TY1INT-Integrated Design Methods

Module Provider: Typography
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: TY1HIS History of graphic communication 1 and TY1DP1 Design Practice 1
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Mr James Lloyd
Email: j.c.lloyd@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
An introduction to graphic communication through the integrated study of design practice, theory and technology.

Aims:
The module aims to develop fundamental knowledge and skills in the practice of graphic communication, integrated with and informed by theoretical and technical knowledge. By the conclusion of the module students should have acquired an understanding of the relationship of theory, practice and technics in graphic communication, and how each can be understood as extension of the others.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• demonstrate an understanding of basic text typography, including the articulation of theoretical concepts, their deployment in design practice, and their technical execution;


• critically discuss and verbally articulate basic theoretical aspects of design and their application to practice;


• structure information (images and text) to achieve effective communication;


• demonstrate an understanding of basic facets of user-focused designing, and apply these to the textual and graphic presentation of instructions, actions, sequences, and processes;


• demonstrate a basic understanding of designing for paper as well as on screen, including the practical skills required to implement design proposals.

Additional outcomes:

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

• move fluently between different modes of theoretical and practical-technical engagement with graphic communication;


• present and discuss their work effectively.

Outline content:

Topics covered in the module will typically involve:

• Design for reading, to include text analysis and meaning, typographic structure and articulation, factors in typeface choice, typographic detailing, basic page design; introduction to page layout applications, including the use of master pages, style sheets, and other word-/line-/paragraph-/text-level specifications.


• User-focused design, to include understanding users and how they engage with design in particular contexts through basic research and feedback; Understanding users; analysis of actions, sequences, processes and their graphic presentation and explanation; instructions with words and images; legibility.


• Design for screen-based applications, to include concepts and methods for designing on-line and on-screen; web standards; web typography; basic coding for designers.


• Each of the topics and their associated content will be studied through specific practical projects that will feature a number of component elements focussing on the integrated understanding of their practical, theoretical and technical dimensions.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching methods may encompass:
£ Self-directed reading and research; in-class exercises and presentations, written reports and essays, technical workshops, and practical design projects.
£ Each larger project may be comprised of several component assignments that draw variously on these teaching and learning methods.
£ Students will work independently, in small groups, and in full group sessions.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	5	5
Seminars	10	10
Tutorials	10	10
Demonstration	5	5
Practicals classes and workshops	20	20
Guided independent study:	150	150
Total hours by term	200	200
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

All practical projects are completed during Autumn and Spring terms and entail a series of tasks submitted according to an established schedule. Projects usually include tasks like group presentations, reports, and technical exercises that support the realisation of the main practical design brief. Feedback is given during and after each project. A mark for each task is given after submission. The percentage contribution of individual tasks to the module mark is stated in the relevant briefing documents. A Department specific (University approved) form of step-marking is employed.

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback for the main project brief in each unit is given during the project, usually in small group discussions.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

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

Reassessment arrangements:
Practical project work that did not achieve a passing mark must be resubmitted in August/September; exact 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: £5-10

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: Specialist software: Adobe Creative Suite (this is available on computers in the Typography Department, but ideally students should have it on their own laptops)

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 22 September 2022