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VSC 115 Intro To Design

This class introduces principles and techniques of visual communications. Emphasis is placed on the development of problem solving skills required by designers and photographers in all disciplines. Key elements and principles of design are examined in conjunction with training in basic production skills.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: None

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

VSC 115 Intro To Design

Campus Location

  • Dover

Effective Date

202651

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: None

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

3 lab hours/week

Course Description

This class introduces principles and techniques of visual communications. Emphasis is placed on the development of problem solving skills required by designers and photographers in all disciplines. Key elements and principles of design are examined in conjunction with training in basic production skills.

Additional Materials

Sketchbook and pencil

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Apply the basic elements and principles of design. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 1)
  2. Identify and ethically develop the components of a layout, target market, and creative brief.(CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 1, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  3. Use documented visual research, mood boards, and thumbnails to develop and present a concept.(CCC 2, 6; PGC 1, 3, 5, 6)
  4. Assess historical samples of advertising design, photography, packaging, and visual display to understand their structures, and construct samples that are effective in conveying information. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 1)
  5. Use color theory and type design to execute realistic assignments at an introductory level. (CCC 4, 5; PGC 1)
  6. Compose, execute, and present projects that clarify and visually communicate a concept to a client while making use of constructive criticism. (CCC 2, 3, 4, 6; PGC 1, 2 3, 4, 5, 6)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Apply the basic elements and principles of design.
    1. Identify and/or recognize basic elements of design.
    2. Explain the principles of design.
    3. State and/or demonstrate how to use basic elements and principles that are appropriate to various design modalities.
    4. Construct solutions to visual design problems using fundamental principles of design.
  2. Identify and ethically develop the components of a layout, target market, and creative brief.
    1. Analyze historical layouts to identify the anatomy of the layout.
    2. Analyze and identify the essential components of a target market and creative brief.
  3. Use documented visual research, mood boards, and thumbnails to develop and present a concept.
    1. Document visual research that leads to the concept and idea development.
    2. Analyze and identify the essential components of a mood board and thumbnails for projects.
  4. Assess historical samples of advertising design, photography, packaging, and visual display to understand their structures, and construct samples that are effective in conveying information.
    1. Examine samples of advertising design, photography, packaging, and visual display to understand their structures.
    2. Research and collect a set of creative solutions to visual problems that will serve as an idea library.
    3. Develop a concept-oriented problem-solving process.
  5. Use color theory and type design to execute realistic assignments at an introductory level.
    1. Describe the basic components of typographic forms.
    2. Apply the fundamentals of basic color theory in a series of simple design projects.
  6. Compose, execute, and present projects that clarify and visually communicate a concept to a client while making use of constructive criticism.
    1. Develop poise and presentation skills through a series of increasingly formal project presentations.
    2. Identify key elements of a solution to a visual communications problem that would be most effectively presented to a potential client.
    3. Create a formal presentation of the visual elements necessary to communicate an idea.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative Assessments

Final Capstone Assignment

20%

Formative Assessments

Developmental Assessments

40%

Trust Meeting (Pre-critique)

10%

The course will contain various additional formative assessments including but not limited to:

Quizzes

Case studies

Class participation activities

(These assignments are not equally weighted)

30%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

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  1. Integrate the principles and elements of design into cohesive problem-solving techniques for visual communication assignments.
  2. Create or evaluate and select illustrative, photographic, layout, video, and/or web-based solutions for use in effectively evoking digital/web-based solutions for multiple devices.
  3. Critique design solutions and develop strategies for strengthening their conceptual and technical effectiveness.
  4. Structure a problem-solving strategy for delivery of the client's message to his market, making efficient use of current design, production, and delivery technologies.
  5. Synthesize components of design industry solutions into cohesive presentations that are technically and conceptually effective.
  6. Integrate professional, ethical, and legal standards into business practice.


Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal