(first day notes for graphic design) 🐶🐾

Learning outcomes and visual literacy

• Learning outcomes emphasize teaching design through visual literacy rather than words alone.
• Visual literacy is the ability to understand what is in front of you visually and translate visuals into meaning.
• The goal is to become a good designer with strong visual literacy by being able to understand and interpret visual information and give it meaning.
• Reading to absorb meaning is likened to how students read textbooks to gain understanding; resources mentioned include a textbook/guide to graphic design and a Figma account.
• Practical resources mentioned:
  • A required Figma account (log in to Figma)
  • A reading guide referenced in the course materials
• Reading guide access issues discussed:
  • Course site navigation suggestions: go to Home → Tests and Study Guides
  • Some students report the reading guide is not viewable; the site lists only syllabus and contact information
  • Under the "+Files" area, there is a reading guide, but access is blocked or not possible for students
• Emphasis on process: there is a defined process for design work; following the process yields outcomes consistently.
• The broader message: designers work for people; users are people, not a cold term, and should be treated as such.
• Concept of problem ownership and solutions:
  • When faced with a problem, a designer uses a specific process to propose a solution that addresses the user’s needs.
  • A good solution is one that efficiently solves a problem and references historical and design details in its justification.
• Introduction to historical and design movements as context for design thinking, illustrating diversity in approaches.

Design for people and the design process

• The designer’s audience is people (users), not abstract entities; empathy and human-centered thinking are central.
• The design process is described as almost automatic if followed; it aims to yield a usable, meaningful outcome for real users.
• Key principles:
  • A solution should address a real problem for real people.
  • Solutions should reference both history and design details to justify choices.
• A hypothetical scenario: given a user problem, follow a structured process to propose a solution that effectively meets user needs, rather than merely producing a visually pleasing artifact.

Design movements as context for approach and aesthetics

• Three diverse design/art movements referenced:
  • Russian Constructivism
  • Dada movement
  • Arts and Crafts movement
• These movements illustrate the variety of design philosophies and how historical context can shape visual language and problem-solving approaches.
• Note: the movements are presented as examples to broaden understanding of design history and influence on modern practice.
• The explicit count: there are $3$ movements listed.

UX versus UI: definitions and distinctions

• User Experience (UX):
  • UX design aims to create products that provide meaningful and enjoyable experiences.
  • A positive experience means interactions feel pleasant and satisfy user needs and expectations.
  • UX design covers the entire spectrum of interactions, from physical products to digital experiences, ensuring every touchpoint is positive.
• User Interface (UI):
  • UI refers to the visual properties of the solution.
  • Includes intuitive qualities, appropriate design decisions, and visually engaging aspects.
• Relationship between UX and UI:
  • UX concerns the overall experience and how well the product meets user needs across interactions.
  • UI focuses on the look, feel, and interactivity of the interface that users directly interact with.
• Practical takeaway: UX ensures meaningful, enjoyable experiences; UI shapes the visual and interactive surface that supports that experience.

Practical implications and connections to practice

• Visual literacy is foundational for interpreting and communicating ideas clearly through visuals.
• A strong design process helps ensure solutions are user-centered and evidence-based.
• Treating users as people emphasizes ethical and practical considerations in design, such as accessibility, usability, and satisfaction.
• Historical movements provide lenses for evaluating design choices and understanding how context informs design decisions.
• The course highlights the importance of formal resources (reading guides, design guides) and practical tools (Figma) for building competencies.
• Real-world relevance: the ability to translate a problem into a solution that is efficient, effective, and grounded in design history improves overall quality and impact of design work.

Key terms and concepts (quick reference)

• Visual literacy
• Reading guide
• Figma
• Design process
• User vs. people (human-centered terminology)
• Russian Constructivism
• Dada movement
• Arts and Crafts movement
• UX (User Experience)
• UI (User Interface)
• Means of evaluating a design: efficiency, problem-solving capacity, and historical/design justification