Research Concept Design

DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to the principles and process of design practice. The importance of research within the creative process, and how ideas are generated and transformed into strong creative concepts.

RATIONALE: 
This course aims to familiarize students with the creative process and the journey from a brief to the final design solution. It will teach them how to read a brief, define the problem/challenge, and research a subject. It will also train them in using idea-invention techniques such as brainstorming in order to create viable solutions and concepts that can be applied to Graphic Design or other design and communication projects.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
As a result of taking this course the student should be able to:
1. Interpret a design brief.
2. Examine a subject through research and evaluate the findings.
3. Build creative concepts and generate ideas by utilizing brainstorming.
4. Compose digital or print-based presentations to support a visual concept.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
- Classes consist of lectures, demonstrations, and problem solving sessions, class critiques and discussions.
- Visits to companies and/or production sites.
- Attendance of lectures/workshops by professionals offered on campus and/or in companies.
- Studios: students are encouraged to use studio facilities for the completion of their works.
- Media labs: students use media labs for the completion of projects and portfolios.
- Office hours: students are encouraged to make full use of the office hours of their instructor, where they can ask questions and go over lecture and reading material.
- Use of Blackboard, where instructors post assignments, instructions, announcements, as well as additional resources.