Design Japan DES 116: Graphic Design Studio DES 198: Directed Group Study
UC Davis Department of Design Marc Ishisaka-Nolfi ([email protected])
DRAFT
June 21 - July 19, 2020 (Summer Session I)
Course Description
You will explore many modern and traditional elements of Japanese design in the cities of Tokyo and Kyoto while working on multiple, conceptually-linked assignments, that focuses on the fundamental choices designers make in translating concepts into graphic form, taking projects from research and initial concepts to design strategies, project resolution and audience reception.
Objectives
- To investigate, understand, and apply fundamental notions of visual communication design and the principles of presenting information and conveying meaning through design. - Explore the history, development and function of identity systems and branding. - Learn the basics of preparing digital art files for reproduction. - Becoming familiar with the roles of team members working together to create good design.
Required Materials
Textbook: Design Thinking Process & Methods, 4th Edition, by Robert A Curedale 8.5 x 11 Sketchbook : Spiral Bound for journaling 8.5 x 11 Notebook for notes and sketching Laptop with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign Smartphone for journal photos and communication
Format Course format is a combination of lecture/discussion and studio/workshop. We will spend much of class sharing ideas, making discoveries and reviewing your work. Your participation is necessary and will reflect in your grade. There will be lectures on various topics which will help you build your design understanding and skills from week to week.
There will be many experiential field trips to help designers accomplish their tasks and goals. But you should also be noting the styling and packaging of what you see on a daily basis. Incorporate your observations into your journal with visual examples.
Research
Your work will require primary research; In your daily life, start to be aware of typography and communication design. Analyze what you see and experience based on the principles we are investigating in class. Put yourself in the shoes of your audience to understand experiences from a new perspective.
Projects and Exercises
You are responsible for planning ahead to be sure you have prepared any materials you may need to research, sketch, write, design, draw, experiment, etc. in class. In most cases you will sketch by hand to develop your ideas before moving to the computer for final production.
The computer is a better production tool than thinking tool. You need to keep all working sketches and source files for all projects and assignments.
In addition to the projects and readings, short exercises and activities will help you develop the necessary skills.
Critiques and presentations
Critiques are meant to push you further in your thinking, exploration, and development of ideas, so be prepared to talk about your work. You will be expected to express your ideas and objectives using typographic and design-related terms. You will gain experience organizing your thoughts and visual materials in a professional manner for presentation and discussion. As part of your project grade, you will be evaluated on the quality of your presentations.
Process books
Keep your research, sketches and project development materials organized into a process book for each project. These will be reviewed at various times throughout the summer session. You will bind them and create a book that shows your approach to your design process.
Expectations
It is important to think creatively and critically (right and left brain!), attend all classes, have all assignments completed for class, be prepared to work productively on the current assignment, and participate fully in all class cooperative-learning activities. You are responsible for planning ahead to be sure you have prepared and brought with you the materials you need to research, sketch, write, draw, experiment, etc. in class.
Project Overview and Grading
I. Logo Design (15%) II. Graphic Standards (15%) III. Packaging & labeling (40%) IV. Process Manual, Design Analysis & Journaling (20%) V. Attendance and Participation (10%)
Note: Participation is crucial. Consistent tardiness will affect your grade; being late for scheduled class times, activities, or critique will affect your grade. Work is due at the beginning of class. Summer session is a fast paced and intense learning experience and thus late work can not be accepted, except under extreme circumstances.
No class activities on the weekends - study, rest and see the sights!
Monday (6/22) Tuesday (6/23) Wednesday (6/24) Thursday (6/25) Friday (6/26)
Orientation 9amLecture 10-1pm Studio: 1pm-4pm
Lecture 8-11am Field Trip: Archi-Depot
Lecture 8-11am Field Trip: Omotesando / Harajuku / Cat Cafe
Lecture 8-11am Field Trip: Material Connexion
Project 1 DueField Trip: Studio Ghibli Museum
Monday (6/29) Tuesday (6/30) Wednesday (7/1) Thursday (7/2) Friday (7/3)
Lecture 8-11am Journal Check 1Field Trip: Tokyo Tower or Tokyo SkyTree
Lecture 8-11am Field Trip: Gilcopia Factory Tour
Lecture 8-11am Field Trip: Yokohama Ramen Museum - dine together after the museum tour.
Lecture 8-11am Project 2 Due Field Trip: Shibuya / Hachiko
Field Trip: Tokyo Disney Sea
Monday (7/6) Tuesday (7/7) Wednesday (7/8) Thursday (7/9) Friday (7/10)
Lecture 9-12pm Journal Check 2
Lecture 8-11am Field Trip: Todaiji / Buddha’s Nostril / Deer Park
Lecture 8-11am Field Trip: Kiyomizudera
Project 3 Due Lecture 8-11am Field Trip: Dotonbori / Takoyaki Museum
Field Trip: Blue Dye Workshop
Monday (7/13) Tuesday (7/14) Wednesday (7/15) Thursday (7/16) Friday (7/17)
Field Trip: Seki Sword MuseumJournal Check 3
Field Trip: Arashiyama
Field Trip: Miyajima Field Trip: KinkakujiLecture 2-5pm Final Project Due
Field Trip: Himeji Castle
Kyoto
Tokyo
Schedule
