Pre-requisite Skills
The Design Pre-requisite Skills program is compulsory for all UIC Design students to learn the basic skills of design principles and program applications
The program comprises the following units:
1. Drawing and perspective (3D and 2D Medium)
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to various basic drawing and perspective through different techniques and mediums. Beginning with a desire to explore, students are expected to become proficient in creativity techniques, especially using 2D and 3D, which they must use to enhance their critical thinking and expand their imaginative thought. Students will develop an understanding of the basic methods involved in applying different creativity techniques to problem solving. Their individuality and originality will also be encouraged.
2. Typography 1
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to basic typography as one of the most important parts in graphic design layout and as a compositional tool for effective communication. Students will learn a brief history of typography, type anatomy, typeface families, type foundry, the architecture of type from the single letterform to an entire page layout, type measurements as well as their relationship with characters.
3. Colour Theory
In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of understanding colour. Using case studies, students will have to observe and experience the use
of colours in the real world. Students will experience what/how tone and meaning of each colour can convey to an audience; the basic principles of
colour, and know how to create impact and harmony through the specific use of colour. Students will start from learning a basic colour wheel to more advanced knowledge of colour.
4. Introduction to Visual Communication
Students will explore the basics of principles and elements of design, from exploring the creative process of image-making to communicateing information in the minds of others and how to move them. Students will learn to create images from a simple pictogram to more detailed images that are visually attractive. Students will understand what creates effective visual design and learn the basics of the language of design.
5. Introduction to Photoshop
This course introduces students to Adobe Photoshop as a key digital imaging application. Students will learn to develop their skills to master the drawing tools, image retouching, photo manipulation, layers, trends, colours, light, painting tool and any special effect required to create good artwork and design.
6. Introduction to Illustrator
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the creative potential of 2D design by using Adobe Illustrator as a supporting application in design. Students will be given the opportunity to explore the software and its relevance to their area of study. Students will learn an overview of a variety of vector drawing styles, typography, and the usage of layers.
7. Introduction to Desktop Publishing (InDesign)
In this class, students will be introduced to Adobe InDesign as the basic of layout desktop publishing and an effective tool to create page design layouts for books, magazines, brochures, etc. In this class, students will understand the grid system of page design layout and learn how to design for various print mediums. Students will be prepared to have creative skills in the development of functional and visually engaging layout and composition, using any volume of type within any given space, as well as to have a clear understanding of hierarchy and typographic formalism.
8. Experience Design for Commercial Arts
This course assumes that students have no knowledge of using Apple Macintosh (Mac), or the basics of computer science (whether PC or Mac) and have no experience in using graphic design and multimedia program applications. Students will gain a basic knowledge of computer graphics applications so as to develop them to be ‘computer -literate’. Hardware and software instruction will be provided for such topics as operating systems, scanning, printing, digital photo/stills, video cameras, image manipulation/retouching, drawing, text and font, page design layout, interactive and motion/ animation.
9. Graphic Design ‘Comping’ Techniques
Comprehensive sketches, or “comps” are the graphic designer’s most powerful visual tool for communicating with clients. In this class, unique to UIC, students will learn how to use the most appropriate materials, tools and techniques to create presentations that show idea development at various stages and various levels of effective design problem-solving. Students learn comping techniques for rough conceptual sketches and progress through to finished presentations of comprehensive layouts and structures. Students will also learn how to make professional-quality mock ups for business presentations, books, magazines, and others. This is a ‘cutting edge’ class to prepare students for professional careers.
10. Study Skills
This class will teach students how to improve their study skills ability, approach and attitude to learning. Beginning wih an exploration of self, followed by the introduction of a range of methods covering time management, note-taking, listening, and reading skills, students are encouraged to enhance and enjoy their learning experience. This class is run for all Business and Design students.
11. Reading & Writing
This class provides students with academic reading and writing skills that are essential for university and the workplace. Students will learn how to write well-structured papers and be introduced to various systems of research and documentation. This class is run for all Business and Design students.
Teaching and Assessment for these skills
Teaching is mainly through lectures and tutorials, but may also involve other activities such as group projects and case study analysis. All modules are assessed through a combination of coursework (essays, presentations, reports, etc). 3