Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- analyse, interpret and explain graphic design work and processes using professional terminology
- choose appropriate means of graphic design, typography, and illustrations for a given assignment
- work according to the design thinking process
- use ideation and problem-solving skills, self-expression and creative thinking

Implementation and methods of teaching

Lectures, exercises, personal and joint feedback discussion.

Timing and attendance

Attendance at the first lesson is mandatory. Acceptable completion of the course requires 80% attendance in lessons.

Learning material and recommended literature

A History of Graphic Design for Rainy Days (Gestalten, 2011)

Other reading materials will be provided on the course Moodle.

Alternative completion methods

Please contact the lecturers.

Learning environment

The course is organised as contact teaching at the Lahti campus.

Student time use and work load

The course requires independent work in addition to participation in face-to-face teaching. The estimated amount of work for a student is 135 working hours, including classroom teaching.

Contents

Students learn graphic design methods in the course and carry out a design task. The practice task includes typography, layout and illustration. Acceptable completion of the course assignment requires systematic and purposeful work, considering the needs of the target group and the customer. In the course, students will learn to present their ideas and finished work to the group.

There are also lectures on design thinking and graphic design concepts and theories.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

This is a foundation course of the visual communication program.

Assessment criteria

The evaluation is based on the task completed during the course and active participation in teaching and discussions.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

- Assignments not returned and/or unexplained absences
- Does not know how to use professional terminology and justify activities using graphic design means.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

- Knows how to come up with ideas and implement simple graphic design work
- Can use the most common professional concepts and justify their actions
- Can use learned methods and processes under guidance

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

- Can independently and under guidance come up with ideas and implement graphic design work and develop the work based on the feedback received
- Can use professional terms in a versatile way and communicate professionally
- Can choose methods and processes suitable for the activity and justify choices amde
- Can take into account the needs of the target group and other course participants

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

- Can independently come up with ideas and implement graphic design work and develop the work based on the feedback received and self-evaluation
- Can use and apply methods expertly and communicate professionally, taking into account all target groups
- Can choose, combine and develop methods and processes suitable for the activity to support work
- Can take responsibility for the project and work independently

Learning outcomes

The student can
- present their own works to an audience of peers and evaluate them critically
- use different visual idealization methods
- use their observations and feelings as starting points for creative thinking
- compare the connections between visual arts and other visual culture
- analyze, interpret and explain the visual culture of our time.

Assessment scale

1-5