes the obvious: today, graphic design shapes our visual world and puts each person at the nexus of thousands of messages each day. In this course, we, as senders and receivers of such messages, will attempt to make sense of all this through our verbal discussions in class, our blog postings, and our research poster design and presentations. We will be looking at two types of theories: generative theories, that explain the “how” of visual communication; and critical/sociocultural theories that explain the “what, where, and when” of design, or the historical, cultural and social contexts. By developing the ability to look at design through these different lenses, professional designers can enhance the quality of their decision-making and have a better grasp on the multiple contexts and frameworks for clients and audiences. We can better understand and evaluate the many issues about local usability and usefulness within broader contexts of ethics, aesthetics, professional and social responsibility.

Course Description This course will offer an in-depth introduction to communication design theory, examining theoretical perspectives of design practice within the larger discourse of design and visual culture. Communication models, the nature of representation, the dimensions of context and semiotics will be explored through critical readings from key documents written between the early decades of the twentieth century and the present. In this context, “theory” doesn’t mean “a hypothesis to be tested” (as in the sciences), but rather points to a set of working beliefs about how the world—or in this case, visual communication—works. Some aspects of certain visual communication theories are based on observable “facts,” but the way these facts are woven together says more about how we construct meaning than it does about empirical answers to factual questions. So why does a design professional—typically an eminently practical, hands-on person working toward a specific end for the benefit of a specific client—want or need to engage with visual communication theories? First, “doing theory” promotes a sophisticated level of reflection about design work—far beyond the touchstones of “did they like it?” and “did it serve its purpose?” Second, it encourages designers to think holistically about the contexts for their work—beyond the immediate job at hand to the larger contexts of the social, the cultural, and the historical. And finally, it recognizes the obvious: today, graphic design shapes our visual world and puts each person at the nexus of thousands of messages each day. In this course, we, as senders and receivers of such messages, will attempt to make sense of all this through our verbal discussions in class, our blog postings, and our research poster design and presentations. We will be looking at two types of theories: generative theories, that explain the “how” of visual communication; and critical/sociocultural theories that explain the “what, where, and when” of design, or the historical, cultural and social contexts. By developing the ability to look at design through these different lenses, professional designers can enhance the quality of their decision-making and have a better grasp on the multiple contexts and frameworks for clients and audiences. We can better understand and evaluate the many issues about local usability and usefulness within broader contexts of ethics, aesthetics, professional and social responsibility.

User Experience (UX) Design is an essential component in developing websites, applications, and any other type of product intended to be used by people. This course examines the leading concepts of user—centered design through readings, discussions and assignments. Practical concerns include evaluation of technology needed to create or maintain websites; and exploration of a step-by-step process for creating products using flow charts, wireframes and prototypes. Students will also gain an understanding of issues surrounding usability on the Web, knowledge management and Web strategy.

User Experience (UX) Design is an essential component in developing websites, applications, and any other type of product intended to be used by people. This course examines the leading concepts of user—centered design through readings, discussions and assignments. Practical concerns include evaluation of technology needed to create or maintain websites; and exploration of a step-by-step process for creating products using flow charts, wireframes and prototypes. Students will also gain an understanding of issues surrounding usability on the Web, knowledge management and Web strategy.

Internship in Communication Design (Online Asynchronous Summer Intensive) (BFA degree) Assignment to fieldwork/study situations of approximately 25+ hours per week at an internship site approved by the department Internship Coordinator: an advertising agency, graphic design firm, corporate design office, publications art department, photography or illustration studio, TV or media production company. Each student keeps a blog/journal to be shared in group seminars. Supervision is by faculty and by the supervisor at the internship site. Internships may be undertaken during the spring, summer and fall semesters. Prerequisites: COMD 3701 or COMD 4701 or department approval. 2 class hours, 120 field hours/semester, 3 credits Students will be required to keep a journal of their internship in the form of a blog using Open Lab. A portion of the class will be devoted to presenting and sharing experiences with classmates.

Internship in Communication Design (Online Asynchronous Summer Intensive) (BFA degree) Assignment to fieldwork/study situations of approximately 25+ hours per week at an internship site approved by the department Internship Coordinator: an advertising agency, graphic design firm, corporate design office, publications art department, photography or illustration studio, TV or media production company. Each student keeps a blog/journal to be shared in group seminars. Supervision is by faculty and by the supervisor at the internship site. Internships may be undertaken during the spring, summer and fall semesters. Prerequisites: COMD 3701 or COMD 4701 or department approval. 2 class hours, 120 field hours/semester, 3 credits Students will be required to keep a journal of their internship in the form of a blog using Open Lab. A portion of the class will be devoted to presenting and sharing experiences with classmates.

This course introduces students to core concepts in the graphic communications field including typography, color theory, design and production terminology, reproduction processes, file formats and substrates. During the semester, students will complete three pages of their own ePortfolio web site. Lectures will provide students with a historical perspective of the graphic communications field as well as discussing current practices and future trends.

This course introduces students to core concepts in the graphic communications field including typography, color theory, design and production terminology, reproduction processes, file formats and substrates. During the semester, students will complete three pages of their own ePortfolio web site. Lectures will provide students with a historical perspective of the graphic communications field as well as discussing current practices and future trends.

This openly available model course contains course information, learning outcomes, suggested weekly topics and projects, video resources, quizzes, and more.

This openly available model course contains course information, learning outcomes, suggested weekly topics and projects, video resources, quizzes, and more.