Discuss how you worked toward some or all of the following learning objectives, indicating what coursework was involved (reading, assigned videos, discussion, class activities, assignments, or other).
I. Be able to identify and apply basic design principles.
Learning about basic design principles in the first few weeks of this course truly set the table for each of our assignments that followed. For example, our infographics were entirely informed by the readings we’d completed on design theory. Identifying the audience, learning to simplify text to fit their standards, and even gauging where the viewer’s eyes will land on the page, enlightened our work and increased the usability of our infographics as a result.
II. Know how to evaluate the effectiveness of a document’s overall design for a particular rhetorical situation.
Kostelnik’s readings on rhetorical background and perception/design influenced our ability to assess a rhetorical situation and adapt both text and design to match it. It was through this practice that we earned the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of our work once completed. For example, the user manual project allowed students to engage with the traditional language and design of instructions, in turn providing a blueprint by which to compare and review against our own work.
III. Develop strategies for integrating visual and written communication in ways that are attentive to the needs of a given audience and purpose.
As partially described above, the user manual project demanded a unique format (instructions) that we adjusted our skills to meet. While our infographics were targeted toward informing a general audience on punctuation, the user manual required that we convey information with clarity and conciseness in a manner that matched the common language of instructions. In doing so, we developed strategies for combining visual and written information that would attend to the needs of an audience whose only priority was to complete a task in a timely manner.
IV. Become familiar with research on design, usability, and visual communication.
Once again, Kolstenik’s readings were some of the most informative on the principles of design and the proper ways to convey information to a specific audience. However, Lynn Truss’ “Eats, Shoots and Leaves” aided in our understanding of user comprehension and the importance of grammar and punctuation in communication. Further, our readings from the books, “Document Design: A Guide for Technical Communicators,” and “The Non-Designer’s Design Book” introduced relevant dimensions of design that might otherwise be overlooked, like typography.
Close by pointing to how this coursework will build toward work you anticipate in your academic/professional career.
As someone who currently works in a creative setting, I’ve found this class to be profoundly helpful in aiding my understanding of visual communication. I currently work as a programming assistant in the vice president’s office and I’m consistently trusted to draft program proposals, create flyers and design merch. Understanding basic design principles has already influenced my work in that regard, as I now understand the significance of elements like spacing and typography. Further, I intend to pursue writing as a career in some form (journalism/public relations), where user comprehension is essential. I can confidently walk away from this class with a better understanding of the importance of such, and how to achieve it more efficiently.