TY3INF-Information Design

Module Provider: Typography
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Rob Banham
Email: r.e.banham@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module will be taught in either the Autumn or Spring terms, depending on student selection and staff availability. If the module runs in the Spring term then the contact hours will be the same as those listed below for the Autumn term.

An introduction to information design with a focus on user-centred communication and problem solving, integrating design principles and methods.

Aims:

This module explores information design with a focus on user-centred design outcomes that give structure to information and aid decision making. It builds on skills acquired in other modules to further develop students' integrated understanding of design principles and methods. The module focuses on information design as a process.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students should be able to:

• synthesise creative and appropriate solutions to complex design problems, in particular showing sensitivity to the needs of readers and users


• analyse the problems and opportunities posed by a design brief


• use appropriate working methods and deliver work on time


• present a body of design work in an appropriate manner, showing evidence of the development of design thinking.

Additional outcomes:

By the end of the module students should also be able to:

• effectively contribute to public discussion and to explain their work in public


• recognise and appraise current professional developments.

Outline content:

The practical design projects are about informing and explaining, structuring and contextualising, they typically involve schematic, diagrammatic, and typographic means. At the end of this module students should have a created an information design outcome in response to a problem, supported by a well-documented explanation of process. Project themes include:

• design support for decision making, analysis, and instruction in a range of contexts;&n bsp;


• graphic formats for different reading activities; 


• critical reviews and re-designs of everyday messages; 


• typographic cueing; graphic aids to procedural decisions.

Examples of project outcomes might include data visualisation, apps, maps, or medical information, across a range of systems or media, depending on the specific problem(s) addressed.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is realized mainly through practical design projects, and also through informal seminars and talks (some of these may be presented by visitors), and through selected reading. Projects use various teaching and learning methods. Initial group discussions explore the nature and requirements of the brief. This discussion might be supported by demonstrations or through the presentation and analysis of exemplars. Individual tutorials and group seminars are sche duled to monitor and support work in progress. In these meetings, students will often present, explain, and defend their approach to the brief. Projects end with a full group meeting to review work and to evaluate the work of peers.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
None.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A single practical project and accompanying report are submitted for summative assessment in summer term. Marking and moderating will take into account the formative assessment stage (see below) and any additional work the student has undertaken prior to final submission. If a proportion of the mark is awarded for participation, or meeting interim deadlines, this cannot be improved at resubmission stage.

Formative assessment methods:

Formative feedback is given during the project; further feedback (including an indicative marking rubric) is given after initial project submission; a final opportunity for feedback is offered in summer term to students making changes before final submission.

Penalties for late submission:

Non-standard penalties apply to the late submission of Part 3 practical work that is assessed in Summer Term. 10% of the total marks available for the work will be deducted from the final mark where work is submitted up to 24 hours late. Thereafter the mark falls to zero. Assessors may exercise discretion in the application of penalties.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Coursework that bears a confirmed mark of less than 40 must be resubmitted by an August date to be notified.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: £10-£20

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 27 June 2022