Overview

This introductory course sets the baseline for understanding visual communication by introducing the concepts, vocabulary, and jobs skills relating to visual communication. We will start by covering the history of design and theories and then move on to the elements and principles of design, allowing you to develop the skills necessary to practice your understanding of the design process. We will also examine creative solutions to design problems—all of which will help you succeed in using visual communication skills in the other classes in this specialization and in your career after completing all the course. By the end of this course, you’ll have a better understanding of and be able to answer the question: What is visual communication?

Syllabus

What is Visual Communication?

In this module, we will answer the question: What is visual communication? Be it graphic designers, copywriters, project managers or creative directors, people in the various sectors of visual communication create artifacts that interpret, inform, instruct, persuade, or entertain people in their surroundings and life in general. This creative work addresses audience, content, and context, while meeting functional communication needs. Visual communicators are concerned with the physical, cultural, societal, and technological aspects of creating visual work, whether that work is print-based design, interactive media, or environments.

Science Behind and Theories of Visual Communication

In this module, we will analyze and evaluate visual communication using multiple perspectives and theories that are used to develop appropriate communication choices for information gathering and sorting. We will start by investigating the science behind visual communication and how the brain sorts information to try and make sense of the world. Then we will move on to cognitive perception and finally put all of this information together to understand how individuals interpret information to make meaning within the broader society.

Design Principles and Design Elements

Now that we have covered the history of visual communication as well as the science behind and theories of visual communication, we’ll use this module to articulate the fundamental elements and principles of formalist design that enable a visual message to meaningfully engage an audience. We will also be analyzing visual strategies in different media from different perspectives to better understand and see how visual cues and elements can impact meanings and messages.

Design Process and Solutions

In this module we will cover various design steps and processes. Good visual communication takes the time to explore, to take risks and to reiterate often. Don’t allow your first attempt at any solution to be your only attempt. Throughout this specialization you will be exposed to ideas, applications, experiences and opportunities you might otherwise overlook. Hopefully in the first three modules of this first course, you are coming to understand that visual communication requires familiarization and literacy with design that goes way beyond your typical design applications, word processing or presentation tools. Knowing these computer programs does not make you a visual communicator. Design is not a one-stop shop or a simple method to learn—and hopefully you will continue to learn about visual communication beyond these courses. That’s the point. While the courses in this speculation are primarily about creating visual artifacts that communicate effectively, that doesn’t mean you need to be an artist to succeed. Learning what doesn’t work is an essential process in understanding what does work. The more time you spend with the exercises in this course, the more skills you’ll develop as a visual communicator.