Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Design
Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish,
Introduction
With an eminently practical focus, the course is an introduction to editorial graphic design. In addition, it will provide sufficient tools to be able to carry out an optimal presentation of the Final Degree Project.
Pre-course requirements
No.
Objectives
- Understanding the role of design as responsible for all aspects of graphics and visuals.
- Learning the tools necessary to formalize ideas and values.
- Identification of the fundamental features to convey.
- Definition of an adequate visual language for all parts and formats.
- To acquire the basics of image processing programs and composition.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CN06 - Recognise the principal artificial intelligence tools with applications in journalism.
- CP04 - Manage the technical, material and time-related resources of a journalistic project.
- CP07 - Create innovative multimedia products by integrating graphic design, emerging technologies and elements of digital culture to communicate information in an engaging and accessible way across all devices.
- CP08 - Implement strategic communication plans within organisations and institutions across different sectors, defining the organisation's messaging and public image.
- HB03 - Transform information into engaging and aesthetically effective messages.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Students will be able to:
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To work confidently and professionally in a radio studio and a television studio.
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To use video and audio editing software, web design tools and graphic design software proficiently.
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To plan the resources and logistics required to launch a radio programme or podcast.
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To plan the resources and logistics required to launch a news or current affairs programme for television, social media and streaming platforms.
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To develop journalistic or communication projects on the internet.
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To use graphic resources in journalistic or communication projects, including AI-generated images and infographics.
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To convey the concept and focus of print journalism texts through photography.
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To acquire technical skills in the main technologies for recording and editing image and sound.
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To master the main techniques and technologies of digital design, including AI tools.
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To develop planning and leadership skills through event organisation and participation in press offices.
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To develop teamwork skills by fostering positive synergies that harness and maximise each team member’s talent.
Syllabus
Module 1: Introduction to Design
1. Graphic Design: Characteristics and Elements
2. Color
3. Typography
4. Images
5. Composition
Module 2: The Principles of Artistic Composition
1. Division of Space
2. Unity
3. Emphasis
4. Balance
5. Direction
6. Continuity
7. Rhythm
8. Transitions
9. Movement
10. Figure-Ground Relationship
Module 3: Visual Communication
1. Problem Solving
2. Technical Problems
3. Semantic Problems
4. Effectiveness
5. Noise
Module 4: Composition of Text and Images
1. Introduction to Composition with Images and Text
2. Text Composition
a. Typographic Use and Function in Text
b. Typefaces and Characters
c. The Paragraph
d. Justification and Alignment
e. Line Length
f. Hyphenation
3. Composition of Images and Text
a. Visual Syntax
b. Balance
c. Tension
d. Leveling and Sharpening
e. Ambiguity
f. Attraction and Grouping
g. Positive and Negative
Module 5: Editorial Design
1. Typography and Legibility
a. Text Size and Body Type
b. Line Spacing
c. Line Length
d. Typographic Contrast
2. Grid
3. Visual Hierarchy
a. Typographic Sizes and Weights
b. Use of Color or Tonal Contrast
c. Strategic Placement of Elements
d. Separation using white space
4. Image and text-image relationship
5. Visual rhythm and coherence
6. Editorial style and identity
7. Color treatment
8. Format and medium
9. Technical quality and production
Module 6: Corporate Identity and Image
1. Introduction to corporate identity
2. Visual Identity Programs
3. Identity and Image
4. Corporate philosophy
5. Sign, Icon, and Brand
6. Symbol, logo, and color
7. Identity strategies
8. Visualization strategies
9. Principles
10. Basic construction of graphic identity
Module 7: Programs and Manuals
1. General structure
2. Basic units
3. Specific applications
4. Types of manuals
Bibliography and resources
Adobe. (n.d.). Adobe InDesign tutorials. https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/tutorials.html
American Institute of Graphic Arts. (n.d.). Eye on Design. https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/
Canva. (n.d.). Typography and layout. Canva Design School. https://www.canva.com/design-school/courses/typography-and-layout/
Design Council. (n.d.). The Double Diamond. https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/resources/the-double-diamond/
Google Fonts. (n.d.). Google Fonts knowledge. https://fonts.google.com/knowledge