Visual Design

VISUAL DESIGNThe module will focus on the effective application of design and visual

communications through the implementation of the project methodology, the

creative process and its phases, applied techniques, conception models and the

resolution of visual and interactive communication problems.

Special attention will be given to emerging trends in this discipline, taking into

consideration the study of project processes, materials and both current and

in-progress applications, with a view to the conception of efficient visual and

interactive communication projects applied to physical elements, print media,

and the digital/virtual/synthetic realm for all types of technological fields.

The Visual Design module will endow students with the skills and knowledge

needed to deal with the diversity and complexity of this discipline, as well as in

Visual Communications. Special importance will be attached to interaction with

the environment as well as the user himself in order to acquire a solid

understanding for the development of experiences and interactive applications,

from semiotics, perception and readability, to visual codes, hierarchization and

visual information design.

Visual Design

VISUAL DESIGNThe module will focus on the effective application of design and visual

communications through the implementation of the project methodology, the

creative process and its phases, applied techniques, conception models and the

resolution of visual and interactive communication problems.

Special attention will be given to emerging trends in this discipline, taking into

consideration the study of project processes, materials and both current and

in-progress applications, with a view to the conception of efficient visual and

interactive communication projects applied to physical elements, print media,

and the digital/virtual/synthetic realm for all types of technological fields.

The Visual Design module will endow students with the skills and knowledge

needed to deal with the diversity and complexity of this discipline, as well as in

Visual Communications. Special importance will be attached to interaction with

the environment as well as the user himself in order to acquire a solid

understanding for the development of experiences and interactive applications,

from semiotics, perception and readability, to visual codes, hierarchization and

visual information design.

Visual Design

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SPECIFIC SKILLS

The ability to analyse, envision, design and implement visual systems applicable to interactive projects using project-based methodologies and design techniques and processes.

The acquisition of basic knowledge related to the development of visual systems and modular, mutable, evolutionary and adaptive identities.

A critical understanding of sound professional practices in the execution of design and visual and interactive communication projects.

Discovering and using new trends and technologies related to the display of information and the creation of visual codes.

A practical command of the use of visual communication techniques applied to 2D, 3D and 4D (time and space) projects.

Gaining practical experience in the management and development of interdisciplinary design projects.

Learning Objectives

Visual Design

SPECIFIC SKILLS

The ability to analyse, envision, design and implement visual systems applicable to interactive projects using project-based methodologies and design techniques and processes.

The acquisition of basic knowledge related to the development of visual systems and modular, mutable, evolutionary and adaptive identities.

A critical understanding of sound professional practices in the execution of design and visual and interactive communication projects.

Discovering and using new trends and technologies related to the display of information and the creation of visual codes.

A practical command of the use of visual communication techniques applied to 2D, 3D and 4D (time and space) projects.

Gaining practical experience in the management and development of interdisciplinary design projects.

Learning Objectives

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PERSONAL SKILLSA critical understanding of methodological, project and technical applications, as well as their scope and results in design projects.

Critically reviewing and applying knowledge to a wide range of projects and applications.

Developing and applying skills to critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis, and to the design of projects and experimental models.

Working both independently and on teams, exhibiting a capacity to undertake and think critically about functions and responsibilities.

The implementation of advanced problem solving techniques as well as techniques for the finding of original and creative solutions to general and specialized problems.

Developing and demonstrating visual, oral and written communication skills and techniques. Project presentations.

The capacity to work on transdisciplinary and multidisciplinary project teams.

Demonstrating critical awareness of current issues in the discipline, and making informed judgments based on incomplete or inconsistent data, or when there are no professional, ethical or practical codes to orient one.

The coordination of teams and art management on projects involving Visual and Interactive Design and Communications.

Learning Objectives

Managing and taking responsibility for one's work.

Visual Design

Content

Project methodologya Basic concepts: methodology of design, theoretical foundations, systematization, methodological constants, creative process, form/function, configuration and effects.b Methods and design processes: comparison of models. Design and natural science. Design and artificial science. Design processes and the scientific method, research, analysis, conceptualization (brain storming), parallels and conceptual and formal analogies, metaphors, codes and visual hierarchies, synthesis, forms of representation, production, prototypes, testing and reproduction.

Visual Codes and languagea Visual perception, reading and readability (textual and typographical) bimedia language, the image-text relationship.b From graphic designer to "visualist" programming languages.c Identity and visual codes. Basic concepts, visual language, visual interpretation. d Visual communication techniques. Structures, syntax and visual synthesis. Systems, forms and visual elements. Hierarchies, organizational systems and visual hierarchies. Image, colour, text and typography, speech.e The dimensions of design.

Morphology and semioticsa Functions and Semiotics of visual communication.b Semiotics in design processes.c Visual perception and Gestalt.d Communication. Signification. Informatione From sign to symbol.f Semiotics of Colour.g From Functionalism to Structuralism.h Cognitive processes.

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Visual Design

Content

Project methodologya Basic concepts: methodology of design, theoretical foundations, systematization, methodological constants, creative process, form/function, configuration and effects.b Methods and design processes: comparison of models. Design and natural science. Design and artificial science. Design processes and the scientific method, research, analysis, conceptualization (brain storming), parallels and conceptual and formal analogies, metaphors, codes and visual hierarchies, synthesis, forms of representation, production, prototypes, testing and reproduction.

Visual Codes and languagea Visual perception, reading and readability (textual and typographical) bimedia language, the image-text relationship.b From graphic designer to "visualist" programming languages.c Identity and visual codes. Basic concepts, visual language, visual interpretation. d Visual communication techniques. Structures, syntax and visual synthesis. Systems, forms and visual elements. Hierarchies, organizational systems and visual hierarchies. Image, colour, text and typography, speech.e The dimensions of design.

Morphology and semioticsa Functions and Semiotics of visual communication.b Semiotics in design processes.c Visual perception and Gestalt.d Communication. Signification. Informatione From sign to symbol.f Semiotics of Colour.g From Functionalism to Structuralism.h Cognitive processes.

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Visual interface designa Information, communication, interaction, types of interfaces.b Design, organization and representation of hierarchical information.c Design, coding and information display.

Data Flowa On trees and networks, users, time and space.b Simplicity-Complexity, connotations, and understanding.c Design, coding and information display.d Computer graphics, schemes, diagrams, and language.e The syntax of a new language.

Wayfinfinga Fields of Wayfinding design. Cognition, processes and mobility.b Areas of accessibility. Visual communication of public utility.c Theoretical Foundations. Analytical and project resources.d Scenarios, analysis and spatial intervention. Cognition, processes and mobility.e UX. Wayfinding and users, wayfinding and the environment, artificial signals and usability.f Environments and Findability. g Design for All.

Visual Design

Educational EstrategiesDuration of the module

5 full-day (8h) sessions and 10 half-day (4h) sessions.Teaching

Two teachers with Design and Developer profiles.Educational activitiesLecture and participatory classes (1.5 ECTS). Analysis and case studies (0.5 ECTS).Practical classes and the drifting of reports (3 ECTS). Searching for information, teamwork and the presentation of papers (1.5 ECTS). The completion of exercises and simulations (1 ECTS).Attendance at seminars (0.5 ECTS).

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Visual Design

Tutoring and Evaluation CriteriaThere will be exercises and three consecutive projects, overseen by both of the module's tutors. These will focus on the acquisition of both "hard skills" and "soft skills," both previously cited in this document.