Graphic Design Fundamentals
Classroom Assignment - What is Graphic Design?
In groups of 2 you will come up with a definition (of your own) what graphic design means.
You will also need to prove your definition with 5 example images.
I also want you to list 4 different software's that are used to create different graphic design pieces.
We will discuss the answers at the end of class.
Understanding Copyright And Licenses
The Web is full of creative and practical resources that we can use to improve our projects. Photography, fonts, music and code are perfect examples. Finding stock objects and existing implementations is often quicker, cheaper and more practical than producing your own.
Whether free or not, these resources normally come with a license to ensure fair use. For professionals, understanding the limitations of a license is critical; with this knowledge, you’d be surprised by what’s available. Understanding copyright and licenses allows us to do what we do best: be creative.
Read following article:
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/06/14/understanding-copyright-and-licenses/
The DESIGN PROCESS
the design process (or design cycle) is a series of steps used to solve a variety of complex communications technology challenges or problems:
If your were asked to create a new logo for this wikispace, how would you start? Would you:
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Jump onto a computer, load up Photoshop and start mixing up some graphics
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Grab a pencil and paper and start drawing
When given the task to create something new, many people will just dive right in to the "CREATE" phase.
Actually - NEITHER of those steps is the "disciplined" approach. The design process suggests that the RIGHT technique is to start with investigation to see what's needed, and what's already out there.
Like planning a long road trip - if you want to get the MAXIMUM impact using an EFFICIENT route, you've got to make some plans up front, and do some research to see the routes that others have taken.
The Design Process is intended to guide you through a professional (and smarter) series of steps to arrive at a BETTER final product with fewer mistakes along the way.
Make note of what's involved at EACH step of the design process from the list below:
1. INVESTIGATE
Identify the problem
- What has to be accomplished?; What does the "client" require?;
- Who is the target Audience?; What do THEY expect?;
- What's the point?
- What resources do you have?
Gather Information
- Gather SAMPLES or WEBLINKS of what looks good to you!
- Record information, establish a plan of procedures, look into the "state of the art" by examining other solutions on the web;
- Try to establish the "rules" and criteria others have used to solve this kind of problem
- Specifications - size, resolution, media
2. PLAN
Brainstorm
- Create simple sketches or lists of as many solutions as possible, demonstrating the rules you established above
- Test the Viability of each suggested solution, and compare each solution to the design criteria, refining and modifying it as required; Do your ideas satisfy the the requirements
- Evaluate the solutions (e.g., by testing, modelling, and documenting results) and choose the best one;
3. CREATE
Produce a working quality drawing, model, or prototype of the best solution;
4. EVALUATE
- Evaluate the prototype and what is required to produce it; how flexible is it? What variations does it offer?
- Present the solution, using one or more of the following: final drawings, technical reports, electronic presentations, flow charts, storyboards, mockups, prototypes, and so on;
- Obtain feedback on the final solution and repeat the design process if necessary to refine or improve the solution.