Mark Stammers

Experiments in visual communication challenge the student to further refine visual thinking and integrate basic studies through applied problems. The importance of flexibility of approach is stressed at this level. Through experimentation, the problem is defined and organized; imagery and message are manipulated; awareness of potential solutions is increased. A student's portfolio must be pre-approved by the visual communication department for enrollment in this course.

This course explores the power and beauty of typography as a delivery mechanism for information, narrative structures and alternate forms of expression. Working with form, space and meaning, students can expect to learn how to organize complex verbal information into cohesive typographic systems and hierarchical configurations; how to create sophisticated grid systems and enhance functionality through navigation and structural consistency within a multiple page/screen environment; how to work with intertextuality, non-linearity, dramatic pacing and experimental typography as an emotive voice. Suggested readings and screenings vary and may include Thinking With Type (Lupton, 2010), Letter Fountain (Pohlen, 2015), The Elements of Typographic Style (Bringhurst, 2004), The Complete Manual of Typography (Felici, 2012), Typographic Design: Form and Communication (Carter, Day, Meggs, 2012). In addition, students will examine the application and effects of typographic design in historical and modern-day contexts with a primary focus on print media. Students will work on assignments of varying complexity and duration. Assignments are structured to build skills, understanding and confidence in typographic manipulation, and are designed to yield valuable components of the student?s portfolio.

This course explores the power and beauty of typography as a delivery mechanism for information, narrative structures and alternate forms of expression. Working with form, space and meaning, students can expect to learn how to organize complex verbal information into cohesive typographic systems and hierarchical configurations; how to create sophisticated grid systems and enhance functionality through navigation and structural consistency within a multiple page/screen environment; how to work with intertextuality, non-linearity, dramatic pacing and experimental typography as an emotive voice. Suggested readings and screenings vary and may include Thinking With Type (Lupton, 2010), Letter Fountain (Pohlen, 2015), The Elements of Typographic Style (Bringhurst, 2004), The Complete Manual of Typography (Felici, 2012), Typographic Design: Form and Communication (Carter, Day, Meggs, 2012). In addition, students will examine the application and effects of typographic design in historical and modern-day contexts with a primary focus on print media. Students will work on assignments of varying complexity and duration. Assignments are structured to build skills, understanding and confidence in typographic manipulation, and are designed to yield valuable components of the student?s portfolio.

HTML defines the structure of a web page, while CSS lends style by controlling the presentation of elements. This online course caters to students with little or no prior coding experience. Through hands-on coding modules, students will use a text editing program to acquire proficiency in standards-compliant HTML and CSS. A strong emphasis on redundancy will ensure that coding concepts are fully understood and best practices reinforced. Students will undertake research, design, and coding tasks to create a fully functional, responsive website. With a solid understanding of HTML and CSS, students will explore opportunities to develop dynamic web pages that adapt seamlessly to different devices and screen sizes. Additionally, students will investigate interface possibilities, evaluate site navigation opportunities, and analyze the effectiveness of various page structures in communicating information effectively and efficiently. There are no prerequisites for this course.

HTML defines the structure of a web page, while CSS lends style by controlling the presentation of elements. This online course caters to students with little or no prior coding experience. Through hands-on coding modules, students will use a text editing program to acquire proficiency in standards-compliant HTML and CSS. A strong emphasis on redundancy will ensure that coding concepts are fully understood and best practices reinforced. Students will undertake research, design, and coding tasks to create a fully functional, responsive website. With a solid understanding of HTML and CSS, students will explore opportunities to develop dynamic web pages that adapt seamlessly to different devices and screen sizes. Additionally, students will investigate interface possibilities, evaluate site navigation opportunities, and analyze the effectiveness of various page structures in communicating information effectively and efficiently. There are no prerequisites for this course.

HTML defines the structure of a web page, while CSS lends style by controlling the presentation of elements. This online course caters to students with little or no prior coding experience. Through hands-on coding modules, students will use a text editing program to acquire proficiency in standards-compliant HTML and CSS. A strong emphasis on redundancy will ensure that coding concepts are fully understood and best practices reinforced. Students will undertake research, design, and coding tasks to create a fully functional, responsive website. With a solid understanding of HTML and CSS, students will explore opportunities to develop dynamic web pages that adapt seamlessly to different devices and screen sizes. Additionally, students will investigate interface possibilities, evaluate site navigation opportunities, and analyze the effectiveness of various page structures in communicating information effectively and efficiently. There are no prerequisites for this course.

d.STUDIO is a Visual Communication Design department, consent only, advanced Capstone course run in collaboration with SAIC?s Marketing & Communications department. Students work with internal SAIC clients in a quasi-professional setting on real-world design projects and apply their skills to an array of print and digital media platforms to meet the messaging requirements of the client. Students work on two significant projects in a semester, and receive critical feedback on their progress at every stage of the design process via one-on-one, group, and client-led critiques and discussions. Students create professional-looking mood boards, facsimile mockups, and digital presentations to promote their ideas. The client awards the design commission for a project to the student whose concept best aligns with their communication needs. The client then works with the student to help bring the project to a successful conclusion. Communication possibilities include advertisements, animation, app design, direct mail, identity, invitations, packaging, postcards, posters, publications, and signage.

d.STUDIO is a Visual Communication Design department, consent only, advanced Capstone course run in collaboration with SAIC?s Marketing & Communications department. Students work with internal SAIC clients in a quasi-professional setting on real-world design projects and apply their skills to an array of print and digital media platforms to meet the messaging requirements of the client. Students work on two significant projects in a semester, and receive critical feedback on their progress at every stage of the design process via one-on-one, group, and client-led critiques and discussions. Students create professional-looking mood boards, facsimile mockups, and digital presentations to promote their ideas. The client awards the design commission for a project to the student whose concept best aligns with their communication needs. The client then works with the student to help bring the project to a successful conclusion. Communication possibilities include advertisements, animation, app design, direct mail, identity, invitations, packaging, postcards, posters, publications, and signage.