Visual communication involves understanding a wide variety of activities central both to the perception of messages as well as to the construction of them. Excellence in visual communication implies an appreciation for the aesthetic and an understanding of the cognitive processes that together create acceptance and understanding of the message. This course explores strategies in visual thinking and the effective design of information so that a credible presentation is created that reflects both the complexity and clarity of the message. It includes the study of the use of various media and visual formats to make convincing and powerful arguments.
Students will:
- Examine and deconstruct visualizations to identify factors that contribute to their effectiveness.
- Experiment with graphic elements and form.
- Learn about visual rhetoric and develop critical thinking skills regarding the creation and consumption of visual messages.
- Construct and critique process and informational graphics including maps, charts, graphs, flows and graphics.
- Create a portfolio of information graphics