Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Analyze and evaluate the effective and powerful use of design elements and layout and its impact and influence on the audience in thought and action. Electronic tools and resources are used to develop visual information, materials, and presentations. Introduction to various production techniques are incorporated into hands-on project development. Provides opportunities to empower educators and library staff to present information utilizing different modalities. 

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Explain visual communication techniques and apply those techniques to create effective displays for library and educational settings.
• Comply with copyright, accessibility, cultural, and ethical issues surrounding the use of images and content in display and presentations in print and non-print formats.
• Properly use materials and resources as well as equipment, hardware, and software in the production of visuals/displays.
• Analyze and communicate, verbally and in written form, the contextual, cultural, ethical, aesthetic, intellectual, and technical components involved in the production and use of visual materials.
• Implement different modes of presentation based on analyzing the scope and scale of design tasks (computer, bulletin board, display case, window displays, hanging displays, posters, flyers, brochures, tri-fold displays, table-top displays, murals).
• Problem-solve design challenges based on stated functional criteria.

The materials in this course will be presented in a lecture format with opportunities to participate in hand-on class activities and projects. Various educational techniques and strategies will be used to present course content depending upon the size of the class, student background and instructional materials available. The class encompasses project-based learning assignments.

Individual and group activities, projects, and presentations (include but are not limited to):

• Analyze and evaluate existing visual displays/bulletin boards based on stated criteria.
• Propose, plan, design, create, and implement a display or bulletin board with necessary stakeholders.
• Create and laminate a literacy poster.
• Design and develop a theme-based 3-D display.
• Plan, shoot, scan, and produce a digital photo slideshow with edited photos.
• Use various techniques to create enlargements.
• Use appropriate adhesion techniques – glue, tape, and dry mounting.
• Design, create, and test an educational game complete with instructions, game pieces and game piece management, age appropriate handout-outs and materials.
• Create a lesson presentation utilizing digital tools and resources.
• Active participation in weekly class activities and discussions.

• Demonstrate knowledge in using hardware, software, and production equipment.
• Appropriately apply production techniques to projects such as, dry mounting, enlarging, laminating, using adhesives, generating digital items, and utilizing other available resources, materials, and technologies.
• Actively participate in class discussions, activities, and presentations.
• Actively collaborate with others to complete group activities, projects, and presentations.
• Complete class activities, projects, and presentations on time.
• Completion of assignments according to assignment criteria including, but not limited to, design specifications, spelling, sentence structure, and appropriate vocabulary level, and fulfilling assignment criteria.
• Self-, peer- and instructor-assessment of completed materials based on accuracy, educational validity, and adherence to assignment guidelines.

• Role of visual/digital communication and literacy in educational and library environments.
• Types of technologies, resources, materials, and strategies used in effective and efficient visual communication.
• Evaluation, use, and implementation of production resources, materials, and technologies.
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve design and equipment issues.
• Use of technological tools to aide idea planning, revising, and implementation.
• Apply and implement various techniques to convey the best method for displaying information for maximum audience impact.
• Use collaborative techniques to explore, share, and test ideas.
• Apply knowledge of visual communication and literacy.
• Use images and visual media effectively.
• Uses technology tools effectively and efficiently.
• Engage the imagination to explore new possibilities.
• Formulate and articulate original and creative ideas.
• Understand that different scales of design require different techniques in planning and executing a viable and aesthetic visual composition.
• Analyze varying viewpoints, priorities, and standards regarding project planning, design and implementation and any constraints that will impact the overall project.
• Identify and understand the bigger scope of the audience, the community in which they interact, and their needs and the implication that will have on the overall design requirements.
• Identify how culture affects people’s responses and perceptions to visual displays of images, content, and ideas through various media.
• Identifying accessibility issues related to design implementation as well as audience interactivity.
• Being able to identify and address logistical and universal design techniques in implementing visual displays.
• Acquire the necessary components (materials, resources, tools) to make the projects successful.
• Apply skills learned in new, innovate, and creative ways.
• Identify and use appropriate technology to research, solve, and present ideas utilizing various forms of media and/or methods.
• Apply brainstorming techniques as a means of idea generation.
• Assess and evaluate which ideas are viable and can be implemented within the given constraints (time, materials, and resources).
• Understand the roles of collaboration, risk-taking, multi-disciplinary awareness, and the imagination in achieving creative responses to challenging cases.
• Make a decision and take actions based on analysis of what needs to be done.
• Explore different approaches to the same problem/task and analyze which one produces optimal results.