Module Details

Module Code: COMM C1407
Module Title: Digital Communications
Title: Digital Communications
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Eileen Doyle
Module Author:: Bernadette Douglas
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to offer the learner an understanding of digital communication through visual storytelling. The learner is introduced to the theoretical principles of story narrative and rhetoric as a basis for developing, arranging and tailoring graphic visuals text and colour to projects. The learner will understand the value of story for documenting and communicating primary research, applied processes and information design through storyboarding and process instructions and static / motion infographics. The learner will plan, develop and apply a graphic style to an online portfolio presence for curated project work.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 To demonstrate the ability to visually frame and communicate primary research and process stories and findings through a series of captured images in a storyboard format
LO2 To demonstrate the ability to frame design narratives using digital generation and manipulation of captured images and text copy
LO3 To demonstrate the ability to plan, develop and communicate information through digitally generated static and motion infographics
LO4 To demonstrate the ability to plan develop and produce a digital portfolio of work
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
6858 INTL H3424 Industrial Design
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Story Sequence and Framing
The learner is introduced to digital communication and curated portfolio content as a medium for showcasing project work. The learner builds understanding of the concepts of narrative, story, visual rhetoric and graphic styles through application to projects. The introduction of story sequencing, context framing and scene capture is applied to storyboards and process instructions. Story focus, detail capture of actions, actors and findings are communicated through a primary research project and objective goals, tasks and actions are communicated through a process instruction manual.
Mapping and Visualisation
The learner is introduced to graphical elements and information flow for developing static and motion information graphics. This involves the introduction of visual elements used to illustrate complex information in an easy to digest format including graphs, symbols and icons. These are planned, developed and applied to a secondary research project.
Digital Portfolio Development
Introduction to the elements of a digital portfolio for communicating design projects. Introduction to Behance online portfolio space including analysis of effective online project communication. Introduction to wireframe planning and template development for consistent communication that is applied to their online portfolio.
Digital Assets Development
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop will be used to develop graphical layouts, backgrounds and digital assets and enhance / manipulate images to apply to projects. The learner will develop a library of customisable and reusable graphic assets icons, symbols, graphs and layout templates. They will develop understanding of their value and application to efficient workflow across projects.
Infrastructure Resources
Design Studio – a dedicated space designed to allow for studio based learning. This space is specific to a particular learning group. While used to deliver studio based education the space is available to be used outside the time frame of the working day. It provides a safe learner driven, peer-reviewed environment, supported on a one-to-one basis. It supports the synthesis of parallel concurrent modular knowledge, skills and competency with prior learning & personal aesthetic judgement, to resolve specific design research question/s.
Computer Plotter Printer Resources
Learner requires access to studio and dedicated lab computers facilities. There should be access to printing and plotting facilities in order to complete projects. The studio must also be fitted with good quality projector, document visualiser and sound equipment for delivery of hybrid approaches. The computers should be a high specification capable of running creative design software.
Computer Software Resource
Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign etc.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 20 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Verbal presentation. Learners will present and discuss a process or instruction guide concept linked to a product set up or process overview demonstrating story framing and sequencing skills.
Assessment Type Portfolio % of Total Mark 70
Timing Week 30 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Submission of a portfolio showing content and development over the semester across the six key learning streams using the learner’s visual presentation skills. This deliverable is linked to project outcomes of the other design modules and must contain effective presentation of exemplary work.

Learner will demonstrate key skills through interim review submissions that build towards their final portfolio submission for the semester
Interim submission will be specifically used to provide timely formative feedback to learners at key stages of skill development linked projects in Design Studio. P 1,2,3
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Studio Based Learning Contact Mentored content delivery & support, facilitated peer-to-peer interaction, tutor/self/peer critique/evaluation Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Individual and collaborative peer-to-peer learning, in skill & competency development. Every Week 6.00 6
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Susan M Weinschenk. (2011), 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know about People, New Riders, USA.
  • Michelle Taute,. (2011), Design Matters: An Essential Primer-Brochures, Logos, Packaging, Portfolios, Quarto Publishing Group, USA.
  • Joel Katz. (2012), Designing Information: Human Factors and Common Sense in Information Design, Wiley Publishing, USA.
  • J Lankow, J Ritchie, , and R Crooks. (2012), Infographics : The Power of Visual Storytelling,, Wiley Publishing, USA.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: