ART 118 Digital Design and Color

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Applies the basic principles of design, visual perception, and organization of visual elements in solving communication design problems. Focuses on digital design and color modes.

Prerequisite: VC 114 and ART 115, each with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Utilize each stage of the design process to generate design ideas and strategies.
Apply design and color terminology in design projects.
Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of design (part/whole analysis).
Participate in all stages of the group critique process.
Use critical and conceptual thinking skills to solve digital design and color problems.
Differentiate between form and content and style.
Apply the elements of design (line, shape, color, typography, space, value, texture) to graphic design solutions.
Apply the principles and practices of color theory to digital design.
Apply the principles of compositional organization (unity, variety, emphasis, focal point, balance, rhythm, scale/proportion, and format) to graphic design solutions.
Present ideas through writing and research; analyze, critique, summarize.
Compare the use of reflective and transmitted color modes.
Identify and apply digital design in various media which may include web design, photography, graphic design, video, interactive games, animation, and digital art.

Content Outline

Color Basics
- Reflective (Subtractive) color wheel-pigment color libraries
- Transmitted (Additive) color wheel-light based color modes and libraries
- Color perception-human eye, visual spectrum, lighting, surface quality
- Psychological effects-temperature, cultural, personal
Color Palettes
- Achromatic, chromatic, complementary, analogous, triads, etc.
- Color interactions
- Color patterns
Color Theories and Notation Systems
- Compare and contrast color theories and modes
- Print media
- Digital media
Isolate, Analyze and Apply the Elements of Design
- Formal design exercises
- Applied in graphic design applications
Isolate, Analyze and Apply the Principles of Design
- Formal design exercises
- Applied in graphic design applications
Differentiate Between Form, Content and Style
- Deconstruction of found examples
- Construction of abstract and representational design
Design Process
- Creative process: definition, discovery, revision, refinement.
- Critique process
- Critical feedback
- Additional solutions or variations in application of media